It’s the one we’ve all been waiting for – John Kendall gets behind the wheel of the popular Ford.
How do you replace the UK’s best-selling van – in fact, the UK’s best-selling vehicle? The answer is, carefully. The Ford Transit Custom has held the ‘top vehicle’ crown for several years in the UK now, outselling the most popular car – quite an achievement in itself. Ford has wisely kept the appearance of its replacement similar to its predecessor, ensuring that it remains instantly recognisable.
The manufacturer set out to produce a range that included all-electric drive and multi-fuel capability, with better productivity and efficiency. In line with the development of the Ford Pro business, Transit Custom is also integrated with the Ford Pro platform and fully connected right from the factory.
The range will be comprehensive, with a panel van, double-cab in van, kombi and kombi van as well as the Tourneo people mover. There will be two lengths and two roof heights, available with both body lengths.
As Ford suggests, there will be a choice of power options, including diesel, PHEV and battery electric. The diesel comes first, with deliveries due now. PHEV models will appear in spring 2024 and BEVs following next summer. Diesel models will be available with a range of power options starting with 110hp, then 136hp, 150hp and a range-topping 170hp. Options will include a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The outgoing Transit Custom was one of the first vans to be offered in PHEV form and this powertrain has been completely revised for the new model. Out goes the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, replaced with a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine. Ford claims a combined power output of 232hp for the engine/motor combination with an electric driving range of up to 35 miles. PHEV models will benefit from Ford’s Pro-Power Onboard system with 2.3kW of available power for tools and other equipment.
This spec matches the Pro-Power Onboard offering for the E-Transit Custom BEV models, which are powered by a similar drivetrain to the E-Transit. A 64kWh usable capacity battery has been deployed, giving a range of up to 209 miles. It will also offer a towing capacity of up to 2.3 tonnes.
We will go into more detail when we test the new vans, but the new Multicab is worth a mention. It offers a four-seat crew cab, with the second-row seats arranged to leave one side with the full length of the load floor, a neat layout.
We were able to briefly sample the 150hp diesel variant with a six-speed manual gearbox and a Tourneo Custom with eight-speed automatic. The dashboard design draws heavily on the all-digital instrumentation of the E-Transit with much attention to detail. It looks smart, modern and business-like. Cross cab access has been improved in the new Transit Custom with an electric handbrake, while automatics feature a column- mounted gear selector, leaving an uncluttered cab.
The diesel engine is well suppressed and performs well. The eight-speed automatic would be a great choice for stop/start driving. The diesel offers good performance and the van handles well. Ford’s weight reduction programme and improved aerodynamics ought to keep fuel consumption in check too.
IN BRIEF
WHAT IS IT? Medium van
HOW MUCH? From £34,189 (ex-VAT)
MAX PAYLOAD? 1,258kg (L1H1)
ECONOMY? 25.5-41.5mpg (WLTP)
DRIVE? 2.0-litre diesel, developing
110hp-170hp with 310-390Nm torque
VERDICT
Ford has done a comprehensive job with the new Transit Custom, with plenty of appeal to fleets and drivers. There is a mountain of innovation in all aspects and Ford should have little difficulty in winning customers over.
