Overview

FORD Australia has introduced Trend short- and long-wheelbase variants of its Transit Custom this week, the duo now available from $55,990 plus on-road costs, an increase over the entry price of the superseded model of $5600.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 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”.

Technology 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).

Driving Impressions

Stiffer and lighter than before the Transit Custom feels instantly improved, with a more car-like attitude on road, and improved ergonomics to match. Carryover engines feel somehow more refined, acting quietly to ensure enthusiastic progress – even in tiring stop-start city traffic.

Ergonomics are greatly improved, with pedal placement far better than that of the outgoing model (whose high brake pedal was a deal-breaker for us). The seating is supportive and relates well to the primary controls, though we could do without the ‘squircle’ shaped steering wheel.

Entry and egress are straightforward, the large aperture and sensible step height offering hassle-free access to the eight-way manually adjustable driver’s seat.

Once inside, the cabin is logical and clean, with sensibly placed secondary controls and clear display screens. Some might miss HVAC hard buttons, and find the fold-out cupholder intrusive, but neither are a deal breaker for us.

We found the column shift easy to adapt to, and to operate. It reacts quickly to changes of direction when parking, each time accompanied by a high-resolution camera image to aid in reversing into tight spots. Add to this Transit Custom’s effortless steering and you can see how the van might appeal to busy courier and delivery drivers.

Another bonus for those of whom the Transit Custom is a tool of trade is the safety and comfort the cargo barrier provides. As well as protecting the front of the cab from the rear, it also works well to suppress road noise, allowing easy conversations via Bluetooth or enjoyment of the sound system.

Further back, again for straightforward entry and egress, the barn- and sliding doors offer excellent access to the cargo bay. Six tie-down points and more space between the arches mean the Transit Custom is genuinely useful, even if SWB models now offer less space than before (5.8m3 versus 6.0m3). LWB models are unchanged (at 6.8m3).

Payload for the duo is listed at 1269kg and 1223kg respectively, with braked towing capacity flagged at 2500kg apiece.

For us, though, the highlight of the Transit Custom Trend has to be its silky-smooth engine. Frankly, it makes the Toyota HiAce feel quite uncouth, delivering easy-to-access low-end torque and fuss-free acceleration. In our view, it’s even better than the Hyundai Staria Load, which really says a lot.

The front-wheel drive setup is surprisingly neutral with no torque steer to speak of. The transmission cooperates dutifully with throttle commands and helps eke out brilliant fuel consumption, our time with the Transit Custom returning an average of 8.6 litres per 100km – just 0.6 litres more than the claim.

Ride comfort is also outstanding with taut responses to input from steering and brake. Bumps are dealt with well, even if the rear-end is understandably choppy (given we sampled the model without a load on board).

As a smart and sensibly packaged medium segment van, the Transit Custom Trend makes many of its rivals look old hat. Excellent technology and equipment offerings are backed by a no-nonsense aftersales package that blows its rivals out of the water, not to mention the comfort and refinement found behind the ‘wheel.

Sure, it might be pricier than its nearest competitors, but it does feel like you’re getting what you pay for. It’s a definite ‘yes’ from us.