WINNER
days easier, listening in particular to the concerns of small business users. Most eye catching among the new additions 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. 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 busy delivery drivers who make multiple drops during their working days, Ford will introduce the Delivery Assist pack in October 2024 to increase efficiency and reduce tiredness by automating processes that would otherwise take up more time and energy. 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. Upon returning, the driver can keylessly enter 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. A generous provision of ADAS includes cross traffic assist, reverse brake assist, 360-degree 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.
Medium Van of the Year Having been crowned our overall Van of the Year, it follows that the Transit Custom also won its category: Medium Van of the Year. We drove 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.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Renault has updated its Trafic with no corresponding increase in its pricing. The medium van now comes with active emergency braking, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, and tyre pressure monitoring as standard. Models specified with the Extra trim level now feature a hands-free key card and automatic high beam assist as standard equipment. In addition, Extra Sport versions now feature adaptive cruise control and 360-degree parking sensors as standard. With the Trafic E-Tech complementing the compact Kangoo
E-Tech and large Master E-Tech, Renault has a full line-up of electric vans. It features a 52kWh battery that delivers a range of up to 186 miles on the WLTP cycle – although Renault claims this can get close to 230 miles if the van is confined to purely urban routes. An Eco mode optimises range and a ‘Long Range’ mode limits speed to 56mph but stretches WLTP range to a claimed 200 miles. Load volumes span from 5.8m3
to 8.9m3 payload across the Trafic E-Tech range is 1,100kg. , and top 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. 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. And 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
Renault Trafic
Did you know? The Custom introduces
Ford Pro’s new exit warning
technology. It alerts drivers to the approach of vehicles if they attempt to open the door in the face of oncoming traffic.
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
December 2023 WhatVan?
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