Since 2012, the European division of the American automaker Ford began to produce a front-wheel drive mid-size van, known as the Ford Transit Custom. Which quickly gained popularity and continues to be in demand to this day. However, the merits of this van deserve special attention.
Briefly about the model
As you might guess, based on the name, this car is selected from the line of models known as the Ford Transit. New in 2012 was released as an improved and more modern alternative to the fourth generation.
It is important to note that both the Ford Transit Custom commercial van and the passenger van are produced. Only the version intended for comfortable movement is known under the additional name Tourneo.
Representatives of the European division noted that the idea to start production of this model came about as a result of the manufacturer’s desire to compete with successful representatives of this segment, which are cars such as Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes Vito.
And, it is worth noting, the manufacturers managed to achieve their goal. In 2012, the model was released, and in the same year it was recognized as the van of the year in Europe. And Ford Transit Custom was the first plain van to receive 5 stars in the safety rating, according to Euro NCAP.
Practicality
This van has a large cargo hold. In Ford Transit Custom, you can place several Euro pallets at once, both in vertical and horizontal position. And their dimensions, by the way, are 800x1200x145 mm.
But transporting large loads in this van is not a problem. The length of the transport is almost 5 meters, and the height is more than two. Width without mirrors reaches 1986 mm. In addition, the sliding side doors of these models open at 1030 mm. Therefore, loading large items will not cause any inconvenience. The opening of the rear doors of these trucks reaches 1,400 mm.
The maximum loading length is 2,555 mm. But it can be increased due to the presence of a hatch in the partition (by 530 mm). The total volume of cargo space is 6 square meters. m. A van is designed to transport things at a maximum of 2.7 tons. In this case towing is allowed. But its maximum should not exceed 2700 kg.
Features of a complete set
The latest versions of Ford Transit Custom / Tourneo vans have many technical highlights that improve the usability and functionality of the model.
The rear view camera, for example, turns on automatically as soon as the driver selects reverse gear. And if you need to place bulky luggage on the roof, then you don’t have to worry about its integrity during transportation, as the developers integrated folding cargo crossbars into the roof, providing reliable and convenient fastening.
Still, if we talk about what the Ford Transit Custom “accessories” have, then we can not fail to note parking sensors. They are at this van both at the rear and at the front. They perfectly contribute to a confident and fast parking - while reducing the distance, the intensity of warning sound signals increases.
Salon
Once inside this van, people momentarily fall into bewilderment. The interior resembles the interior of a car for business people, but not a truck.
Inside, everything is designed as ergonomically as possible. There are audio control buttons on the steering wheel. The wide driver's seat is equipped with adjustable, heated and has a comfortable armrest. The same goes for passenger seats. The audio system is also not simple - AM / FM, with "bluetooth", a USB connector and AUX. The steering column can be adjusted for reach and height. Mirrors are equipped with heated and electrically adjustable.
With particular attention I would like to note the level of safety in a car such as Ford Transit Custom. The reviews left by people about these vans often touch upon this important topic.
These cars are equipped with powerful security systems. The body, for example, is made of especially strong steel containing boron. There are passenger and driver airbags, hill start assistance, TSC, ESP, ABS and even Hands Free.
Characteristics
Under the hood, this van is equipped with a modern economical diesel engine, the volume of which is 2.2 liters. He works in tandem with a 6-speed “mechanics”. There are two options - one produces 125 liters. s., and the other - 100 liters. from.
The Ford Transit Custom van chassis deserves special attention. The technical characteristics of this component provide maximum stability to the car. Although an important role is played by the solid body structure.
It should also be noted that in the process of developing this van, traction control technology was used in turns. Thanks to it, power is redistributed dynamically, as well as braking force.
By the way, the battery of this van is equipped with an intelligent regenerative recharging system. Due to her, he is replenished with energy only at those moments when it is necessary. But not while the gas pedal is depressed. Due to this specificity, fuel is saved and the level of CO 2 substances released into the atmosphere is reduced.
And on the dashboard there is a special indicator that tells the driver at what point he needs to switch to another gear. This is a simple but very effective method of saving fuel.
Comments motorists
People who own vans of this model leave extremely positive reviews. First of all, they note the expense. From 5.5 to 6 liters per 100 kilometers! Excellent performance. Thanks to such data, Transit successfully competes with VW Transporter, which consumes up to 7.3 liters.
Many more like the bright illumination of the cargo compartment with LED optics. True, it is offered as an option. But owners who have already bought this Ford are advised to order it - a very practical and useful addition.
Also, many people like the compartment under the passenger seat in which you can store something small - a laptop, for example. Or a tool kit.
But the main reason this Custom / Tourneo has become popular is because of the engines. The power units, as well as some elements of the transmission, the developers adopted from the models of the previous generation of trucks, which have already managed to perfectly prove themselves.