Everything you need to know about the Ford Transit Custom
07/04/2021
5 minutes read
One of the more popular vans on the market, the Ford Transit Custom is the vehicle of choice for many UK businesses. If this is a model that’s caught your eye, read on to learn more about what the Ford Transit Custom can offer.
History of the Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom arrived on the market in 2012, though it wears the badge of the Ford Transit family of vehicles which has been used by the manufacturer since 1965.
Introduced in 2012, the Custom effectively split Ford’s traditional Transit van range in two – with the Custom taking on the medium or ‘one-tonne’ van segment, leaving the full-size Transit to concentrate on the large van or ‘two-tonne’ market."
Since its 2012 launch, the model has received a 2018 facelift which focused on improvements to the cab, while premium trims of the model known as the Trail and the Active were unveiled mid-2020. These offer a raft of innovative features that don’t come as standard across the model’s range.
Ford Transit Custom Awards
The Ford Transit Custom won the International Van of the Year award in 2013. It has also been named HeyCar’s Most Popular Medium Van for 2016, as well as Medium Van of The Year by WhatVan? In 2019.
What variants of the Ford Transit Custom are there?
The Transit Custom is offered in a variety of body styles, heights, lengths and in both long and short wheelbases. That makes this model particularly versatile, and there’s every chance there’s a variant of the Ford Transit Custom that’s well suited to your business’s needs.
Despite the abundance of options when it comes to customising this model, there are three primary editions of the Ford Transit Custom van:
- Standard van – this full-height full-width bulkhead model offers a separated loadspace and two or three seat cabin. It comes with either single or twin sliding doors, as well as hinged rear doors or a tailgate.
- Double cab – similar to the standard van, this model allocates additional space to the cabin, so as to allow for a rear, fixed row of three seats. While the loadspace is naturally reduced, it remains separated from the cabin.
- Kombi – this variant carries up to nine people in three rows of seats. That being said, it’s surprisingly versatile, as all seats can be folded or removed to prioritise cargo over passengers whenever needed.
Ford Transit Custom best features
As one of the most popular models from established van manufacturer Ford, there are plenty of features contained within the Transit Custom that may prove useful for commercial purposes. These include:
Space
There are two standard lengths and two standard heights of the Ford Transit Custom. As such, internal space ranges from 6.0 cubic metres up to 8.3 cubic metres on the largest variant of the model. The panel van version of the Transit Custom has space for up to three Euro pallets, while the double-cab edition gives over some of its volume to offer five seats and therefore can carry two pallets, or just the one in the shorter version. Overall, the model maxes out at 1,530kg payload for the largest panel van option.
Cabin
The interior of the Transit Custom offers an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat for maximum comfort as standard. The cushioning on all the seats within the cabin is designed to provide optimum support for long drives and is built with daily use of the vehicle in mind. Other handy details are coat hooks and storage space beneath the passenger seat. Additional interior features include an infotainment system, while the materials used prioritise durability throughout.
Safety
The Ford Transit Custom van scored a maximum 5 out of 5 stars for safety in Euro NCAP crash tests in 2012. As standard, the model includes features like stability control, which helps the vehicle balance its centre of gravity when carrying heavy loads, as well as functions to help it handle crosswinds. There are also features that can help limit trailer sway when towing, as well as emergency brake assist which can identify and respond to pedestrians in front of the vehicle.
Engines and performance
Keeping it simple, the Ford Transit Custom is only available in one engine, which is a 2.0-litre diesel. This however is offered in three different power outputs: 105, 130 or 170 brake horsepower (BHP). Which power output you may need will depend on the typical weight of the loads you’re likely to be moving around.
Handling
The Transit Custom is intended to be an agile van, and Ford aspire for the model to handle all sorts of road conditions with ease. That’s why the model offers two distinct suspension options. Standard models deliver a suspension setup that can take uneven surfaces and potholes in its stride, while sport models go further and strive for an even ride no matter the state of the road surface.
Reliability and running costs
Service intervals for the Ford Transit Custom are either 36,000 miles or every two years. And with only one engine available, you can expect a Ford Transit Custom van to reach around 46 miles per gallon (MPG), though this does vary slightly in either direction based on which of the three power outputs you go for.
Where can I find a Ford Transit Custom for my business?
If you’re looking to acquire a Ford Transit Custom in the UK for commercial purposes, Northgate Vehicle Hire is happy to help. If you’re wanting cheap van hire near me, our flexible packages give your business the tools it needs without you needing to make the upfront investment that comes with buying a van. Whether you’re set on Ford van hire or happy to consider other marques, use our van finder and discover the perfect model for you today.
Looking for further advice on whether hiring or buying is more cost-effective for your business? Arrange a call with one of our expert fleet consultants.
