Dynamic Ford Transit Custom Brings New Levels of Style and Functionality to the One-Tonne Van Market
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All-new Transit Custom represents a completely new generation of one-tonne commercial vehicles from Ford, offering businesses unmatched combination of style, driver appeal and functionality
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The Transit Custom features a stylish and modern exterior, car-like interior and outstanding driving dynamics
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Supreme functionality with ample load-carrying ability, renowned Transit durability and low cost-of-ownership
PRETORIA, South Africa, 23 April 2013 – The Ford Transit Custom brings new levels of style, driver appeal and functionality to the one-tonne commercial vehicle market.
Representing a completely new generation of Ford one-tonne vehicles, the Transit Custom marks an important step in Ford’s commitment to expanding its presence in the commercial vehicle line-up.
With its bold new design, car-like interior and outstanding driving dynamics, the Ford Transit Custom will appeal to a broad range of professionals, skilled tradesmen and small businesses.
“The Transit Custom is a welcome introduction to the South African market,” said Gavin Golightly, Marketing Manager, Ford South Africa. “This is a stylish, modern van that customers will be proud to have in their driveway. At the same time it’s up for the tasks required by this segment.”
Bold new appearance
The Transit Custom features a bold exterior design which embodies the same dynamic character as Ford’s kinetic design passenger cars.
“Customers want their vehicle to project a modern and professional image, and the new Transit Custom does not disappoint,” adds Golightly. “We have given the vehicle a stylish, modern appearance that will be appreciated by businesses of all sizes.”
Signature kinetic design features help to give the Transit Custom its unique character, including the bold trapezoidal grille, strong and muscular shoulder line and prominent wheel lips.
The Transit Custom is available in a choice of short wheelbase (SWB – overall length 4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (LWB – overall length 5.34 metres) versions, so that customers can select the amount of load space which best suits their business.
Ample load carrying ability
Beneath its stylish exterior, the Transit Custom offers ample load carrying ability, including a number of innovative new loadspace features.
In addition to offering maximum load volume (6.0m3 SAE with full bulkhead fitted, 6.8m3 SAE with LWB) that exceeds that of its closest competitors, the load area of the Transit Custom has been carefully optimised to offer more space and more convenience than any of its rivals. Key features and innovations include:
- Optimised bulkhead and load space design that enables the SWB model to carry three Euro pallets loaded to at least one metre high
- Load-through hatch in bulkhead that enables loads up to three metres in length (3.4 m with LWB), such as pipes or ladders, to be safely carried inside the vehicle
- Deployable integrated roof rack system** that seamlessly integrates into the roof, and can be deployed when required
- Repositioned tie-down hooks and fixing points located on the body sides, leaving the floor clear for easier loading and cleaning
- Easy-clean load floor liner** that offers enhanced durability and simple cleaning
To provide customers with a wide range of payload options from 600-1,400kg, Transit Custom is available with multiple GVM options.
“Designers sought to design the load space that would make everyday functions more convenient – so it’s easier for customers to do their job,” comments Golightly.
Unmatched driver appeal
The Transit Custom brings car-like driver appeal to its segment with an interior designed with the driver in mind, advanced technologies and outstanding driving dynamics.
The modern, driver-focused cockpit features a sculpted instrument panel which combines stylish looks with smart stowage solutions for bottles, phones and papers. Driver comfort is significantly enhanced through a highly adjustable driving position which features ample seat travel and a steering column adjustable for reach and rake.
Once behind the wheel, the driver can call upon a wide range of available driver assistance technologies also featured in Ford’s latest passenger cars.
These include the Ford SYNC™ voice-activated, in-car connectivity system**, Lane Keeping Alert**, Driver Alert**, Auto High Beam** and Hill Launch Assist.
The strong driver appeal of the Transit Custom is reinforced by dynamics and performance which have been carefully tuned to reflect the same natural and easy-to-drive character which customers appreciate on Ford’s car range.
To achieve this, engineers have developed the new Ford global one-tonne platform which underpins the Transit Custom to make it much stiffer and stronger – increasing torsional stiffness by as much as 37 per cent – benefitting both handling and noise levels.
Meticulous tuning of the suspension components and steering system has resulted in exceptional ride comfort, along with precise and agile handling characteristics. The Transit Custom features the latest Electronic Stability Program technology with Torque Vectoring Control for enhanced traction and stability.
The Transit Custom achieved a maximum five-star safety rating from independent vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP.
To maximise occupant protection, the Transit Custom features an optimised body structure which features ultra-high-strength Boron steel. In total, over 40 per cent of the body is made from high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels, resulting in a strong and light body which is designed to offer high levels of crash protection.
The Transit Custom also features an enhanced restraint system which now gives customers the option of specifying a passenger airbag for front seat occupants, in addition to the standard fitment driver airbag. As on Ford’s latest passenger cars, a non-axial stroking steering column is also fitted, to help reduce loads on the occupant’s head and chest in the event of a high speed frontal impact.
Cost-of-ownership and durability
Designers of the Transit Custom were tasked with ensuring the vehicle could deliver low cost-of-ownership and durability. As a result they looked to the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine to offer low fuel consumption while still delivering the required performance levels.
The 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine is offered in three variations. The 74kW model offers 310Nm of torque from just 1 300rpm, the 92kW version offers 350Nm at 1450rpm while the high-powered 114kW version offers 385Nm at 1 600rpm.
The three units deliver differing fuel consumptions figures but all come in at under 7.3l/100km on a combined cycle run* while emitting less than 192g/km CO2.. The high-powered 114kW is the most frugal using just 6.6l/100km and emitting only 174g/km CO2.
The Transit Custom was subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent Commercial Vehicle testing and durability standards. During this process the vehicles were driven the equivalent of 55 million km, including at least 400,000 km with Transit customers. Key components and systems were tested to the limit: for example, front doors go through an intensive regime of 250,000 slam cycles, which is three times more punishing than Ford’s equivalent passenger car test.
The Transit Custom comes with a 4-year / 120 000km comprehensive warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km with a Service Plan available as a dealer option.