Ford releases details of new Transits

Ford has released first details and pictures of its updated Transit family, including new versions of the Custom, Connect, which are used for conversion by campervan manufacturers

The current Custom model, which is the larger of the three models, is already converted by the campervan manufacturers, and the new version is already available to order with deliveries in the next few weeks.

This Custom, which is powered by Ford’s EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine with a choice of 103bhp, 128bhp and 168bhp power ratings, will be available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) derivative in 2019. This PHEV utilises a hybrid system with a target zero-emission range of 30 miles, coupled to Ford’s 1.0-litre petrol EcoBoost engine as a range extender.

It is expected that some converters will build campervans on the PHEV Transit when it becomes available.

The latest model gets the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system on Kombi M1 models.

As with its two smaller siblings, the Custom has a new front end design, while the interior is completely new.

For the driver, all-new displays and control panels have been designed and some models feature a ‘floating, tablet-inspired’ eight-inch colour touchscreen.

New seat designs feature revised foam padding and geometry for optimised support, while trim materials have been completely renewed throughout the cabin.

The new Custom introduces a range of advanced new driver assistance features that share technologies found on Ford’s latest passenger cars. It is the first commercial vehicle to offer Intelligent Speed Assist, a feature that could help prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits. The Custom is also the first Ford van in Europe to offer Ford’s Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles or bicycles that may soon be crossing behind them. It also has an advanced version of Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system.

These new features add to the suite of technologies already available in the Custom, including Lane Keeping Alert, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam, Rear View Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Side Wind Stabilisation.

The next generation of the  smaller Transits – the Connect and Courier – have also been revealed  and will be available to order in the spring for delivery from the middle of the year.

Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe said: “We’ve given our two smaller Transits a complete overhaul that makes them even more affordable to run, more stylish to look at and ready to tackle every job our customers throw at them.”

The new Connect (the current model is also already being used by converters such as Danbury) also gets a new front end and slimmer headlamps – with HID Xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights available on some models. It also gets an aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler.

Inside there's an upgraded cabin with revised instrument panel with a new central control area that incorporates a six-inch colour touchscreen on some models. New trim materials have also been introduced.

It gets Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged EcoBlue diesel engine or Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is now fitted to all engines as standard, while the 1.5‑litre EcoBlue engine can be specified with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Service intervals have been extended on both diesel and petrol variants, with manual diesel vehicles now offering variable intervals of up to two years/25,000 miles.

There is a raft of driver assistance features including Intelligent Speed Limiter – that enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Ford has also launched the refreshed Courier, which is the smallest member of the Transit family. It also gets a new frontend with reshaped grille and revised design for the lower fascia.

The cabin gets a redesigned centre console, including a new, larger six-inch colour touchscreen (on some models) and it is also powered by Ford’s new1.5-litre TDCi diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines. All come with Ford’s new six-speed manual transmission.