Ford Transit Sport (2025) launch first drive
A more lifestyle-oriented version of Ford's Transit is now available. Badged the Sport, this model is highly specified and features a more athletic aesthetic than most light commercial vans. I drove the newcomer from Johannesburg to Gqeberha recently.
Ford South Africa has introduced a short-wheelbase version of its Transit van, the Sport. Blending workhorse proportions with elements of a lifestyle vehicle, the newcomer is a great option for those with a small business and an activity hobby that requires space, something I learned during my roughly 1 200 km drive in the new model.
Related: Ford Transit Custom 2.0SiT panel van LWB (2024) Review
Design
There's only so much a design department can do with an inherently functional vehicle design. However, the Transit Custom Sport is certainly distinct. It has a sports body kit, honeycomb front grille, rear spoiler, 17-inch matte black alloy wheels, racing stripes, and sport side decals. The brand also includes LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights.
Interior
The Custom Sport's interior features cloth-covered seats with blue accents, a gloss black finish surrounding the multi-function display and centre console, and a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Regarding infotainment, there's a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster with an 8.0-inch centre display. At the same time, a 13.0-inch touchscreen central screen with Ford’s SYNC 4 operating system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is also standard.
The seats look sportier, but the lack of ability to adjust their vertical orientation makes the driving position very upright
Practicality
The Custom Sport offers a maximum load volume of 5.8m³ and a 2 500 kg braked towing capacity. Its clever doors include twin 180-degree rear barn doors and powered sliding side doors. The obvious downside of products in this category is that there is only seating for two occupants, but that's the price one pays for the large rear loading bay!
The rear load bay was filled with goodies for Ford's latest Rally to Read initiative!
Drivetrain
The Transit is powered by a 125kW/390Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends its outputs to the front wheels. Four driving modes are available: Normal, Eco, Tow and Sport. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.0 L/100km, and our launch drive yielded a figure of 8.5 L/100km with a fully loaded cargo area, making it entirely reasonable.
The fuel consumption is very reasonable!
Safety systems
The Sport variant receives a suit of safety systems, including 6 airbags, ABS, ESP with traction control, hill launch assist, adaptive cruise control, reverse brake assist, rear cross-traffic alert, evasive steer assist, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking and intersection assist. There's also driver alert with impairment monitor, collision mitigation, intelligent speed assistance, speed sign recognition, lane keeping aid with lane departure warning, rollover mitigation, tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear PDC, and a rearview camera with 180° split view
Driving Impression
Ford invited me to drive the vehicle from Johannesburg to Gqeberha, loaded with supplies for its latest Rally to Read initiative. It's certainly not a short drive, but I can confidently say I've driven the newcomer extensively. Being fully laden, including a co-driver, I found the turbodiesel mill to be sufficient but slightly lethargic when overtaking, perhaps because I expected a bit much from a near two-ton van.
In terms of ride and refinement, the Sport acquits itself well, while the blind spots associated with vehicles of this type are taken care of by the blind spot monitor. The vehicle also hides its size and mass rather well, managing to feel smaller than it is and extremely easy to drive. The gear lever is located on one of the steering wheel stalks, meaning that, initially, it is rather easy to mistake the shift lever for an indicator and placing the car into neutral was a common occurrence. As an owner, you will adjust to which side it is on, and this will become a non-issue.
The infotainment system works very well, but I lament the loss of physical buttons for the climate control system, meaning that one too many things need to be controlled via the screen. The digitised instrument cluster is a nice addition to the product's lifestyle appeal. Throughout my time behind the wheel and interacting with the product, I couldn't help but feel that this is a great solution for those with a penchant for dirt bikes, whether motocross or enduro!
The press pack affirmed my belief that this is a great solution for dirt bike owners!
Competitors
From a vehicle type and pricing perspective, the only competitor is the Mercedes-Benz Vito 114 CDI panel van Pro auto, which is slightly more expensive (R 949 405) and less specified but marginally more practical.
Pricing*
Ford Transit Custom Sport Short Wheelbase Van 2.0L SiT 8AT: R 938 000
*Inclusive of a 6-year/90 000km service plan and a 4-year/120 000km warranty
