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Ford Transit Custom release imminent

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5th February, 2014

The all-new Ford Transit Custom one-tonne van is the latest in a long line of Transit models, which have sold 7 million units globally since the first model was introduced in 1965.

Designed to be the safest Transit ever, the all-new Transit Custom van will be available in two models, the short-wheelbase 290S and the long-wheelbase 330L, both with fuel-efficient 2.2-litre diesel engines.

Among the many key safety features in the all-new Ford Transit Custom van are standard side thorax and curtain airbags – complementing the driver and front passenger airbags.

Ford’s Emergency Assistance system is also available on the Transit van for the first time.

Emergency Assistance delivers a critical voice message directly to 000 operators, indicating that the vehicle has been involved in an accident in which the vehicle’s airbags have been deployed of the fuel pump has been shut off, and opens the lines for hands-free communication. Emergency Assistance is only available if the driver’s mobile phone is paired and within range.

Practicality is a strong point with the all-new Transit Custom van, with new standard integrated roof racks that fold flat when not in use, a glazed full-steel bulkhead featuring a load-through facility and load area protection kit.

The Transit Custom 290S has a maximum load space of 5.95m3 while the 330L has 6.83m3 available for heavy duty work. The 290S has a maximum load length of 2,555 mm and the 330L has a maximum load length of 2,922 mm.

Visually, the all-new Transit Custom has a bold new look and is packed with the latest safety technologies as part of its mission to appeal to a broader range of customers, including skilled tradesmen and small businesses.

Bold new appearance, strong driver appeal

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The new model offers competitive load carrying ability, including a number of innovative new load-space features, such as a unique integrated roof rack system and an ingenious load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items.

In the cab, there is a modern, driver-focussed cabin that features a sculpted instrument panel, which combines stylish looks with smart stowage solutions for bottles, phones and papers. A fold-down centre armrest doubles as a handy writing platform when the middle seat is not in use.

Once behind the wheel, the driver can call upon a wide range of driver assistance technologies, including the Ford SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with the Emergency Assistance feature, which is a first in the light commercial arena.

Detail and craftsmanship

Designers and other specialists have worked together to ensure that the new Transit Custom not only looks modern, but that it delivers a superbly crafted finish, too.

The attention to design details can be seen in every element of the vehicle, from the chamfered corners on the top and bottom of the windscreen, to the precise execution of the lower body sides and rocker panels.

Many long-time Transit customers will recognise the signature “shark’s fin” kick-up in the front window line, which is echoed in the rear body panel. Ford designers also went to great lengths to minimise the number of shutlines on the vehicle, for a cleaner and more contemporary look.

The craftsmanship has been delivered by a focus on the fit and finish quality of each exterior component. This is reflected in tighter shutlines, sharper radii and better panel alignment, such as where the front bumper facia meets the front mudguard sheet metal.

Safety and driver assistance

Customers will not only appreciate the all-new Transit Custom’s practicality but it also provides high levels of protection and driver support through a range of features.

The Transit van is not only contemporary but the body structure is made up of high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel, such as boron steel, which has been used for the first time on a Transit.

An enhanced restraint system now makes side thorax and curtain airbags standard for the front seat occupants, as well as driver and front passenger airbags. The Transit Custom has been developed with the latest EuroNCAP Protocol for pedestrian protection in mind and as a result the Transit Custom has been awarded a 5-star crash safety rating by EuroNCAP.

To take the stress out of driving, the Ford Transit Custom delivers an array of driver-assist systems. Hill Launch Assist is standard and helps drivers make a perfect hill start whether it’s uphill or downhill, by holding the van for up to three seconds. This prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or forwards while moving off from the slope, increasing driver confidence.

As well as Hill Launch Assist, the all-new Transit Custom comes with Cruise Control with an Adjustable Speed Limiting Device.

Advanced safety technologies such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), also help customers remain in control at all times, especially on slippery roads. When it detects that the car is losing control, it automatically reduces engine power and selectively brakes individual wheels to stabilise the vehicle and keep it travelling on track.

The Ford Transit Custom’s DSC system includes the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) which prevents the wheels from locking up and helps the vehicle to stop quickly on slippery road surfaces. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) round out a full suite of passive safety features.

In addition to these features, the Transit Custom gains Trailer Sway Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Load Adaptive Control and Torque Vectoring Control.

Occupant protection and Durability

The all-new Transit Custom has been developed to offer customers good cost of ownership and durability.

This extends to good performance and fuel efficiency, delivered by Ford’s latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. In the 290S, the 2.2-litre TDCi engine has a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.1 l/100 km and 186 g/km CO2 emissions.

In the 330L the 2.2-litre TDCi engine has a combined fuel figure of 7.3 l/100 km and 191 g/km CO2 emissions.

The 2.2-litre TDCi engine develops 92 kW at 3,500 rpm and 350 Nm @ 1,450 – 2,000 rpm.

As well, the all-new Transit Custom has been subjected to Ford’s Commercial Vehicle testing and durability standards.

During development, prototypes were driven the equivalent of five million kilometres, including at least 400,000 km with existing Transit customers.

Key components and systems are tested to the limit: for example, front doors go through an intensive regime of 250,000 non-stop slam cycles, which is three times more punishing than Ford’s equivalent passenger car test.

Exterior Colours

Two colours, Frozen White and Moondust Silver, are available. Premium paint is optional at $385*.

Product Range
The new Transit Custom VN series will be available in two models: 290S and 330L.

The Transit 290S will be available from February and the 330L will be available from June, 2014. Transit 290S and 330L are sourced from Ford’s Otosan manufacturing plant in Kocaeli, Turkey.

290S – Short Wheelbase Van  (2,933mm wheelbase)
330L – Long Wheelbase Van (3,300 mm wheelbase)

Engine

Transmission

Max
Power

Max
Torque

Fuel

Emissions

Driven Wheels

2.2L
(TDCi)

6-speed manual

92 kW

350 Nm

Diesel

Euro V

FWD

 

290S – Short Wheelbase Van

Fuel consumption

Urban (L/100km)

Extra Urban (L/100km)

Combined (L/100km)

CO2
(gm/100km)

2.2L (TDCi)
Six-speed manual

8.2

6.4

7.1

186

330L – Long Wheelbase Van

Fuel consumption

Urban (L/100km)

Extra Urban (L/100km)

Combined (L/100km)

CO2
(gm/100km)

2.2L (TDCi)
Six-speed manual

8.6

6.5

7.3

191

Ford Transit Custom Manufacturer’s List Price*

Model

Drivetrain

Engine

MLP*

290S Custom

FWD manual

2.2-litre TDCi

$37,490*

330L Custom

FWD manual

2.2-litre TDCi

$39,490*


NOTE:

* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.

E&OE.


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