The Transit Custom range is available with a wealth of features, each designed to make operators’ working days easier, which Ford says were inspired by feedback from customers, in particular small business users. Most eye catching among them is the new tilting steering wheel that takes the tried and trusted concept of the mobile office to a new level. The wheel’s squared off rim rotates to become a stand for tablets and laptops as well as a flat- topped table to make paperwork easier and lunch breaks more comfortable. It is available as part of the Cab as Office with Full Tilt Steering Wheel pack for £500 (all prices exclude VAT). The pack also gets you enhanced cab lighting, additional USB connections, an integrated rubbish bin, laptop storage between the seats and Amps accessory docking. Another clever design tweak in the cabin sees the passenger airbag installed in a roof-mounted position to free up more storage space to create a far deeper glovebox in the dashboard. To help delivery drivers who battle against the clock to make multiple drops
on a daily basis, Ford will introduce the Delivery Assist pack in October 2024 to increase efficiency and reduce fatigue by automating processes that would otherwise take up more time and energy. When switched on, Delivery Assist activates when the driver shifts into park, automatically switching on hazard lights, closing open windows and locking the door once the driver leaves the van. When returning, the driver can enter without a key and start the vehicle. The hazard lights will switch off and the windows will return to their previous positions. The pack will be available as an option for £325.
Operatives working in busy streets can benefit from Ford Pro’s Exit Warning technology. Introduced with the new Custom, the feature alerts drivers to the approach of other road users if they attempt to open the door in the face of oncoming traffic. For an extra £330, operators with converted vans can select the new Upfit Integration System. This enables them to integrate third party equipment such as beacons and site lighting into the vehicle
so they can control it from the touch screen in the cabin. According to Ford, this removes the need to modify the cab area or splice into wiring to fit controls, thus saving time in fitting conversions as well as potentially improving reliability and safety. A generous provision of ADAS includes cross traffic assist, reverse brake assist, 360° camera and intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop and go technology on automatic models to make driving less taxing in heavy traffic. All new Transit Customs are installed with the Ford Pro platform of software and connected services, including management tools from Ford Pro Telematics that encompass the Ford Pass Pro app for small businesses and Ford Liive for larger fleets. Also on offer is a suite of lock packs developed in conjunction with security specialist TVL.
Driven here in left-hand drive is the FWD L1H1 Transit Custom 320 panel van in Limited trim, powered by the 2.0L 150hp Ecoblue turbodiesel
engine, which is likely to be the core model in the UK.
The engine delivers power
smoothly and responsively in all driving environments, is quiet and operates in harmony with the slick six-speed manual gearbox and sure-footed steering that provides plenty of feedback to the driver. The steering wheel itself, which is adjustable for reach and rake, is on the rectangular side – but then again it is designed to transform into a table. We also got to sample the eight- speed automatic transmission in a Tourneo Custom. It is impressively refined but we can see no reason why customers opting for the manual should regret their choice.
As we are becoming used to with
Ford’s LCVs, performance and handling are class leading.
The 13in touchscreen dominates the cabin and provides a clear view for the satnav and the excellent reversing camera. The controls are straightforward and easy to understand but there is no need to feel digitalised to death as there are also some good old-fashioned knobs and buttons too, including those mounted on the steering wheel. A 12in digital instrument cluster in the dashboard complements the touchscreen and imparts information to the driver clearly without forcing them to take their eyes off the road. The driver’s seat is four-way adjustable and heated, as are the passenger seats. The interior is roomy and offers great cross-cab access, which is an impressive trait of Ford’s medium and large vans. The cabin in the van tested here was protected from the cargo area by a full-height bulkhead. Twin rear doors plus a near-side loading door provide access to the load bay, an offside loading door can be specified if desired. An integrated step makes it easier to get in and out of the side door and the load bed floor is protected by a moulded lining. Six tie down points are fitted to help secure loads.
@whatvan Novmber 2023 WhatVan? 23
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