Euro NCAP has given the Ford Transit Custom its top Gold award in recognition of the van’s latest advanced driver assistance technologies.
The rating is the result of an elevated safety specification, including standardisation of Seat Belt Reminder technology earlier this year.
The new award makes Ford the only van manufacturer with Gold-rated vans in both the 1.0‑tonne and 2.0-tonne segments after the larger Ford Transit secured Gold status last year.
Ford is also now the only manufacturer with more than one Gold-rated van in its line-up, with the Transit receiving the highest score of any vehicle tested.
“Driver safety is a top priority for us and for our customers, so we design our vans to help every business protect their staff and help prevent accidents on the road,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “I’m delighted to see Euro NCAP’s recognition of Ford’s leadership in van safety as we take every opportunity to add value to our customers’ businesses.”
Other enhancements coming to the Transit Custom from early 2022 include a new digital rear-view mirror, which offers twice the field of view of a conventional rear-view mirror to help drivers of panel van, double-cab-in-van and shuttle bus models where rearward visibility is often obscured.
Panel van models also now get LED‑lit airline roof tracks for easier cargo restraint, and a practical double load floor option with underfloor drawers to fit short- and long-wheelbase vehicles.
Ford is also introducing a new 150hp variant of its existing 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine for Transit Custom kombi, Tourneo Custom and Transit Nugget models. The new engine is available with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox and can also be specified with Ford’s 48V mild hybrid system, reducing urban fuel consumption by up to 5.9%.
