Ford returns to light bus segment with Transit Bus

FORD Australia has returned to the light bus segment with its new 12 seater Transit Bus, of which just a single variant will be offered from $63,690 plus on-road costs.

Set to do battle with the new LDV Deliver 9 Bus, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Bus, Renault Master Bus, Toyota HiAce Bus and the Volkswagen Crafter Bus, the new people-lugging Ford is available exclusively in a 2+9 layout with an optional ($2500) high roof adding not only more headroom but overhead stowage shelves and reading lights as well.

Now with a power-sliding side door, the new Transit Bus comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen boasting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – satellite navigation is a $600 option – while the sliding door can be opened/closed by either the driver or passengers.

Other standard equipment highlights and safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning with driver alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic headlights, high-beam and wipers, heated windscreen, programmable MyKey, rearview camera as well as front and rear parking sensors.

Powered by the familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine good for 125kW of power and 390Nm of torque, power is sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Accoriding to Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO Andrew Birkic, the Transit Bus had always been a popular option within its segment but there was a “strong demand for it to come with an automatic transmission”.

“We can now deliver on that wish and help groups of Aussies travel in comfort and style, whether that be sports teams off to their big game, a shuttle to the airport, or colleagues heading to a conference,” he said.

Sub-20-seat light bus sales are up 3.7 per cent so far this year ending February with 423 units shifted, the vast majority of (which 391/92.4%) have been Toyota HiAce Buses.