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Just a month after introducing the Tourneo Custom passenger van, Ford has unveiled its blue-collar sibling. This front-wheel-drive European cargo hauler—it also will be offered in select global markets, but not ours—is expected to carry on the Transit legacy for the next generation of Euro van fans. The Transit Custom will arrive in the 2012 calendar year.
What's It to You?
This isn't the Transit that is set to replace the venerable E-series in Ford's hardworking domestic lineup, so why should Americans care? Because it's based on Ford's highly versatile and configurable new commercial one-ton van platform, which by all accounts will play a role in underpinning the Transit vans that should begin rolling off North American assembly lines in the near future.
Ford wants you to know that although it may share some of its underpinnings with the Euro Transit Custom, the domestic Transit will be a rear-wheel-drive, direct replacement for the current E-series. With beefed-up, heavy-duty underpinnings, our Transit will be powered by the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost that can be found in the F-150 and weigh in 300 pounds less than the existing E-series, according to its maker. Ford also says the new van should be at least 25-percent more fuel efficient. A diesel engine option for the U.S.-market Transit also will be available. We suspect the "T" will replace the "E" in the van's duty-rating nomenclature. A Face Even a Car Guy Can Love
One look at the images, and it's clear that virtually every exterior styling detail on the Tourneo Custom passenger van has made the move to the Transit Custom. The front in particular bears a familial resemblance to the Focus and Fiesta, both of which adhere to Ford's Kinetic design formula. Ford claims the stylish exterior, carlike interior, and refined—for a van—driving dynamics do nothing to diminish the previous Transit's durability. Girth Gives Birth to Cargo-Hauling Mirth
Staying true to its lineage, the Transit Custom is optimized for swallowing large loads in both short- and long-wheelbase versions. (The SWB version measures around 194 inches in overall length, the LWB at about 201.) In possibly one of the Transit's most overt hints at its global intentions, 4×8 sheets of plywood––that truly American barometer of cargo-hauling measurement––fit easily on the flat floor between the rear wheel arches. Repositionable tie hooks and an easy-clean floor liner keep the rear compartment tidy, while a load-through hatch in the bulkhead permits extra-long items such as pipes or ladders to be carried in the vehicle with the rear doors closed.
An integrated roof-rack system can be folded to reduce wind drag and overall vehicle height when not in use; it's an option we'd like to see Stateside.
Ford's 2.2-liter Duratorq diesel engine will power the new Transit Custom. Available in 99-hp, 123-hp, and 153-hp power ratings, Ford touts combined fuel economy of up to 43 mpg in the European cycle. Inside the Beast
The thoroughly modern, driver-focused cockpit features a sculpted instrument panel that combines stylish looks with plenty of stowage space. A highly adjustable driver's seat and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes aim to give a wide variety of operators a comfortable driving position. Tech features include Sync's voice-activated in-car connectivity, a rearview camera, and lane-keeping alert to keep the Transit Custom in line. Electronic stability control with a torque-vectoring function provide for enhanced traction and stability.
So there you have them: all the details on a vehicle that's coming everywhere but here. But if you look close enough, you'll find a few hints of what Ford has up its sleeve for the North American full-size Transit. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com | |||
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Thursday, April 19, 2012
Get in the Van: The Euro-Market Ford Transit Custom Cargo is Ready to Haul Your Junk
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