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Rod Chapman12 Mar 2019
NEWS

Updated Ford Transit Customs looming

Safer and more powerful, with new Sport and Double Cab-in-Van models joining Ford's medium-van line-up from September

Ford Australia has announced its Transit Custom family of medium vans is set for a significant revision, with a new-look line-up boasting three new models and the entire range benefitting from boosted safety tech and a powertrain upgrade.

Due to reach Australian dealerships from September 2019, the refreshed front-drive range will include a new short-wheelbase Transit Custom 320S Sport with a number of "athletic" exterior design and interior trim features, plus two new long-wheelbase Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV) models: a base-model Transit Custom 340L DCiV, and a Transit Custom 320L Sport DCiV.

All three newcomers will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, which was added to the family in 2017, in addition to the reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors that arrived last year.

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The new models will join the 340S short-wheelbase and 340L long-wheelbase vans, offered in both six-speed auto or six-speed manual form.

The update will see the existing 300S renamed as the 340S to reflect an upgrade in the short-wheelbase van's gross vehicle mass (GVM) from 3000 to 3400 kilograms. A corresponding increase in GCM, meanwhile, sees the SWB van with six-speed auto receive a higher braked towing limit of 2150 kilograms (previously 1800 kilograms).

The introduction of the new Transit Custom range will bring with it mildly revised pricing, with the updated models attracting a $1200 premium over the existing generation. The automatic transmission will continue to add $2800 over the price of the manual.

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The new Transit Custom 320S Sport is priced at $48,490 (plus on-roads), while the 340L DCiV is priced at $49,990 (plus on-roads) and the range-topping 320L Sport DCiV is priced at $53,490 (plus on-roads).

AEB standard

In a major coup for driver/occupant safety, the updated Transit Custom range will come equipped as standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, plus lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The boost builds on an already comprehensive array of safety features that includes six airbags, stability control (with rollover mitigation, trailer sway control and cross-wind stabilisation), load adaptive control, the aforementioned reversing camera with front and rear sensors, and Ford's SYNC Emergency Assist (which automatically places a call to emergency services in the event of a serious accident).

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Cleaner, more powerful

The full Transit Custom range is set to receive a revised version of Ford's 2.0-litre, four-cylinder 'EcoBlue' turbo-diesel engine that, in addition to meeting Europe's latest Euro 6.2 emissions standards, is said to produce 30 per cent more power, along with a smaller lift in torque.

Ford says the updated powerplant now produces 125kW and 390Nm, up from the predecessor's 96kW and 385Nm, while the two new Sport models benefit from an even bigger hike, with the 340S Sport and 320L Sport DCiV both packing a 136kW/405Nm punch.

Other across-the-board updates include a 'quick clear' heated windscreen and a full 4.2-inch colour instrument cluster (previously only available as part of an optional Technology Pack), along with Ford's MyKey – a key that can be programmed to restrict speed, audio and certain driver-assist technology settings.

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Three new variants

Ford says the new Transit Custom 320S Sport is "a stylish and powerful van for Australians who want to stand out from the crowd", the variant offering 17-inch alloys, a body kit with unique front and rear bumpers and side skirts, colour-matched mirror housings, a gloss-black front grille, and bi-xenon HID headlights with LED daytime running lights. The model is also available in two exclusive colours: Blue Metallic and Orange Glow.

The 320S Sport's interior also receives a lift, with a multi-power-adjustable and leather-accented driver's seat, a range of cabin trim highlights, and LED lighting for the rear load areas.

The Transit Custom Double Cab-in-Van variants combine the platform's commercial strengths with twin-row seating for up to six. Offered only in a long-wheelbase format and with an automatic transmission, prospective buyers can choose from the standard 340L DCiV or the 320L Sport DCiV, the latter with higher-output engine and exterior/interior cosmetic upgrades.

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Both dual-cab Transit Custom variants come with a full steel bulkhead, with access to the second-row seating via twin sliding side doors. Ford says the DCiV models offer 4.4 cubic metres of load space, versus up to 8.3 cubic metres for the standard three-seater, long-wheelbase model.

The Transit Custom's load bay is equipped with a sturdy liner with full-height sidewall protection. As part of Ford's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, the Transit Custom is available in up to 100 different colours.

The models are covered by Ford's five-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty. Service intervals are pegged at 30,000 kilometres and under the Ford Service Benefits program service costs are capped at $349 per service for the first four years or 120,000 kilometres (whichever comes first), provided the vehicle is serviced within the Ford dealership network. The program also encompasses a service loan car and VanCare membership with complimentary roadside assistance.

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Ford Transit Custom pricing*

340S SWB Van (manual): $42,190

340S SWB Van (auto): $44,990

340L LWB Van (manual): $44,190

340L LWB Van (auto): $46,990

320S SWB Sport Van (auto): $48,490

340L LWB DCiV (auto): $49,990

320L LWB Sport DCiV (auto): $53,490

*Manufacturer list price, excluding on-road costs

Ford Transit Customs options

Prestige paint: $650

SVO paint: $1400

Satellite-navigation: $600

High-roof: $1500

Rear cargo door liftgate: $550

Rear side window (on LHS only): $350

Dual side load doors (no windows): $1000

Dual side load doors (with rear side windows): $1700

Gaining momentum

Ford grabbed a 9.3 per cent share of the medium-van market in Australia last year, with 1880 new examples registered. The figure equated with impressive growth of 18 per cent, although it still has some way to go to chase down leading rivals like Toyota's HiAce (6852 units) and Hyundai's iLoad (4362 units).

While Ford Australia will be hard pressed to catch those leading lights, it will undoubtedly have hopes that this latest update will see the Transit Custom gain the momentum necessary to overtake models like Volkswagen's Transporter (2095 units registered last year) and Renault's Trafic (1922 units registered).

"The Transit Custom is going from strength to strength, and we know that Australian buyers are looking for even greater versatility and more choice when it comes to their work van," said Kay Hart, Ford Australia and New Zealand president and chief executive.

"With AEB as standard on every model, and the new Transit Custom Sport available in both Van and Double Cab-in-Van body styles, we've covered practicality and personality for customers looking for capability and character."

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