GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Ford - Transit

Latest articles for Ford Transit

Ford Transit (VN Custom)

VN Custom

Make: Ford

Model: Transit

Released: Jan 1970

Ford logo1 Feb 2014

By TIM NICHOLSON

FORD released the sixth-generation Transit in early 2014, with the Custom taking care of one-tonne market duties in base 2.93-metre (short) wheelbase and – from June 2014 – 3.3m (long) wheelbase 330L guises.

It is the first van in its segment to have achieved a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test safety rating.

Built in Turkey and derived from the European base specification, Ford Australia has handpicked a number of items from a variety of overseas variants to create a unique Aussie Custom specification.

This means all 290S and 330L models arrive with class-leading safety specification including electronic stability and traction control featuring load-adaptive, anti trailer-sway and rollover-mitigation technology for added security, anti-lock brakes, six airbags (dual front, side and curtain) and emergency brake-light activation all as standard equipment.

These are on top of car-like safety and convenience items like cruise control, Bluetooth phone, a tilt and telescopic steering column, heated seats, trip computer, air-conditioning, power windows, remote central locking, SYNC voice control with emergency services contact via a paired phone.

From a workhorse point of view the Custom also includes three-seat capacity with full lap/sash seatbelt and headrest protection, a fixed integrated glazed cabin bulkhead, an under-cushion load-through function for extra-long items and a hidden storage facility, 180-degree opening rear barn doors, integrated roof racks with a lockable fold-down function to help cut wind drag, powered and heated exterior mirrors, a full-sized spare wheel, mudflaps, two 12-volt sockets, twin rear wipers, a fold-down centre armrest with a laptop or writing panel, a phone charger within a hidden dash-top compartment, bottle holder, a rubber floor, a glovebox capable of accommodating an A4 hanging file storage, two compartment lights, eight tie-down hooks and a load area protection kit.

Furthermore, a City Pack adds front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with Trailer Hitch Assist, front fog lights and an electro chromatic exterior mirror.

Brandishing all-new styling, the Custom 290S measures in at 4972mm long, 1986mm wide (2290mm with mirrors), 1972mm high and a wheelbase of 2933mm in length. Being the Low Roof version, it offers 1406mm of internal load height.

With a claimed “class-competitive” load carrying ability, the 290S comes with a 5.95m3 load space and a load length of 2555mm, while the 330L has 6.83m3 load space and a 2922mm-load length.

Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 92kW of power at 3500rpm and 350Nm of torque developed between 1450-2000rpm.

Steering is power-assisted rack and pinion, the front suspension is made up of MacPherson struts, variable-rate coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while a single-leaf spring takes the load out back.

The turning circle is 10.9m, brakes are 288mm discs all-round and tyres are 215/65 R15 on steel rims. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 2500kg.

Reviews

When it was new

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here