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There are few automakers that offer panel vans locally. However, Ford has been a popular choice for those looking to own one with its Transit Custom range. Now, there is a new one on offer, and we spent a week behind the wheel to find out if the newcomer still ticks all the boxes and perhaps exceeds some expectations.
Related: Ford Transit Custom (2024) - First Drive Review
But before we get into the details of the latest Ford Transit Custom, I want to remind you that if you want to sell your car quickly and easily, you can do so on our website here. Also, remember to search for new or used Ford Transit Custom models on AutoTrader here to find some of the best deals on the practical model.
Styling
When it comes to the exterior styling of panel vans, you sometimes have to temper your expectations as, ultimately, they are designed with practicality at the top of mind. However, Ford settled for more than practicality as upfront; the new face of the Transit Custom is aggressive and quite stylish. Our test unit came fitted with the optional LED daytime running lights and headlamps. The DRLs have a distinctive design and flow into a chrome trim strip above the hexagonal grille.
Like the front bumper, the rear bumper is unpainted but inoffensive. Again, like the front, the rear lamps have a distinctive design and suit the rectangular shape of the new Transit Custom well. While styling is a subjective topic, for the writer, the overall design is really nice and very well executed for a vehicle segment that traditionally doesn't offer dramatic designs.
Space & Interior
If you were impressed by the new Transit Custom's exterior design, you will be dazzled by its interior. While admittedly, the trim is made from harder plastics for more durability over the vehicle's lifetime, the design looks great, and the fitment is solid. The seats come upholstered in durable grey fabric. But glancing over the cabin space, it is impossible to ignore the infotainment system, driver instrument cluster, and multifunctional steering wheel. However, there will be more on that soon.
Walk down the 5 450 mm side of the Ford Transit Custom. You will find sliding doors on either side that open up to a 5 800-litre load bay. The split tailgate, with its 180-degree swivel doors, also provides good access. Customers should note that the maximum payload is 1 269 kg, and the maximum load length is 3 050 mm using the load-through feature.
Related: Ford previews the new Tourneo and Transit Custom at Nampo
Comfort & Convenience
Centrally features a 13.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system installed with Ford's latest SYNC 4 communication and information operating system. This means you can connect your smartphone wirelessly to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto or utilise the USB-C or USB-A ports on the centre console. Ford also optionally offers a wireless charge bay for the Transit Custom.
In front of the driver is a 12.0-inch instrument cluster with an 8-inch digital and configurable display. Here, you can access information such as tyre pressures, fuel economy, predicted range with the current fuel level and real-time consumption figures. It is, in fact, a very comfortable space with a nice tall sitting position, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a multifunctional steering wheel that allows you to access media functions and telephony, as well as the standard cruise control.
Performance
Under the bonnet, a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel motor is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. While it won't break any lap records at your local racetrack, it is quite punchy and easily gets up to speed. While we didn't carry any heavy loads, the 100kW and 360Nm sent to the front wheels feel more than ample for the model, even if the maximum payload of 1 269 kg is achieved.
Fuel Economy
After a week of driving, we have managed a very respectable 7.8 L/100 km average fuel consumption, which is, in fact, below the manufacturer's claimed figure of 8.2 L/100 km. However, that figure could climb relatively quickly with additional load or more aggressive driving.
Safety
One area that impressed us was the long list of standard safety features, including ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). This is further bolstered with driving aids such as the Driver Alert with impairment monitor, Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Aid, Roll Over Mitigation, Intelligent Speed Assistance with Speed Sign Recognition, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Should a collision be unavoidable, six airbags are fitted, comprising dual front, side, and curtain airbags. Rear park distance control sensors come as standard; however, ours also featured the front park distance control sensors and the 180-degree split view rear camera that comes with the Driver Assistance Pack that gives navigation and Intersection Assist.
Price
The price includes a 4-year / 120 000 km warranty; however, if you would like a service or maintenance plan, they are optional. Customers can choose up to an 8-year / 165 000 km service plan or an 8-year / 165 000 km maintenance plan. Please note that the pricing indicated in this article was correct at the time of writing; however, it can change at any moment and without notice.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| Ford Transit Custom 2.0SiT panel van LWB | from R 692 200 |
Competitors
- Renault Trafic 2.0dCi panel van
- Volkswagen Transporter 2.0TDI 81kW panel van LWB
- Hyundai Staria 2.2D panel van
Verdict
We were pleasantly surprised by the Ford Transit Custom and how comfortable and capable it is. While we didn't quite test its loading capabilities, we can comment that whoever will be driving the Transit Custom is in a safe, well-specified cabin. No longer does the panel van driver have to make do with the bare minimum; instead, they have access to some of the most practical safety and comfort features that will make their daily commute all that much better.
