PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 30 January 2026 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited (“Ford South Africa”) has strengthened the versatility of its Transit Van range with the introduction of a new Extra-Long Wheelbase (ELWB) model. Joining the fourth-generation Transit Van lineup alongside the Transit Custom Base, Transit Custom Sport, and Transit Van, the ELWB variant delivers increased cargo capacity and practical functionality for businesses of all sizes.
With a lineage dating back to the first-generation Ford Transit Mark 1, launched in the United Kingdom in 1965, the Transit has evolved into a globally recognised benchmark for commercial vehicles. “Over the past six decades, the iconic Ford Transit has proven itself in many applications – from commercial to leisure activities,” says Sunil Sewmohan, Product Marketing Director at Ford South Africa. “The Transit Van has evolved over the years, and with the development of the modern extra-long body, we have been able to widen the options for our customers, including small and medium enterprises, freight haulers, and courier companies.”
Practicality and Payload
The new ELWB Transit builds on the foundations of the LWB model launched in 2025, offering longer body dimensions and higher load capacity. While both derivatives share a 3 750 mm wheelbase, the ELWB extends to 6 785 mm in overall length compared to 5 981 mm for the LWB, with a consistent width of 2 059 mm and maximum loadspace width of 1 784 mm. Cargo doors open up to 180 degrees, facilitating effortless loading and unloading, while the kerbside sliding door maintains a generous 1 300 mm width.
The ELWB Transit offers up to 15,1 cubic metres of load volume, a gross payload capacity of 2 270 kg, and a load length exceeding 4 metres, surpassing the LWB’s 13 cubic metres, 1 325 kg, and 3-metre load length, respectively. Dual 16-inch 195/75 steel wheels at the rear support the increased payload, and the van can tow up to 3 500 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. The load compartment is equipped with a rear trim board, moulded load floor liner, 12 tie-down hooks, and loadspace lighting, with optional heavy-duty batteries for extended illumination when stationary.
Efficient Powertrain
Under the hood, the ELWB Transit is powered by Ford’s advanced 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engine, delivering 121 kW of maximum power and 390 Nm of torque through a 6-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. Drivers can select from three drive modes – Normal, Eco, and Slippery – to optimise efficiency and handling, with fuel consumption rated at 9,3 litres/100 km on a combined cycle.
Environmental considerations are enhanced through the use of AdBlue, a urea-based additive that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions, as part of Ford’s ECOnetic Technology suite aimed at lowering fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and overall running costs.
Technologies and Comfort
The ELWB Transit comes equipped with Ford’s SYNC4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, conversational voice control, and cloud connectivity. A 5G embedded modem connects to the Ford app, offering features such as Remote Lock/Unlock, Vehicle Locator, Vehicle Health Alerts, and Intelligent Oil Life Monitor. Comfort is enhanced with cup holders, a driver armrest, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Comprehensive Safety Features
Safety remains a cornerstone of the Transit Van range. Standard features include driver airbags, 3-point safety belts, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Rollover Mitigation, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Emergency Brake Assist. The Transit also includes the Driver Assistance Package with Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Speed Control, Blind Spot Information System, Lane Changing Warning & Aid, Reverse and Front Parking Aid, Reverse Brake Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
Security is further supported with a factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser, remote central door locking, drive-away locking, and crash unlocking functionality.
Pricing and Warranty
The recommended retail price for the Ford Transit ELWB is R1 062 000, including VAT. This price covers a 6-year/90 000 km optional service plan, a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year unlimited-distance Roadside Assistance, and a 5-year unlimited-distance corrosion warranty. Additionally, a 2-year unlimited-distance over-the-counter parts and service parts warranty is included. Extended service, warranty, and Roadside Assistance options are available for up to 8 years/165 000 km and 7 years/200 000 km, respectively.
With its increased load capacity, versatile configurations, and extensive safety and technology features, the Ford Transit ELWB strengthens Ford South Africa’s reputation for delivering dependable, practical, and efficient commercial vehicles that meet the evolving needs of South African businesses.
