Europe’s top-selling 1-ton van has made its debut in South Africa, aiming to capture a larger market share with its comprehensive upgrades. Alex Shahini provides insights from the Transit launch event.
Ford has finally introduced its latest commercial vehicle to an eager South African marker. The LCV van segment, unlike others, primarily serves fleets, businesses, and individuals who need the Transit’s impressive 6.8 cubic metres of utility.
Breaking from the usual spotlight on Ranger or Everest models, Ford shines with the Transit Custom. This model boasts an enviable list of accolades, including being Europe’s best-selling 1-ton van and the UK’s top-selling vehicle overall in 2021 and 2022, trailing only the Puma last year. The Transit Custom has also earned the International Van of the Year title five times since 2000, with the current generation winning in 2024.
The Ford Transit Custom 2.0SiT LWB is priced at R692 200. It features a 2.0-litre, turbo diesel, four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers 100 kW of power and 360 N.m of torque, with a top speed of 180 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.2 L/100 km, with emissions of 214 g/km.
Locally, the LCV van segment saw sales hover around 2,100 units annually before Covid-19, with 2023 numbers approaching 2,000 units. Ford anticipates growth in this segment, fueled by improving market conditions that support business expansion.
The market share for LCV vans in South Africa is shared with the Fiat Ducato, Nissan NV350, Volkswagen Transporter, Hyundai Staria, Renault Traffic, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and the leading Toyota Quantum. Despite Toyota’s dominance, the Ford Transit Custom holds a strong second place with 19% of the market.
Currently, only one version of the Transit Custom is available, priced at R692 200 without the optional service plan. Including the service plan, which 97% of Ford buyers opt for, the price is R716 770. This positions the Transit Custom higher than most rivals except the Vito. However, the new model’s features justify the price difference. The optional Ford Protect Service Plan covers 6 years/90,000 km for R24,569.75, extendable to 8 years/165,000 km.
Inside, the Transit Custom resembles a passenger vehicle more than a commercial one, thanks to its rich features and comforts. Durable, easy-to-clean plastics and rubber flooring dominate the interior, designed for practical use. The cockpit, separated by a removable bulkhead with a window, features a 13-inch infotainment screen with Sync 4, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-inch instrument cluster with an 8-inch centre display. Safety is paramount with six airbags and features like hill-launch assist, driver alert, collision mitigation, speed sign recognition, lane-keeping aid, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Optional extras include LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and a load protection kit.
Related: Mercedes-Benz unveils the upgraded Vito in South Africa
Keyless entry makes accessing the cabin easy, especially when carrying loads. The elevated driving position offers excellent visibility. The absence of a rearview mirror is mitigated by large, split-side mirrors with blind-spot panels. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine provides 100 kW and 360 N.m of torque, offering impressive fuel efficiency at 8.2 L/100 km. On the launch drive, we achieved 7.2 L/100 km, even with cargo on board, thanks to a 13% reduction in drag coefficient and a 100 kg weight reduction from the previous model.
The reduced drag also results in a quieter cabin. Noise, vibrations, and harshness are well managed, especially with the bulkhead installed. Although an automatic transmission is forthcoming, the current 6-speed manual is smooth and easy to operate, making city driving manageable.
Ford has not set specific sales targets for the new Transit, but it’s poised to become a valuable asset for businesses needing a reliable workhorse. While its price may be higher compared to some rivals, the extensive standard features and competitive capacity make it a compelling choice in the LCV market.