Whilst we wait for the new Transit, limited supply of the old model has increased demand for the latest Ford Transit Custom 270 SWB.
The Custom is an addition to the Transit range, with a one tonne capacity and industry leading load volumes. Based on an entirely new chassis, there is absolutely no doubt that Ford are aiming high at the mighty Mercedes-Benz van range, the darling of the parcel couriers, with their new line up and specifications.
Ford have started with service costs and have
matched the Mercedes-Benz service schedule of 30,000 miles or two years.
The new Custom needed to be economical and has been returning over 40 mpg in testing and customer use.
The newly developed 2.2 litre diesel owes much to the research that Ford have done with car engines where they have been among the highest investors in green technology. The engine is strong and pulls from low down the rev range but revs freely. I can see how this will allow for a relaxed and economical driving style. The Custom is aerodynamic and light, the benefits of which are felt on the road.It is wind noise free and road noise is well controlled. It is extraordinarily car like in its manner and the steering has the feel of a Focus. The gearbox, although multilink is smooth and positive. Internal fit and finnish is higher quality than nor
mal in a Ford van. The steering wheel will adjust for reach and tilt as well, allied to comfortable/supportive seats, the driving position is excellent. Ford have reverted back to two passenger seats for the Transit Custom, with a range of well-considered storage compartments in the cabin.
Business vans need to be economical but not everybody wants to use their van in the same way. Ford have recognised this with three derivatives of the engine. A 99, 123 and 153 bhp derivative of the 2.2 diesel is available. In each case, the stop-start system is standard and an average fuel consumption of 42mpg is claimed for each engine.
Ford have worked hard at achieving a good capacity and ease of load, even the short wheel base can carry three Euro pallets. The rear doors, which can be locked open, open wide and the side door is large for the size of the vehicle. As a clever touch for the builder van market, Ford supply a folding roof rack that is integrated into the roof when not in use.
Aimed squarely at the Contract Hire market, the Custom is finished with well fit panels and a great list of safety and security systems. Remote central lock and double locking are standard fit to anti-tamper locks, Category 1 alarm is available as well. With safety testing requirements changing just round the corner, Ford have jumped the cue and simulated more than 4000 crash situations and over 30 crash tests were carried out using real vans. The new requirements will cover pedestrians as well as driver and passengers. Ford are aiming to be ready with the Custom and unusually have included side airbags which they have mounted on the seats. Electronically, modern safety systems can achieve much to override bad driving and the Custom is loaded with stability control, roll mitigation, brake assist and ABS. Quality like this assures future values for great leasing figures.
The Custom has a three year/100,000 mile warranty and with the extended servicing intervals, running costs should be really competitive, with your new lease van on the road more than off.
The easy availability of Ford servicing in the UK continues to be a strength and Ford are reinforcing this with continued investment in the network, another reason to lease a Ford van.
