The Ford Transit Custom van launched in 2012 and has been coming in different models ever since. Over the years, the Ford Transit has become one of Europe’s leading van choices, and the trend continues. Ford chose to divide is Transit line into the Transit and Transit Custom.
The Transit Custom is the smaller standard 1-tonne model.
The Ford Transit Custom comes in three different horsepower ratings. There is also a choice of short wheelbase at a length of 4.97 m and long wheelbase at 5.34 m, with high and low roof options. The look of the Transit Custom is more luxurious when compared to some of the previous models. The Transit Custom has been doing an excellent job of providing van users just about everything they need from a vehicle. With the 2016 variant, not a lot of changes were necessary. Here is a look at some of the features of the Transit Custom 2016.
The Driving Experience
The 2016 Ford Transit Custom offers a smooth ride with a responsive steering wheel that a driver can adjust to a certain reach. A driver can also change the seat in 8 different ways, which increases the comfort of the van when driving. There is also lumbar support for the driver and better cushioning in the seats. The model has six-speed automatic transmissions, and there is good visibility when driving. There is a difference with the 2015 Transit Custom when it comes to reliability and durability. The driveline was impressive then and much so with the new one.
With the Ford Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engine, the Transit Custom 2016 has horsepower ranges of 9bhp, 123bhp and 153bhp with front wheel drives. There are tweaks in the engine to reduce CO2 emissions to about 178-189g/Km, which is within the regulations of the EU. It helps conserve the environment and save money on fuel consumption. The Ford Transit Custom 2016 also comes in eco-friendly models that carry the ECOnectic technology. With this technology, there is calibration to the 99bph engine to provide smart regenerative charging. It means that when the van brakes or decelerates, the alternator works harder, and the engine power is less when accelerating. ECOnectic model variants also have aerodynamic wheel trims and battery management systems.
Interior
The flexibility of space is one of the reasons the Ford Transit has become so popular. Although the practicality is not the same as in the previous models, it still comes close. The centre console is similar to that of the Ford Fiesta and Focus. The steering wheel has several buttons that control different functions like Bluetooth, voice activation, cruise control and audio. There are slight improvements in the features in comparison to the Focus 2015 where the Custom gets its inspiration from.
One distinct improvement is the use of a polymer in the interior instead of plastic. This change gives the interior of the Transit Custom a look of luxury and comfort. It is also quieter when driving at high speeds. For entertainment, the new Transit Custom has a SYNC GEN II infotainment system. In the past, users complained about too many buttons in the interior of the van. Now there is an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen that accommodates all those buttons.
The interior of the cabin is spacious enough to accommodate the driver and passengers. There is incredible flexibility in the seating arrangements, which make the van suitable for different services.
Security
To improve its security, the Ford Transit Custom allows the driver to open one door without necessarily opening the others. There is a switch on the driver’s door that provides control of all of the other doors. The van has the custom remote control central door, and there are two alarms available.
Concerning safety, the van has a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. The Transit Custom also has an alert system that causes vibrations in the steering wheel when the van veers off lane without prior indication. This feature earned it the Euro NCAP Advanced reward making it the first commercial vehicle to do so. There is also an emergency brake assist that activates when the system senses that the driver is trying braking manoeuvres. When a driver brakes heavily, the indicator flashes as a warning to other road users.
There is also an ESP electronic stability program that activates when the van detects potential danger when driving. The van also has a system that alerts the driver when they lose concentration while on the road.
Load Space
The Transit Custom 2016 has a standard bulkhead even in the double cab models. There is noise reduction due to the bulkhead, and it also keeps passengers safe from the loads they are moving in the back of the van. The bulkhead allows longer loads to go under the passer seat, which increases practicality. There is a roof rack option that can carry up to 350kgs. The seats in the Custom Kombi can fold to provide more space for loads and a compartment under the front passenger seat can carry small packages.
The Ford Transit Custom offers versatility and practicality in its load space and handles well on the road. Its ruggedness makes it suitable for all types of deliveries.
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