- New Transit Custom Sport adds design and dynamic flair to Ford’s highly acclaimed light commercial van range – winner of the 2024 International Van of the Year award
- Offered in short wheelbase configuration, the Sport has several racy, eye-catching exterior changes, a unique interior trim and top-notch technology, convenience and safety while retaining Transit Custom’s impressive load-carrying capabilities
- Powered by an uprated version of Ford’s 2.0-litre Single Turbo EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel engine producing 125kW and 390Nm
- Standard eight-speed automatic transmission, plus five selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul and Sport
Ford South Africa is taking the next step in expanding its internationally acclaimed all-new Transit Custom range with the launch of the exciting Sport short wheelbase van. Along with its proven workhorse and load-hauling capabilities, the Sport adds both design and dynamic flair to the Transit Custom line-up.
“The all-new Transit Custom introduced new levels of comfort, safety, technology and versatility to the van segment when it went on sale earlier this year. We are further expanding its appeal with the addition of the Sport version, which is a unique offering in the market that enables customers to stand out from the typical ‘white van’ crowd,” says Sunil Sewmohan Executive Director, Product Marketing Ford South Africa.
The Transit Custom is Europe’s best-selling one-ton van and five-time winner of the International Van of the Year, including claiming the 2024 title with this all-new model.
“Transit Custom Sport buyers are typically sole traders or owner-operators, as well as customers looking for an exceptionally spacious and practical vehicle to suit their adventurous and lifestyle-oriented requirements,” adds Sewmohan.
Emphasising its more overt and dynamic character, the Transit Custom Sport is exclusively available in short wheelbase configuration and is distinguished from the existing commercial-oriented long wheelbase Base model through several eye-catching exterior changes. This includes a sport body kit, honeycomb sport grille, rear spoiler and distinctive 17-inch multi-spoke matte black alloy wheels fitted with 215/60 R17 tyres.
This is complemented by dual racing stripes that extend from the front bumper over the bonnet, along the full extent of the roof and down the rear twin barn doors. Additionally, there are sport side decals that boldly underline that this is no garden-variety delivery van.
The upmarket and sophisticated appearance is further emboldened by the advanced LED headlights with signature LED daytime running lights and automatic high beam control, as well as LED taillights.
Interior
The Transit Custom offers an entirely new level of interior design, features, technology, safety and practicality for the van segment. The benchmark attributes are given a racier theme in the cabin of the Sport derivative, most notably thanks to the addition of sport trim with blue accent stripes for the seats, matched to premium piano black trim surrounding the multi-function display and centre console.
The driver’s seat benefits from 6-way power adjustment, including for lumbar support, while the passenger seat has 4-way manual adjustment. Furthermore, both seats incorporate dual armrests, as well as seat heating that provides respite from chilly winter mornings.
The Sport shares the rest of the high-tech features, space and practicality that are found on the new Transit Custom range. This includes a large 13‑inch landscape touchscreen angled towards the driver for ease of use. It is equipped with Ford’s SYNC®4 communication and infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is complemented by a 12-inch instrument cluster with an eight-inch configurable display.
To keep devices powered on the go, the centre console features USB-A and USB-C ports along with a 12-volt socket. Additionally, dual USB-C charging ports are located in the storage binnacle ahead of the instrument cluster on the driver’s side, and in the lidded dashboard storage compartment ahead of the passenger.
In keeping with its upmarket flair, the optional metal bulkhead that separates the cab from the load compartment features soft-touch trim while retaining the useful central window.
Practicality
The Transit Custom Sport is based on an all-new platform for this range that provides improved space and packaging, along with a lower floor height for easier loading and an overall vehicle height of under two metres to improve access in height-restricted areas.
The cabin boasts an impressive array of storage areas that are perfectly suited to busy lifestyles – including an under-seat stowage compartment on the passenger side, and a large dashboard compartment that’s big enough for a laptop computer or A4 file. This is made possible by the adoption of a segment-first roof-mounted passenger airbag.
The Transit range is renowned for innovation, and small business operators who use the cabs in their vans as offices and canteens every day will certainly appreciate the clever new tilting steering wheel in the Transit Custom which makes it better than ever at serving both needs. The wheel’s rim rotates to become a stand for tablets and laptops as well as a flat-topped table to make paperwork and lunch breaks more comfortable. This unique feature will be available as an added-cost option from the second quarter of this year.
Heading into the load compartment, in short wheelbase guise the Transit Custom Sport is 5 050mm long and has a load compartment length measuring 2 602mm up to the bulkhead and a width of 1 392mm between the wheel arches. With a maximum load volume of 5.8m3, it can carry up to three standard Euro pallets with a payload up to 1 023kg. The Transit Custom’s 2 500kg tow rating for a braked trailer is unchanged.
Access to the load compartment is via twin 180-degree opening barn doors at the rear, as well as soft-close dual sliding side doors with convenient integrated steps. The powered sliding doors can be opened or closed via the door handles, dedicated buttons on the remote control or buttons on the dashboard.
Six load area tie-down loops are provided to secure goods in transit, and the load area protection kit with full-height walls and a moulded floor is fitted as standard. Bright LED interior lighting makes working from this vehicle an absolute breeze in low-light conditions.
Drivetrain
Providing a compelling blend of both performance and fuel efficiency, the Transit Custom Sport is powered by an updated version of Ford’s 2.0-litre Single Turbo EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine. In this form it produces 125kW of power and a substantial 390Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min (increases of 25kW and 30Nm, respectively, compared to the Transit Custom Base).
An advanced eight-speed automatic transmission delivers drive to the front wheels, with transmission stalk giving the driver the option of manual gear selection if required. The Sport has the same four selectable Drive Modes as the rest of the range, comprising Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul, plus an additional Sport mode for more spirited driving.
A 55-litre fuel tank is standard, along with a 20-litre tank for the AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid – the latter transforming nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water, significantly reducing the impact of its exhaust emissions.
Safety and security
The Transit Custom range is peerless when it comes to standard safety features, and the Sport variant is no different. The extensive list of driver assist technologies includes ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Collision Mitigation.
Additionally, it is equipped with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Assist, Driver Alert with Impairment Monitor, Lane Keeping Aid, Roll Over Mitigation, Intelligent Speed Assistance with Speed Sign Recognition, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
In addition to the innovative roof-mounted front passenger airbag, the Transit Custom Sport has a further five airbags comprising the driver’s front airbag, plus dual side curtain and side seat airbags.
To aid parking manoeuvres, the Transit Custom features standard front and rear parking sensors combined with a 180-degree split view rear camera.
Keyless Entry and Start is complemented by shielded power door deadlocks, a two-step door unlocking system, Thatcham Category 1-specification alarm and standard immobiliser. The integrated FordPass Connect modem enables remote locking, unlocking and starting of the vehicle via the FordPass app, along with the vehicle locator, health alerts and oil life status.
Pricing (includes VAT):
- Transit Custom Sport Short Wheelbase Van 2.0L SiT 8AT R 938 000
The recommended Retail Price includes a 6 year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. In addition, over the counter (OTC) parts and service parts warranty (SPW) are covered for two-year/unlimited distance. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Customers have the option of purchasing Ford Protect Service or Maintenance Plan upgrades up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
