Ford Transit Custom: best of the bunch  

The Ford Transit: a van that needs no introduction. It’s spearheaded the LCV market for half a century — can the new Custom continue the tradition?

A history of success

When we think of Ford Transit vans, there’s a few key ingredients putting them at the pointy end of best-sellers lists for the last 50 years. 

Customisation lies at the heart of all things Transit. Historically, there's been a wheelbase, trim, powertrain, and capacity available for almost anyone, creating a workhorse adaptable to nearly any situation. Today, these options are spread across the pint-sized Transit Courier, compact Transit Connect, classic large Transit, and today's subject, the mid-sized Ford Transit Custom.

Reliability has also played its part in the Transit’s success story. Once the proven design had established itself as a market leader, this popularity snowballed into huge dealer network with an abundance of spare parts to keep you on the road and minimize downtime.

Last up, there is the sheer brand recognition of the blue oval’s van. The Transit name dates back to the 50s, before being officially attached to the Mark 1 model in 1965. Since then, it has become THE van — likely the first you think of, particularly in white — borderline synonymous, and for many, the default option in the sector.

Enter the Custom 

The Ford Transit Custom has taken this dominance to new heights since its 2012 introduction. By fending off competition from big hitters, including the Citroen Dispatch and Vauxhall Vivaro, it is currently on a 10-year streak as the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle.  This will no doubt soften the blow of losing its 2021-2022 crown of best-selling vehicle overall (to the facelifted Ford Puma no less), while still far outselling the full-sized Transit, and doubling on the sales of its next medium-sized direct competitor. 

Concerningly for the competition, Ford has gathered feedback, and set out to improve the newest Custom — no resting on their laurels here.

A fresh platform

The Custom has been built from the ground up on an all-new platform, leaning on the flexibility and customisation that have made the Transit such a historic success.

All platforms need strong foundations, and Ford has opted to roll the new Transit Custom out on Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tyres. Any surface, any weather — this rubber should have you covered.

On the powertrains front, there's a fresh choice of Ford’s popular EcoBlue diesel engines, which are available with up to 6% better fuel efficiency than the previous model, and a maximum of 40.4 mpg. For those looking to take it a step further there is also a plug-in hybrid variant, based on the Ford Kuga’s popular powertrain setup, as well as an all-electric E-Transit Custom on its way soon for the first time. Options galore for those looking to trade pump for plug, or cruise through Low Emission Zones without any drama.

Atop this platform, we find an exterior with a slightly more aggressive, imposing look, put together through “extensive aerodynamic simulation”. The result of this is, a Custom is 13% more slippery when cutting through the air of the open road, providing further potential for reduced running costs. 

With a slightly lower roof than the outgoing model (who needs science to improve aerodynamics? Just chop off the top), load volumes have also been trimmed down to between 5.8-6.8m3 for the standard height model. However, these figures, along with the maximum load length of 3.45m, can be boosted through the various length and height options offered — customisable as ever, but for us the more cargo space, the better.

The Custom has long been touted for its car-like handling and precise steering, and Ford’s updated platform aims to improve here as well, incorporating a new independent rear suspension. A more planted feel puts you in touch with the road, also minimising unwanted bumps. Although we would question whether sharp steering and a full cargo load is a recipe for disaster — egg couriers and vase peddlers beware.

A Techy Transit

Ford’s market research has been thoroughly applied inside, and a lot of quality-of-life tech can be found across the various cab configurations.

A huge 13-inch touchscreen with SYNC4, Alexa, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, can now be found up-front as standard to keep you in touch and entertained. However, as fingerprint detesters, we can’t help but point out that technology may have gone too far for us, as the tactile climate control dials of yesteryear have been absorbed into the infotainment screen — smudgey.

Next to this screen, you can now opt for a “squircle” (squared circle — not a Pokémon) steering wheel. Recognising that vans have become more than just transport from A-to-B this flips into a little flat-topped tray, ideal for paperwork, laptops, and most importantly, lunch time. 

Our final highlight is the upcoming Delivery Assist system, set to lend a hand once lunch-break is over. Activating as you shift into park to make a delivery, the Transit will automatically pop on its hazard lights, close any open windows, and lock the doors behind you once you’ve hopped out. Delivery drop-off complete, you can keylessly re-enter and restart whilst the hazards switch back off, and the windows re-set to where you had them before. A welcome relief if you're one of the drivers Ford has spotted making 200 delivery stops a day.

So, with the luxury of relying on their existing network, Ford’s new platform replicates a historic formula, adding a couple modern twists along the way. But is it enough to ensure the Transit Custom’s continued success?

Hero image credit: Ford