Revised Ford vans ready for launch

Ford is poised to roll out its latest range of Transit commercial vehicles, with the Australian media launch of the large van and Custom medium van scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 in Melbourne.

The current Transit Custom was released locally in manual-only form early 2014 and was followed later that year by its two-tonne sibling.

Now, the refreshed lineup will finally see the option of a six-speed automatic transmission in addition to a new 2.0-litre 'EcoBlue' turbo-diesel.

New turbo-diesel
The next-generation engine produces 96kW/385Nm in the new Transit Custom or 125kW/405Nm in the new Transit.

Both the short-wheelbase 290S and long-wheelbase 340L Transit Custom will feature the new four-cylinder engine, which achieves Euro 6 emissions compliance thanks to its Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.

Commonly found in modern trucks, SCR requires a separate tank for AdBlue, a urea solution which breaks down harmful nitrogen-oxide gases.

Replacing the previous 2.2-litre engine in the Transit Custom range, Ford says the 2.0-litre EcoBlue powerplant delivers power and torque gains of four per cent and 11 per cent respectively, as well as an 11 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

However, in the larger Transit family the EcoBlue engine will only be available as an option in the short-wheelbase 350L, and will remain – as it does in the Transit Custom – in a front-drive format.

Ford says power and torque in the Transit 350L EcoBlue are up by 10 per cent and 5 per cent respectively, but hasn’t released fuel consumption figures.

The remaining rear-drive Transits will continue to be powered by the older 2.2-litre engine, driving through a six-speed manual transmission.

Upgrading to the automatic will set buyers back $2750 in the Transit Custom and $3700 in the Transit.

TCO savings
Ford is providing some offset for that extra outlay as the new engine doubles the service intervals (kilometres) of its predecessor – out to 12 months or 30,000 kilometres. That's up by 15,000 kilometres on the previous unit, which retains its 12 month/15,000 kilometre intervals.

EcoBlue models also receive an extended warranty, with the factory provision jumping from three years/100,000 kilometres to three years/200,000 kilometres.

Ford Transit’s model update contains more than just the new engine and transmission. For starters, the Transit 350L Auto can now be optioned with Ford's SYNC3 multimedia and voice-command system and the reversing camera display in all Transit and Transit Custom models is now shown on the audio system screen, rather than being squeezed into the rear-view mirror.

The multifunction display is now a larger and clearer 4.0-inch TFT item, replacing the previous generation’s 3.4-inch LCD display.

On the cosmetic front, Transit and Transit Custom buyers can choose from over 100 colour schemes, wheel covers are now standard (previously naked steel wheels) and the front grille sports a chrome insert to help differentiate the model from previous years.

The Transit and Transit Custom already benefit from an extensive suite of safety features, but now EcoBlue models gain Side Wind Stabilisation. The system essentially monitors cross winds and, when travelling at speeds over 80km/h, brakes one side of the vehicle on one side if a significant gust is detected.

Welcome boost
According to VFACTS data, 276 new Transits have been registered this year to the end of May, along with 401 Transit Customs. The Transit Custom's sales especially should receive a welcome boost with the arrival of the automatic transmission as some 85 per cent of medium van sales are captured by vehicles with autos.

In contrast, Toyota's HiAce accounted for 2871 new registrations over the same period and Hyundai's iLoad racked-up 2675. In the two-tonne bracket, Mercedes-Benz continues to dominate with 1013 new registrations of its Sprinter.

The Ford Transit Custom won our medium-van comparison after its introduction in 2014 – will this latest revision see it claw its way back up the sales leaderboard?

Check back shortly for our full review of the new Ford Transit Custom.

2017 Ford Transit Custom pricing (MLP):
Transit Custom 290S FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd manual $39,690
Transit Custom 290S FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd auto $42,440
Transit Custom 340L FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd manual $41,690
Transit Custom 340LFWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd auto $44,440

2017 Ford Transit pricing (MLP):
Transit 350L RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual $47,680
Transit 350L FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd auto $51,380
Transit 350E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual $51,180
Transit 470E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual $54,18
Transit Single Cab Chassis 470E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual $49,18
Transit Double Cab Chassis 470E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual $52,68
Transit Bus 410L RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual $57,680