Ford's Transit Custom van gets a makeover for 2019

Pretoria - Ford’s one-tonne Transit Custom Panel Van, Kombi Van and Torneo Custom (bus) line-up has been given a makeover for 2019, the new model reaching South Africa with a fresh exterior look that echos Ford’s latest design language, and an improved cabin.

The big changes, as they almost always are with facelifts, occur upfront where we see a new three-bar trapezoidal grille and slim headlights, while top models receive a new daytime running light signature.

As before there’s also a Sport model that provides some visual excitement that’s missing in this segment. Available only as a short wheelbase panel van, the Sport’s exterior body kit and dual bonnet stripes have been redesigned. Also setting it apart are a set of black 18-inch alloys, while the cabin features a partial leather seat upholstery combo with new embossed fabric inserts.

The cabin carries over largely as before, but the atmosphere is perked up by numerous new trim materials and comfort levels are improved by redesigned seats with revised foam padding.

The wide range of configurations includes three body styles - Panel Van (three-seat), Kombi Van (six-seat) and Tourneo Custom (six-seat) - available in two wheelbase lengths and (depending on the body style) three trim levels: Ambiente, Trend and Sport. Payloads in the case of the van vary from 1155kg to 1505kg.

All Transit Customs come with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel that’s available with three (model-dependent) power levels: 74kW/310Nm, 92kW/350Nm and 114kW/385Nm. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox option.

The Transit is sold with a four-year/120 000km warranty and six-year/90 000km service plan.

Standard comfort features include air conditioning, electric windows, central locking and an audio system linked to steering-mounted controls.

For a commercial vehicle, the Transit does not do badly on the safety front either, every model shipping with front and rear parking sensors, linked to a small camera display in the rear view mirror, dual front airbags, ABS and ESP stability control, the latter incorporating Hill Launch Assist, Load Adaptive Control and Roll-Over Mitigation. Trailer Sway Control is available as an option.