Ford delivers new-gen Transit

FORD’s new-generation longer and wider Transit has landed with a six-variant line-up, joining the Custom van in the battle against their load-carrying rivals in the competitive light-commercial segment.

The Transit is the bigger sibling to the one-tonne Transit Custom delivery van, which went on sale in February this year.

Ford general marketing manager David Katic said the Transit is for people who require a van with a larger payload capacity and its arrival completes a range that offers a heavy lifter or something smaller depending on the customer’s needs.

“We’re seeing the commercial vehicle segment develop into two clearly defined groups of operators those people who want a one-tonne van like the Transit Custom and those who require a two-tonne van like the Transit,” Mr Katic said.

“Ford now has both bases covered for those commercial customers who have distinct needs for a vehicle that not only delivers maximum load efficiencies but is comfortable, has a car-like driving environment inside but can handle the heavy duty expectations of our customers.”

Built on a Ford’s new global platform, the base variant Transit 350L LWB has had its load length increased by 6mm at 3494mm, load width is up by 44mm to 1784mm, while load height for the mid-roof has been increased by 141mm to 1786mm and in the high-roof it is up by 140mm.

The 350L LWB kicks off the line-up at $47,680 (excluding on-road costs) and has a maximum payload capacity of 1295kg.

Stepping up into the $51,180 350E Jumbo Van adds the high roof and a capacity of 1122kg. Above this is the 470E Jumbo Van at $54,180, which brings dual rear wheels, has a capacity of 1946kg and standard high roof. The vans’ swing doors open a full 270 degrees.

The Transit range includes two cab-chassis variants, including the three-seater 470E Single Cab Chassis from $49,180 with a payload capacity of 2500kg and the seven-seat 470E Double Cab Chassis is $52,680.

Both have dual rear wheels and have the longest wheelbases in the range – 3954mm.

A 12-seater bus variant of the Transit will go on sale in 2015, although the price is yet to be announced.

Powering the Transit line-up is a 114kW/385Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The powerplant is a carry over from the previous generation Transit and only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. All Transits are rear-wheel drive.

Standard features across the Transit range include idle-stop function, daytime running lights, power folding mirrors, heated driver and passenger seats, air conditioning, power front windows, cruise control, 3.5-inch display screen, Ford SYNC system with Emergency Assistance, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port.

The new Transit arrives ready to take on rivals in the form of Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter, Volkswagen’s Crafter, the Renault Master and the Fiat Ducato.

2014 Ford Transit Pricing*
Transit 350L LWB Van $47,680
Transit 350E LWB Jumbo Van (Single Rear Wheel) $51,180
Transit 470E LWB Jumbo Van (Dual Rear Wheel) $54,180
Transit 470E Single Cab Chassis $49,180
Transit 470E Double Cab Chassis $52,680*Excludes on-road costs