Introducing the Ford Transit Custom sport, a panel van with racing stripes and the latest in Ford’s light commercial vehicle line-up. Oliver Keohane got a feel for the sporty van during a launch route stretching from Johannesburg to Gqeberha via Gariep Dam. First impressions here…
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What are we driving and why is it significant?
The Transit Sport is a sportier-looking, short-wheelbase version the Ford Transit Custom, which was named 2024 International Van of the Year and is currently Europe’s best-selling one-tonne van. By marrying cargo-hauling capabilities with a design language and features list similar to that of more premium people-movers, Ford has created a niche in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment; basically a good-looking, sporty panel van.
The Transit Custom Sport is the first of Ford’s multi-purpose vans to be built as a short wheelbase, with the Ford Tourneo and the Transit Custom coming exclusively in long-wheelbase guise. The Sport variant – a successful enough niche in Europe to bring confidently into South Africa – is aimed at individual owners and businesses looking for a van with a more distinctive design and additional convenience features, while maintaining the practicality and load-hauling capabilities of the Transit Custom.
Related: Review: Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Trend AT
What’s new on the Ford Transit Custom Sport?
The Transit Custom Sport distinguishes itself primarily in its design and extensive features list. A new body kit, honeycomb grille, rear spoiler and 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels account for the distinctive design, along with dual racing stripes and side decals. It also features LED headlamps, replete with daytime-running lights, and LED taillights. Inside, the interior includes seats with blue accent stripes, piano black trim and a 13-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-inch panel housing an 8.0-inch display and analogue instruments, and multiple USB charging ports come standard. The cabin offers ample storage compartments, with an optional tilting steering wheel for added workspace flexibility.
The Transit Custom Sport is equipped with Ford’s familiar 2.0-litre single-turbo EcoBlue diesel engine, which produces 125 kW and 390 N.m of torque. The oil-burner is exclusively coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The van also includes five driving modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul and Sport. A payload capacity of up to 1 023 kg and a maximum towing capacity of 2 500 kg are on offer. Access to the load compartment relies on twin 180-degree rear barn doors and dual sliding side doors. The cargo area offers a 5.8m³ load volume, with tie-down loops and LED interior lighting for improved functionality.
An extensive suite of safety features completes the package, with notable inclusions being ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Aid, and Blind Spot Monitoring. The van is also equipped with six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. The FordPass Connect modem allows for remote vehicle monitoring via the FordPass app.
How much does the Ford Transit Custom Sport cost?
- Ford Transit Custom Sport – R938 000
Pricing includes a six-year/90 000 km Ford Optional Service Plan and a four-year/120 000 km warranty. Additional service and maintenance plans are available for extended coverage.
What are the Ford Transit Custom Sport’s Rivals?
The Mercedes-Benz Vito panel van and the Hyundai Staria panel van make a decent case for competition, but where those models forgo some of the luxuries of their people-moving siblings, the Custom Sport stays quite committed to emulating a premium driving experience, retaining an impressive digital cluster and touchscreen, high-quality materials and extensive features list (both safety and convenience). Most directly challenging the Custom Sport will be the Volkswagen Transporter panel van. Yet to be launched in South Africa, the Transporter benefits from Ford underpinnings, produced alongside the Tourneo Custom and Transit Custom at Ford’s production plant in Turkey, thanks to the partnership between Volkswagen and Ford that has seen many of their new vehicles sharing platforms and powertrains.
What is the Ford Transit Custom Sport like to drive?
Ford was probably trying to make a point with a launch route of around 1 200 km. Message received. The long stretches of driving were comfortable and relaxed. The van pulled away with an unexpected grunt and was cruising at highway speeds with the ease of an SUV. The engine and transmission are well-calibrated, and proved to be a perfect fit for the short-wheelbase model. The drivetrain was the most distinct part of the driving experience.
Despite the bulkhead, which is actually removable, there is a decent amount of space behind the two seats. Armrests also add comfort over longer stretches, and there is plenty of leg room and storage space. The safety features make themselves known. It is a European regulation to warn drivers of fatigue (or to keep both hands on the steering wheel). It is a minor irritation packaged with a welcome set of safety features that are controllable via the steering wheel.
Verdict
The Transit Custom Sport is an impressive package. Mimicking the best bits of other Ford models, the design manages to be effortlessly cool. In a country intent on adventure, with bakkies or cars always filled with cargo, the Transit Custom offers an interesting new status vehicle to those looking for a feature-packed panel.
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