Ford Australia has announced further details of its updated 2024 Ford Transit range, which is slated to reach showrooms late in the third quarter.
Headlining the changes are increased braked towing and GCM (gross combined mass) limits for all ‘load-hauling’ models – excluding the electric Ford E-Transit EV – along with the arrival of a new automatic transmission for the front-drive 350L LWB van and a general lift in tech across the board.
Ford says the update delivers “minor increases to payload figures” as well, without going into further detail.
However, the update also ushers in a series of price rises across the range, excluding the Ford E-Transit. See our price box below.
First announced in mid-2023 and not to be mistaken for the lighter Ford Transit Custom range also to be updated this year, Ford says the refreshed heavy Transit line-up promises “to help businesses do more with their vehicles and optimise their operations”.
The six-strong 2024 Ford Transit line-up comprises the 350L LWB front-drive van, the 350L LWB rear-drive van, the 430E dual-rear-wheel ELWB rear-drive van, the 420L rear-drive E-Transit van, the 430E rear-drive single cab-chassis and the 410 rear-drive 12-seater bus.
The load-lugging variants can now shift more per trip, enhancing productivity. The 350L front-drive van’s maximum braked towing capacity and GCM are now up by 950kg (to 2750kg) and 1750kg (to 6000kg) respectively, while figures for the rear-drive equivalent are up by 750kg (to 3500kg) and 900kg (to 7000kg) respectively.
Limits for both 430E variants are up by 1100kg (to 3500kg) and 900kg (to 7000kg) respectively.
The 350L LWB front-drive van, meanwhile, now benefits from a new ‘8F57’ eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing model’s six-speed auto.
The new transmission is said to offer a smoother, more efficient driving experience, while the older unit’s traditional gear lever has made way for a rotary-dial-type selector.
While the only noticeable exterior change for the upgraded 2024 Transit line-up concerns new black badges and a simplified Blue Oval design, drivers will find several updates and improvements in the cabin, starting with a new 8.0-inch semi-digital instrument cluster.
All models now benefit from the electronic park brake that was previously only available in the E-Transit, freeing up a bit more cabin space, along with push-button starting and tyre pressure monitoring.
All models other than cab-chassis now have a 360-degree camera system for easier parking and manoeuvring, while cab-chassis variants receive front fog lamps and front parking sensors, the latter complementing the standard reverse parking camera.
The updated range also features Ford’s latest 5G embedded modem, for faster connectivity in 5G areas.
Otherwise, the updated 2024 Ford Transit range remains mechanically unchanged, with Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel engine delivering peak outputs of 121kW and 390Nm.
Automatic transmissions are found throughout the range, the new eight-speed auto complementing the existing 10-speed auto, while it’s a single-speed auto in the battery-electric E-Transit.
The full range is available standard in Frozen White, while the prestige hues of Moondust Silver and Magnetic Grey add $700 in van and cab-chassis models, with Agate Black Metallic the only prestige hue available for the Transit bus (also $700).
A wide spectrum of additional colours is available through Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations division, adding $1400.
As for factory options, a single passenger seat (instead of the twin passenger unit) adds $150, dual side sliding doors add $1000 and a high roof adds $1500 (or $2500 in the bus, which includes shelving).
Full specifications for the updated Ford Transit range will be released closer to the model’s local arrival.
It’s a big year for Ford Australia on the commercial vehicle front. The Blue Oval is also launching its first battery-electric E-Transit Custom medium van along with an updated conventional Transit Custom, as well as the Ford Tourneo people-mover, which is based on the Transit Custom platform.