Transit and Tourneo Custom now with three new derivatives

FORD Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is raising the stakes further in the commercial and people-mover segments with the addition of three all new models in the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom line-ups.

On the commercial vehicle front, business and fleet clients will benefit from the launch of the new Transit Custom kombi van. This versatile new model offers the functionality of a second row of seats and space for up to six people in combination with a dedicated panel van-style load area at the rear of the vehicle. The kombi van is available in long wheelbase Ambiente and short wheelbase Trend guises.

The launch of the upmarket Tourneo Custom Limited was driven by customer interest in a high-specification, high-powered model similar to the trend-setting Transit Custom Sport van. The new Tourneo Custom Limited, priced at R485 000, is only available in short wheelbase (SWB) configuration.

The new Tourneo Custom Limited is powered by the 2,2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. It delivers 114kW of power at 3 500rpm along with 385Nm of torque at a low 1 600rpm.

This engine is linked to a standard six-speed manual transmission with a fuel economy and emissions rating of just 6,5 litres per 100km with a CO² emissions figure of 172g/km.

The 92kW and 350Nm Duratorq TDCi unit is retained in the Trend models, while the Ambiente uses a 74kW and 310Nm version of this engine.

The limited can be differentiated externally by means of the full colour coding for the front and rear bumpers, door handles, mirrors and body side cladding.

It also has:

• Exterior mirrors.

• Automatic headlamps with auto-dim front beams.

• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

• Electrochromatic rear view mirror with integrated camera display.

• Parking sensors front and rear.

• Trailer hitch assist functionality.

The Ford protect customer care programme is incorporated in the purchase price. This extends to:

• Five-year or 90 000km service plan.

• Four-year or 120 000km warranty.

• Five-year or unlimited corrosion warranty.

• Three-year or unlimited roadside assistance.

• Service intervals every 15 000km.

The introduction of the Transit Custom kombi Van brings to buyers a kombi with ample load-lugging ability, as well as the capability of safely accommodating passengers.

With its second row of seats, the Transit kombi van is able to carry six people in total, while retaining a useful 4.35 cubic metres of load space in the case of the Ambiente LWB model, priced at R385 000.

The specification matches that of the existing Ambiente panel van and includes:

• Driver’s airbag as standard.

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

The Transit kombi van further has:

• Hill launch assist.

• Load adaptive control.

• Roll-over mitigation.

• Trailer sway control (is activated with the fitment of a Ford-approved towbar).

• Bluetooth-connected radio and CD.

• Steering wheel audio controls.

• USB and Aux connections.

The kombi van Ambiente LWB is equipped with the 92kW and 350Nm version of the 2.2 Duratorq TDCi engine, along with a six-speed manual transmission.

Headlining the expanded Transit Custom line-up is the new kombi van Trend SWB, which retails for R397 000 and uses the same engine. The Trend specification closely mirrors the equivalent Tourneo Custom derivative, but runs on 16-inch steel wheels in line with its commercial orientation.

It offers further functionality with the inclusion of dual side loading doors and running boards for easier access to the 3,47m³ load space.

Further interior appointments include:

• Sync-enabled audio system with voice control and two additional speakers.

• Heated windshield.

• Power and heated mirrors.

• Integrated trip computer.

• Cruise control.

The driver and front passenger enjoy heated and height-adjustable front seats, with additional lumbar support for the driver. The steering wheel and gear lever are both finished in leather.

The Transit Custom comes standard with:

• Four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty.

• Five-year or unlimited corrosion warranty.

• Three-year or unlimited roadside assistance.

• A service plan is available for purchase as a dealer option.