Thanks to our local northwest customer for visiting us with their Ford Transit Custom Tourneo SWB Diesel FWD 2.0 TDCi 130ps Low Roof 8 Seater Trend (now referred to as the “Zetec”) in Moondust Silver Metallic Paint.
This vehicle is a great option for people, or businesses, who need to lease a people-carrier or Minibus option. In particular, we find that that roofing companies, large construction companies, nurseries / childcare organisations and schools / colleges like this type of vehicle. The issue that these businesses face is that the bigger vehicles result in drivers needing a “D1” on their licence. For anyone who passes their test after 1 January 1997, they cannot operate a minibus vehicle on the public highway. For reference – a minibus (small bus) is a vehicle which carries between 9 and 16 passengers. Our team at CarLease UK and VanLease UK do get asked these questions quite regularly and, due to the regulation involved with these vehicles, we find that there is a preference to go towards small 9 seater (8 passenger) vehicles, such as the one pictured .
The Ford Custom Tourneo has proved to be one of the most popular vehicles within this range which also includes a Renault Trafic Minibus, Mercedes Vito and VW Shuttle. Now that the Ford has gone to the Euro 6 platform (which offers a 105ps, 130ps and 170ps). The 130ps, pictured here, offers a more responsible 39MPG. For the high-mileage user, this means a more reasonable whole life cost, particularly when you add the longer life servicing schedules – every 24 months or 36,000 miles.
In terms of the Custom, you have an option between a Trend (Zetec) and Limited (Titanium). The former adds power-adjustable mirrors, fog lights, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, Bluetooth, cruise control and a quickclear windscreen system. In terms of the Limited, you add 16” alloy wheels, privacy glass, body-coloured stylings, heated front seats, air conditioning and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm. Additionally, you can choose between a SWB (L1) and LWB (L2) option. Just consider that you do need to have Front Seat Pack 17 to add the dual passenger bench seat and to ensure the vehicle carries 8 passengers (not 7).
As an alternative to the normal MPV’s like the Seat Alhambra, Ford Galaxy and VW Touran, the Custom offers a more rustic and commercial alternative which might be suitable for more hands-on personal drivers and businesses.
