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NEWS
Ford Australia launches Transit Custom
Next generation Transit Custom models, the 290S and 330L, are being unveiled to the Australian media this weekFord Australia is hosting the official media launch for its new one-tonne Transit Custom models this week, with the nation’s media – including motoring.com.au – putting the new short-wheelbase 290S and long-wheelbase 330L through their paces over February 20-21.
Ford has said the new 290S will go on sale before the end of February 2014 with the 330L to follow in June. The second quarter of 2014 will also see the arrival of a high-roof, high-capacity two-tonne Transit.
Both new Transit Custom models have a front-wheel drive format, the urge provided by 2.2-litre TDCi turbo-diesel engine and fed via a six-speed manual transmission. Ford says this powerplant pumps out 92kW at 3500rpm and 350Nm between 1450-2000rpm, while achieving combined-cycle fuel economy figures of 7.1L/100km and 7.3L/100km for the 290S and 330L respectively.
Beyond the comprehensive restyling exercise, Ford says the new models are also the safest Transits yet, featuring driver and front passenger airbags, thorax and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, dynamic stability control with hill launch assist and rollover mitigation, load adaptive control, trailer sway control and torque vectoring control.
The Transit Customs also feature strengthened bodyshells, with high-strength steels – including ultra-high-strength boron steel – accounting for 40 per cent of their body structures.
All this helps the new models achieve a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.
The 290S offers 5.95m³ of load space while the 330L sees this boosted to 6.83m³, giving the latter the ability to swallow two loaded pallets. A new folding roof rack further enhances the model’s flexibility, while a load-through hatch in the glazed, full steel bulkhead allows both Transit Customs to accept longer items.
There is no shortage of new creature comforts, either. Compared to the existing Transit, the Transit Custom boasts Ford’s SYNC audio/comms connectivity package with digital radio, USB input and iPod integration, plus a 3.5in multi-function display, electronic cruise control with speed limiter, a new steering column that’s adjustable for rake and reach, and a dual passenger seat with fold-out table and under-seat storage.
Ford’s 290S Transit Custom is priced at $37,490 (MLP) while the 330L Transit Custom is priced at $39,490 (MLP), and as a limited launch promotion Ford is offering the new models with a five-year/200,000km factory warranty (whichever comes first). That’s two years and 100,000km longer than the standard Ford factory warranty.
Stay tuned for the full review of both new Ford Transit Custom models...
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Written byRod Chapman
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