Ford Transit Custom ready to take on 2024

BY MATT BROGAN | 7th Dec 2023

FORD Australia has announced capability and technology upgrades to its popular one-tonne Transit Custom van range for the new year.

The new generation short- and long-wheelbase models will be available from the second quarter of 2024 priced from $55,990 plus on-road costs, an increase over the entry price of the superseded model of $5600.

Riding on an all-new platform with a lower floor, Ford says is optimised for load carrying and access, the Transit Custom promises greater driver comfort and convenience, as well as improved performance and handling. The model features an overall height of less than two metres to assist in accessing height-restricted areas, such as underground car parks.

Both short- and long-wheelbase variants are powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque outputs are listed at 125kW and 390Nm respectively, while fuel consumption is listed at 8.0 litres per 100km on the Combined cycle.

Four drive modes are now offered – Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul.

The all-new Ford Transit Custom is said to be lighter and better handling than the outgoing model with an independent rear suspension arrangement, increased payload (up to 1269kg on SWB models and 1223kg for LWB models) and braked towing capacity (up to 2500kg).

Further, a load-through feature under the passenger seat gifts the LWB model with a maximum load length of 3450mm, with 3050mm available on SWB models. Carry capacity is listed at 6.8 and 5.8 cubic metres for the duo respectively, while a moulded floor protector and LED load area lighting is fitted as standard.

Ford says it has also made significant improvements to the walk-through driver’s cabin, shifting the gear selector to the steering column and adding an electric park brake. The front wheels and strut towers have also been moved further forward, resulting in increased footwell space and a shorter front overhang for “more confident parking and manoeuvring ”.

Techonology upticks for the new Transit Custom include a 13.0-inch infotainment array and 12.0-inch partial-digital instrument cluster. The former runs Ford’s SYNC 4 software and incorporates native satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and a 5G embedded modem. FordPass connectivity is likewise included as standard.

Generous standard safety inclusions are found in the Ford Transit Custom for 2024 with adaptive cruise control, AEB with intersection assist, blind sport monitoring and assist, exit warning, rear cross traffic alert, reverse brake assist, and a 180-degree reversing camera. Additionally, the front passenger airbag has been relocated to the roof to improve dashboard storage.

Optionally, the Transit Custom will be available with windowless dual side doors ($1000) and SVO paint – offering up to 58 colours – for $1400. Other paint options include Frozen White (NCO), Agate Black ($700), Magnetic ($700) and Moondust Silver ($700).

“Businesses both big and small will be able to purchase the all-new Transit Custom with confidence, knowing Ford engineers have worked hard to incorporate practical, purposeful features to help them get the job done,” said Ford Australia president and CEO, Andrew Birkic.

“With the new award-winning Transit Customer, we’re continuing to deliver on our promise of offering customers the best possible commercial vehicles, whether they’re after a van, a pick-up, or a full-size truck.”

2024 Ford Transit Custom pricing*: