New Ford Transit Custom arrives

After launching in Europe last September, the all-new 2024 Ford Transit Custom has arrived in Australia, where the redesigned mid-size commercial van will be officially released soon.

First examples of the new LCV have already landed in about 50 of Ford Australia's 180 local dealerships, albeit only in base Trend guise, with other Transit Custom variants set to arrive on a rolling schedule over the coming months.

The new Transit Custom’s second-generation platform was recently showcased by Ford’s commercial vehicle arm, Ford Pro, at a media event in Frankfurt, Germany.

The same event also included the official European launch of Ford’s first battery-electric medium van, the E-Transit Custom, which shares the same platform and is due to reach Australia by the end of this year.

The latest one-tonne Ford Transit Custom adopts a new architecture optimised to incorporate electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, while also boosting productivity, functionality and amenity.

A Ford-Volkswagen collaboration will see the new Transit Custom platform also underpin the German brand’s mid-size Transporter van and its derivatives. Ford was reticent to discuss the tie-up in any detail in Europe, other than to say that it is wholly behind the new platform’s engineering and manufacturing.

In Europe, the Transit Custom spans Van, Double Cab in Van, Kombi (people-mover) and new MultiCab (with split second-row seating/load space), as well as short and long wheelbases and a variety of drive systems.

Diesel-powered models are available in front-drive form and the new all-wheel drive Trail variant, while there’s a front-drive PHEV variant and the rear-drive E-Transit Custom.

The range is offered in several trim grades in Europe, from the base-spec through to the Trend, Limited, Trail (AWD), Sport and the racy MS-RT.

However, Ford Australia’s more streamlined Transit Custom line-up will include the base Trend SWB van priced from under $57,000, plus a LWB version for another $1000, as well as the Sport SWB van for $60K and the Sport LWB Double Cab for a further $3000 – see the full price list below.

Transit Custom Sport models feature GT stripes and a body kit, along with a comprehensive list of standard inclusions and unique fabric upholstery.

Beyond these diesel models, the battery-electric E-Transit Custom will arrive initially in long-wheelbase standard-roof format, but with a high-roof option to follow.

And Australia will also receive the Ford Tourneo Custom – an eight-seater people-mover also based on the new Transit Custom platform – which, like E-Transit Custom, will arrive here by year’s end.

The Tourneo will be available in just two guises: SWB Active priced from under $66,000 and SWB Titanium X for an extra $5000 (see below).

E-Tourneo Custom and Transit Custom PHEV models are also available in Europe. Ford Australia says it is currently considering the E-Tourneo, but has no current plans to bring the Transit Custom PHEV Down Under.

The Australian line-up of diesel vans (and people-movers) will be powered by Ford’s carryover 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBlue turbo-diesel (125kW/390Nm) with eight-speed automatic transmission.

Claimed fuel consumption is 8.0L/100km on the combined cycle and there’s a 20-litre AdBlue tank in addition to its 70L diesel tank.

Maximum load volume is 5.8 cubic metres for the SWB van and 6.8 cubic metres for the LWB van, while each has a GVM of 3225kg and a braked towing capacity of 2500kg, with maximum payloads of 1269kg and 1223kg respectively.

The load bay measures 2602mm (SWB) or 3002mm (LWB), and up to 3050mm and 3450mm respectively when utilising the bulkhead’s load-through flap.

A steel bulkhead is standard while the cargo bay also benefits from a floor liner, internal wall protection and new LED lighting, with LED loadspace lighting illuminating just beyond its 50/50 barn-style rear doors.

Ford Pro said around 100kg has been shaved from the new Transit Custom platform’s kerb weight compared to its predecessor, while the chassis is also significantly stiffer. The restyled van, now with full LED lighting, is also more aerodynamically efficient, Ford says.

The front wheels and struts have been moved forward, increasing both wheelbase (by up to 200mm) and overall body length but reducing front overhang, resulting in more cab space and better cross-cab access.

Meanwhile, the old leaf-spring rear axle has been replaced by independent semi-trailing-arm units with coil springs and shocks, improving ride but also affording a reduction in floor height of around 25mm.

Ford says there was strong customer demand to reduce roof height for better access to multi-story car parks, so most variants now slide in at under 2m.

The SWB and LWB standard-roof variants we’ll see here measure 1963mm and 1961mm high respectively at kerb weight.

Loading the new Transit Custom is easier thanks not only to the lower floor but also due to a wider (1030mm) side aperture and a new lower and wider side step.

The sliding side door can optionally be powered, operated via the key fob or by a sweep of the driver’s foot under the front of the van.

Inside, the cab has more space and extra foot room due to the repositioned front wheels, while the cross-cab access is further improved by the adoption of a column-mounted gear selector and an electric park brake. This means in busy traffic drivers can now easily slide across the cab to safely exit on the kerbside.

Next to a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster is a larger 13-inch infotainment touch-screen running Ford’s latest SYNC 4 multimedia platform.

This integrates with the FordPass app, placing myriad vehicle and trip data as well as route planning, among other functions, at the driver’s fingertips.

While the new Transit Custom benefits from the Ford Pro platform of software and connected services in Europe, Ford Australia says it’s investing heavily to bring similar functionality to Australia.

An embedded 5G modem improves connectivity, allowing the van to accept over-the-air updates for things like performance upgrades and new features.

Cab storage has been improved, says Ford, with the arrival of a roof-mounted passenger airbag allowing a new concealed storage space in the dash. It’s big enough for a tablet or laptop.

The van boasts several innovative new features, like a Mobile Office pack with A-pillar LED reading lights, AMPS mounting kits for things like smartphone brackets, and a steering wheel that can tilt to accept a laptop or even sit flat, with a centre insert converting it to a table for your lunch. It’s a new steering wheel design too, with a squared-off profile lending a very sporty appearance.

Pro Power Onboard provides two rear power points and a 2.3kW capacity to power electrical devices, while Delivery Assist automates many repetitive functions a delivery driver completes to make a drop, like locking and unlocking, raising/lowering windows, activating hazard lights, etc. While Mobile Office has been confirmed for Australia, Pro Power Onboard and Delivery Assist have not.

And, subject to local confirmation, the van’s driver-assist safety suite has expanded with features like rear cross traffic alert with rear brake assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and a 360-degree camera, as well as Exit Alert to warn the driver before opening their door into the path of a passing road user.

The new Transit Custom was recently awarded Euro NCAP’s highest ‘Platinum’ rating for safety.

Ford Australia is hoping its new Transit Custom platform will help it claw back and overtake segment heavyweights like Toyota’s HiAce and Hyundai’s Staria Load, in the same way it has reined in Toyota’s HiLux in the ute segment.

To the end of April 2024, the Ford Transit Custom had sold 253 units for a third-placed market share of 14.5 per cent. Ford has some work to do to reel in HiAce (651 units, 37.3% market share) and Hyundai (333 units, 19.1% market share) but the all-new model will be its best chance yet.

How much does the 2024 Ford Transit Custom cost?
Trend SWB van – $56,590
Trend LWB van – $57,590
Sport SWB van – $59,990
Sport LWB Double Cab – $62,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs

How much does the Ford Tourneo Custom cost?
SWB Active – $65,990
SWB Titanium X – $70,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au