The Transit Custom’s winning ways substantially stem from its driver satisfaction. For multi-drop delivery work or those who spend long stints at the wheel between each site visit, it is a joy.
The seat comfort is excellent, with plenty of adjustment but always a good high driving position offering great visibility allied to the deep widows and large mirrors. All combine to make it easy to place in city traffic. Noise levels inside the cab are commendably low with little wind noise at motorway speeds. The steering feel is great, although the Fiesta-sourced steering wheel seems too small, but the turning circle is as good as any front-wheel drive van can hope for. The manual gear change is light and slick, although the automatic is a little slow-witted, it is effortless in traffic. The suspension’s enforced compromise between load-bearing and ride quality is well-judged, whilst the long-wheelbase version further benefits comfort levels. The Custom is quite simply, one of the most driver-focussed vans you’ll ever find.
Much of the credit for its dynamic prowess has to be given to the engine range.
Initially power came from Ford’s Duratorq 2.2L diesel then from 2018 the more efficient 2.0L EcoBlue version. The original 2.2L offered three power outputs of 100, 125 or 155hp with attendant torque figures from 310Nm through to 385Nm in the 155hp version. When the 2.0L replaced it, this offered 105hp, 130hp and 170hp power outputs. The ‘SelectShift’ automatic transmission was then also offered as an option with the 130hp and 170hp engines.
The final development of the combustion-engined Custom saw the introduction of the MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle). This version of the Custom is now becoming established in the late-used sector. Offering a 130hp or 170hp 2.0L diesel combined with a 48-volt system where the starter motor and generator are combined. It boasts improvements in economy and drivability and takes this great all-round van further down the route to its EV destination.
The Transit Custom had the benefit of a facelift in 2018. Of more significance this also brought improvements to the van’s interior adding more storage pockets and increasing the number of cup holders. Most importantly of all, it added Ford’s Sync3 generation of infotainment system as an option. This boasts an 8.0in touchscreen, with full voice control, and a raft of USB and connectivity options. Adaptive cruise control was also an option incorporating a side-wind stabilisation aspect to the driver assistance package with rear cross-traffic sensors to warn of approaching vehicles when having to reverse out of a parking space or gateway.
At the business end the Transit Custom sits right in the middle ground weight-wise, yet it covers the widest range of applications and trades. Two wheelbase versions are available, creating overall lengths of 5.0m and 5.34m respectively. The short-wheelbase has a load bay length of 2.55m which combined with a low roof gives 6.0m3 of load volume thanks to a width between the wheel arches of 1.39m. The longer version with a high roof offers 8.3m3 of load space and with the optional load-through bulkhead load lengths up to 3.4 metres can be accommodated. The Custom’s payloads range from 880Kgs to 1,400 kgs with gross vehicle weights from 2.6 to 3.4-tonnes. Finally, a wide range of used models to choose from and a huge dealer network, makes the win inevitable.
Highly Commended: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
For people outside the LCV world, Mercedes-Benz stands for luxury, but that was missing from early Sprinters. Not lately. The latest generation to hit the used market boasts a 10in, touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and music, and excellent navigation system, dynamic reversing camera and links to Android Apps for personalised multi-driver profiles.
Add to that the excellent seats, great visibility, light controls, first class refinement, with great cab storage and it’s clear to see why it’s a popular van.
With four overall lengths, three roof heights, load volumes from 8.0 to 17.0m3 and payloads ranging from 880 to 1,500kgs the choice is huge. Powered by four-cylinder or V6 turbo-diesels up to 250hp with manual or automatic gearboxes and front or rear-wheel drive, the final ingredient has to be the three-pointed star’s well-deserved reliability and longevity reputation. Job done.
