The new Ford Transit Custom is such an accomplished van it is easy to believe that whichever version you are driving must be the outstanding model in the line-up.
That was certainly our initial impression when we got behind the wheel of the Transit Custom Limited 2.0-litre EcoBlue L2H1 six-speed manual, until we remembered that we have been impressed by every iteration of the Custom we have encountered, whether that be short-wheelbase, left-hand drive, automatic or fully electric.
Ford says this is the most comprehensive product range for the Custom to date with panel van, double-cab-in-van (DCiV), Kombi and Kombi van and the passenger-carrying Custom Tourneo up for grabs. New for 2024 is a Camper Donor version and a versatile Multi-Cab van.
Powertrain options
Means of propulsion offered in the Custom line-up include diesel, mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV). New Sport, Active and Trail models complement the core specification grades of Leader, Trend and Limited.
Ford is offering diesel-powered Customs with front-wheel drive (FWD), which is the set up driven here with the 150hp engine, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is offered on automatic variants. Customers needing enhanced traction on manual models can specify the 136hp or 150hp power outputs with a mechanical limited-slip differential. The comprehensive diesel engine line up is completed with 110hp and 170hp outputs. PHEV comes with FWD and the BEV is rear-wheel-drive (RWD).
Ford introduced the new Custom in three phases: the first wave, which consisted of FWD diesel Transit in two lengths and one height, and Tourneo derivatives up to Limited/Titanium specifications kicked off in October 2023. Next, in the first quarter of 2024, came AWD diesel vans as well as PHEV (petrol-electric) Transit Customs and Tourneo Customs, which have a claimed electric-only range of up to 34 miles. Multicab, DCiV, Kombi, Sport, Trail, Active and Titanium X versions also joined the line up during this period. Finally, high roof and BEV vans went on sale in June this year. Ford expects the best sellers to be the 136hp and 150hp panel vans in Trend and Limited trims.
Interior features
The Custom range is laden with new features, which Ford claims are all customer focused. The party piece is the new tilting steering wheel that adds a new dimension to the concept of the mobile office. The wheel’s squared off rim rotates to become a stand for tablets and laptops as well as a flat-topped table to accommodate paperwork or even lunch. It comes as part of the Cab as Office with Full Tilt Steering Wheel pack for £500 (all prices ex-VAT). The pack also includes enhanced cab lighting, additional USB connections, an integrated rubbish bin, laptop storage between the seats and Amps accessory docking.
Our van didn’t get the tilting steering wheel so we had to make do with the heated, fixed Sensico steering wheel (a £150 option), which retains the curiously squared off dimensions of the tilted version but is surprisingly easy to hold and in no way detracts from the van’s excellent and responsive handling.
Another feature in the interior sees the passenger airbag installed in a roof-mounted position to free up more storage space to create a far deeper (lockable) glovebox in the dashboard. Cabin comfort is boosted by heated driver and passenger seats, a driver seat with lumbar support and adjustable arm rests, the Complete Dual Passenger Seat (a £345 option), which features a middle seat that folds into a table and automatic air conditioning.
Handy storage spaces for items like smart phones and keys are in short supply but there are useful trays on top of the dashboard.
A 13in touchscreen dominates the dashboard and houses Ford’s SYNC 4 connectivity, with access to Android Auto and, in our case, Apple CarPlay. Connecting to CarPlay is straightforward and enables hands-free phone use as well as meaning there is no need to specify integrated satnav as you can use the facility on your smartphone.
As is customary with Ford’s medium and large vans, cross-cab manoeuvring is easy and occupants can rest assured they are well-protected from heavy goods that
may come loose in the load bed by a full metal bulkhead.
Onboard tech
All new Transit Customs are installed with the Ford Pro platform of software and connected services, enabling management tools from Ford Pro Telematics that encompass the Ford Pass Pro app for small businesses and FORDLiive for larger fleets.
Standard ADAS fitted to the Limited includes a collision mitigation system that warns the driver if it senses an imminent impact, cruise control (adaptive cruise control can be specified), lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors and a good reversing camera. The speed sign recognition alert gets a little irritating in town but can be turned off, although this has to be done on every new journey.
On the road, the 150hp engine provides impressive performance, with peak torque of 360Nm biting at 1,500 to 2,500rpm. It delivers power smoothly and swiftly in all driving environments, is quiet and operates in harmony with the super-slick six-speed manual gearbox and sure-footed steering, which provides plenty of reassuring feedback to the driver. The ride is on the firm side but supportive and comfortable whether on winding roads or pot-holed, speed-humped urban routes.
Twin rear doors plus a near-side loading door provide access to the load bay, which is well illuminated with interior lights, and an offside loading door can be specified if required. An integrated step makes it easy to get in and out of the side door and the load bed floor is protected by a moulded lining. Six tie-down points are fitted to help secure loads and a 16in steel spare wheel is included to get you back on the move if one of the Limited’s 16in alloys gets damaged.
| Model | Ford Transit Custom Limited 320 panel van L2H1 150hp |
| Price (ex VAT) | £39,465 |
| Price range (ex VAT) | £32,350 – £44,250 |
| Insurance group | tbc |
| Warranty | 3yrs/100,000mls |
| Service intervals | 2yrs/25,000mls |
| Load length | 3,002mm |
| Load width (min/max) | 1,392mm /1,777mm |
| Load bay height | 1,427mm |
| Gross payload | 1,258kg |
| Load volume | 6.8m3 |
| Engine size/power | 1,996cc/150hp |
| Combined fuel economy | 38.7mpg |
| CO2 | 191g/km |
| On sale | October 2023 |
| Key rival | Volkswagen Transporter |
| Verdict | The 150hp six-speed manual Limited L2H1 is a core member of the Custom range that sets the benchmark for medium vans. |
| Score | 9/10 |
