New-look Ford Transit Custom revealed

FORD has unveiled its updated Transit Custom van with a revised front grille and interior underpinned by its new EcoBlue turbo-diesel engine, but plans to bring the new model to Australian showrooms is yet to be confirmed.

Speaking with GoAuto, Ford Australia product communications manager Damion Smy said the recent update of the local Transit range, with the introduction of an automatic transmission, would carry the light-commercial nameplate into the “foreseeable future”.

“We have recently introduced the Transit automatic and Transit Custom automatic with the new EcoBlue engine, which was a significant update,” he said.

“This upgrade is the most substantial for 2017, and includes slight styling changes including new wheel covers and a lower front-bumper valance.

“The fresh change will keep Transit current for the foreseeable future in Australia.”

However, Mr Smy did not rule out the eventual arrival of the new-look Transit Custom saying, “as with all models, we’re constantly working to meet changing demands, and as such will bring new features and upgrades to Transit in due course.”

From the outside, the new Transit Custom van wears Ford’s new hexagonal-shaped three-bar front grille and sleeker headlights compared with its predecessor, as well as an updated lower bumper treatment with square foglights.

The biggest change to Ford’s latest workhorse however, is the update to the interior with the old button-heavy infotainment interface replaced with new 8.0-inch tablet-style Sync3 touchscreen unit borrowed from the new-generation Fiesta.

Instrumentation and the steering wheel are also lifted from the company’s new light car, with a clearer display and revised buttons featured in the new Transit.

A new fold-out cup holder is also installed beneath the gear shifter, as well as more storage offered in the redesigned door pockets.

Overseas versions of the Transit Custom will also include Ford’s Intelligent Speed Limiter system which can read traffic signs to adjust the vehicle’s maximum speed, and a blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert.

Underpinning the new van range will be Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesel engine, outputting up to 125kW of power and paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Ford of Europe general manager of commercial vehicles Hans Schep said changes to the new Transit Custom van have come from buyer feedback.

“Transit Custom has been a runaway success since it was introduced, and this new version raises the game once more,” he said.

“We have listened carefully to our customers, and delivered a one-tonne van that is even more stylish, even more productive, and packed with smart features.”