Ford Transit Custom
122
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S Deranged Edition
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£285
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- Air Conditioning
- Parking Sensors
- Cruise Control
- Load Height: 1406mm
- Load Length: 2554mm
- Transmission: Manual
- Payload: 799kg
Vehicle Description
Ford's improved Transit Custom is the most sophisticated mid-range LCV the Blue Oval has ever made, promising a car-like drive without sacrificing toughness and practicality. Jonathan Crouch looks at the 2.0 TDCi lwb 130PS version
Ten Second Review
The Ford Transit Custom is a state-of-the-art mid range van and is now the product that every other contender in this segment fears. With a much-improved cabin and car-like driving manners, it's a great ownership proposition. Class-leading carrying capacity and solid financials make it work on the balance sheet too. Let's check out the practical 130PS lwb version.
Background
Ford Transits lead a tough life. Always have, always will. It's the nature of the market. They need to cover a huge array of tasks, from rental fleet vehicles to crew buses, ice cream vans to site workhorses and airport taxis. In short, the Transit needs to be able to do almost anything. A few years ago, Ford realised that trying to do all that from one platform was just too big an ask and now the Transit is a family of models, that encompasses everything from a lightweight Transit Connect city van right up to a hefty tipper truck. The bedrock of the Transit range, and still the definitive model today, is what's now called the Transit Custom to differentiate it in the minds of buyers and if you haven't driven a van for a while, you need to try one of these. Perhaps you thought vans were crude and awkward to drive. If so, prepare to have your perspectives rearranged. That's what happened when we tested the top 2.0 TDCi 130PS long wheelbase variant.
Driving Experience
Whether you choose your Transit Custom with long or short wheelbase, as a standard van, Double Cab or Kombi minibus or in whichever payload or trim level, it'll come with a 2.0-litre TDCi EcoBlue diesel engine up-front. There's a choice of output though, ranging from an entry-level 105PS unit, through this 130PS mid-ranger and on to the 170PS flagship motor if your hauling needs are heavier. Whichever of these you choose, sales statistics suggest that the bodystyle variant you're most likely to want to match it to is the short wheelbase, low roof model, a version that should feel even more car-like to drive than its larger contemporaries. And Ford's engineers have certainly gone to great lengths to make this Transit feel more car-like at the wheel than ever before. To achieve this, the Ford global one-tonne platform which underpins the Transit Custom was made much stiffer and stronger - increasing torsional stiffness by as much as 37 percent - benefiting both handling and noise levels. Tuning of the suspension components and steering system resulted in significantly improved ride comfort too, along with the required more precise and agile handling. Like the current Ford Focus, the Transit Custom also features the latest Electronic Stability Program technology with Torque Vectoring Control for better traction and stability. The stiff structure, together with a determined effort to eliminate unwanted noise and vibrations throughout the vehicle, has resulted in a quieter environment for the driver. As proof that this has been achieved, Ford claims that speech intelligibility has improved by nine percent within the cab in this generation model.
Design and Build
This revised Transit Custom has a smarter look that's based around a high-mounted trapezoidal grille and dynamic, slim headlamps. The cabin has been completely upgraded, with an instrument panel based on Ford's latest interior design philosophy which offers a user-centric layout influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets. High-series models feature a floating, tablet-inspired eight-inch 'SYNC 3' colour centre-dash touchscreen for communications and entertainment. For models not equipped with the larger display, the MyFord Dock in the centre of the instrument panel provides the ideal location for drivers to mount, store and charge their smartphone, MP3 player or satellite navigation system. Get inside and you'll find well-sculpted front seats and a dashboard that wouldn't look out of place in a family car with a colour display panel on the dashtop, nice use of metallic finishes, wheel-mounted audio controls and a centre console that's clearly had some styling love lavished on it. There's storage for bottles, phones and papers, and driver comfort is improved through a highly adjustable driving position which features increased seat travel. There's 30mm more rear travel for taller drivers and the steering column is adjustable for reach and rake.
Market and Model
As usual with Transit models, there's a huge range of choice. The short wheelbase Custom models offer an overall length of 4.97 metres, but if that's not enough, long wheelbase variants like the one we tried extend that to 5.34 metres. All versions currently offer the same roof height. Prices have been kept very reasonable, with well under £20,000 ex VAT being enough to get you the entry level 105PS variant. From this starting point, a £1,500 premium will net you the pokier 130PS engine and a £2,500 premium will get you into the really quite rapid 170PS version. Whatever your eventual choice, you should be able to make your Transit Custom as versatile as your working day demands. Ford claims class-leading load-carrying ability, something aided by a number of clever loadspace features. These include a load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items and an integrated roof rack which can be folded away when not in use. You've also the chance to benefit from the availability of technologies like a Lane Keeping Aid (to keep dozy drivers from veering out of their lanes on the highway) and Ford's clever 'SYNC' system for your mobile phone.
Practicalities and Costs
A van can have all the bells and whistles but be dead in the water if the numbers don't add up when it comes to running costs. At first glance in this case, the mathematics appear to add up. The Transit Custom hasn't overreached itself on price and low running costs start with the excellent fuel economy, delivered by the improved version of Ford's 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Fitted with Auto-Start-Stop as standard on all Stage VI vehicles, you'll see a combined fuel consumption figure of 42.8mpg, with emissions rated at 174g/km, which is a meaningful reduction of around 8 per cent compared to the previous Transit. Other factors that drive down overall cost-of-ownership are minimised maintenance and repair times, a 12-year anti-perforation warranty and the longest service intervals in the class at two-years /50,000 km/30,000 miles. During the development process, Ford designers and engineers gave maximum priority to combining the largest possible load box within the Transit Custom's stylised shape. Particular attention was given to the detailed design of the bulkhead and body sides to optimise the size and practicality of the load space. The result is that the Transit Custom offers best-in-class load volume of 6.0 cubic metres in the short wheelbase model and 6.8 cubic metres in the long wheelbase version. That's just the start. There's class-leading width between the wheel arches of 1390mm and an unparalleled opening height and width of the sliding side doors that can easily accommodate 8ft x 4ft boards, vertically or flat. Other clever features available include a load-through hatch in the bulkhead which enables loads up to three metres in length, such as pipes or ladders, to be safely carried inside a SWB Transit. An integrated roof rack system folds down when not required, reducing wind drag. Plus there are lockable check arms on the rear cargo doors that enable you to lock them in place at 90 degrees open, even on the windiest days. Repositioned tie-down hooks and fixing points are located on the body sides to keep the floor clear of intrusions. And there's an easy-clean load floor liner and ultra-bright LED load space lighting.
Summary
So is the Transit Custom the best mid-sized van you can buy? There's certainly no shortage of contenders for that accolade in a class characterised by strong competitors like Volkswagen's Transporter, Mercedes' Vito and Vauxhall's Vivaro. The International Van of the Year jury though, had no doubt on the matter, pronouncing this Ford as its winner by an enormous margin when this model was first launched. Their consensus was that this LCV had managed to set new standards in styling, driveability and load-carrying practicality. They also praised its car-like feel, its safety and its low running costs. In short, they liked it very much indeed. Will you? We think so, yes. Before this Ford came along, buying a van in this segment meant a balance of compromise between capacity, driveability and value. At the wheel of a Transit Custom, the need for such compromise vanishes. Especially in the pokiest long wheelbase form we tried, it's the go-to choice in its sector.
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Vehicle Specification
Interior Features
- Assist Handle
- Cloth Upholstery
- Courtesy Light
- Driver And Passenger Sunvisors With Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
- Drivers Seat With Lumbar Adjust
- Easy Clean Load Floor
- Front Manual Air Conditioning
- Front Passenger Grab Handle
- Half Height Load Compartment Trim Boards
- Heated Front Seats
- Height Adjustable Front Headrests
- Load Area Protection Kit
- Lockable Glove Box
- Map Reading Lights
- Moulded Cab Headlining
- Reach And Rake Adjustable Steering Column
- Recirculation Heater
- Rubber Floor Covering
- Tie-Down Loops
- Underseat Storage Compartment
- Full width unglazed steel bulkhead with through load hatch
- Load compartment interior light
Driver Convenience
- Adjustable Steering Column
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Easy Fuel Capless Refuelling System
- Ford Eco Mode
- Front And Rear Parking Sensors + Front Fog Lights
- Pas
- Seatbelt Warning Indicator
- Trip Computer
- Cruise control with leather steering wheel and gear knob
Exterior Features
- 'Guide Me Home' Headlights
- Automatic Lights And Wipers
- Body Colour Door And Tailgate Handles
- Body Coloured Body Side Mouldings
- Body Coloured Door Mirrors
- Body Coloured Front Bumper
- Body Coloured Rear Bumpers
- Front Mud Flaps
- Headlamp Levelling
- Intermittent Front Wash/Wipe
- Power Folding Electric Heated And Adjustable Door Mirrors
- Quickclear Heated Windscreen
- Rear Mudflaps
- Tinted Glass
- 180 degree opening rear doors - unglazed
- LH sliding side load door
- Metallic paint
- Projector headlights with LED daytime running lights and front fog lights with cornering function
Vehicle Dimensions
- Load Height 1406
- Load Length 2554
Weight and Capacities
- Gross Train Weight 5240
- Gross Vehicle Weight 2800
- Minimum Kerbweight 2001
- No. Of Seats 3
- Payload 799
- Plated 2Nd Axle 1415
- Plated Front Axle 1575
Performance
- Bhp 130
- Engine Power Kw 96
- Engine Torque Lbs.Ft 284
- Engine Torque Mkg 39.3
- Engine Torque Nm 385
General
- Badge Engine Cc 2.0
- Badge Power 130
- Ghost Model For Valuation Purposes No
- Service Interval Frequency - Months 24
- Service Interval Mileage 25000
- Special Edition No
- Special Order No
- Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months 120
- Timing Belt Interval Mileage 150000
- Vehicle Homologation Class N1
Vehicle specification information is supplied by a third party. We endeavour to ensure all information is correct but cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.
Customer Questions
Listed below are the customer questions for the Ford Ford Transit Custom SWB 2.0 TDCi 130ps Low Roof Limited Van. Do you have a question that hasn't been answered yet? If you don't want to give us a call, click here to ask your question and we'll respond in four working hours.
Is there a sat nav option on the Transit Custom?
Hi Sean, The Ford Transit 290 LWB Custom Limited does have the option of Sat Nav. The manufacturer calls the option Ice pack 11, this option includes Ford DAB radio/CD with Navigation and SYNC, 5” multifunction display, Steering wheel remote audio controls, USB Connectivity and Bluetooth handsfree. This can be fitted to any of the four different models Base, Trend, Limited and Sport.
Are Ford Transit Custom vans available with glazed/unglazed tailgates and if so is this a cost extra? Thanks
Yes, we can provide an unglazed lift gate for around £5 a month extra, depending on the term you select.
How long will it take to get the vehicle?
We have the Ford Transit Custom in stock and available for delivery in 2-3 weeks.
How many miles per gallon can I get from this van?
The manufacturer quotes that the Ford Transit Custom returns 42.2 mpg.
Do I get breakdown recovery?
The Ford Transit Custom comes with one year of breakdown recovery.
What are the service intervals for this van?
The service intervals for the Ford Transit Connect are two years or every 30,000 miles.
Prices quoted are estimated and may vary depending on the finance product chosen and the initial rental. Please contact us for a tailored quote.
Customer Reviews
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Breakdown Assistance and Recovery
If your vehicle breaks down, the RAC will do everything they can to get you going again at the roadside, 24/7. If they can't fix it, we will arrange for you and your vehicle - and any passengers - to be towed home or straight to a garage to fix the problem and get you back on track.
Home Start
Even if your vehicle breaks down at home, the RAC will treat it like you broke down on the roadside. Don't worry about trying to fix it yourself, just let the professionals handle it while you tell your customers you'll be there soon.
Replacement Vehicle
If your vehicle breaks down and the RAC can't get your vehicle going again within 24 hours, you will be provided with a replacement vehicle for up to 7 days - eliminating downtime and keeping you and your business up and running.
Tools Insurance
We also include 3 months free insurance for your tools for added peace of mind in case the worst happens and you suffer a break-in.
The FREE tools in transit insurance covers your tools - up to £1,000 in value - if they are lost, stolen or damaged whilst loading/unloading.
Whether 5 or 500 miles from home*, you're always covered - you'll get home quickly, minimise inconvenience for customers, and protect your professional reputation FREE OF CHARGE.