The Ford Transit Custom, the UK’s best-selling van for ten consecutive years

Car Reviewed: Ford Transit Custom

This one’s no different, any new Ford Transit is a big deal, this one now comes with an electric drivetrain option, making it a little bit more special. For now, we’ll talk about the 2.0-litre 136ps diesel. As always, there are heaps of body options and lengths, and buyers can choose from 108, 136, 150, 170, and 227ps options.

The gear shifter on automatic models has now been relocated to the steering column (images shown are the manual model), which can take some time to get used to. While there’s no upper storage, there are plenty of cubby holes. Fold down the middle seat and you’ll find a table. There’s a nifty but flimsy fold-out cup holder in the dashboard.

The entry-level 136ps engine in my test van was mated to an eight-speed automatic. On the open road with no load, the Transit Custom has decent pickup and handles corners exceptionally well. However, it can struggle up hills and overtaking needs to be planned. Therefore, the 150ps or 170ps would be a sensible option, especially if you plan on regularly using it for a full load. Its suspension feels composed and soaks up potholes nicely.

On a few occasions, the cabin plastics squeaked when driving over uneven surfaces, which became quite irritating and the driver’s electric window button kept sticking. Thanks to its flat floor and lifted dashboard, it can easily accommodate three passengers.

Its gearbox feels smooth around town and on longer journeys and if you can refrain from driving like an average white van driver, it’ll get around 37mpg.

While the steering wheel has plenty of buttons, the central touchscreen takes prominence. Four buttons control the windscreen demist, drive select, parking function, and a driver assistance shortcut. The touchscreen can be sometimes laggy.

The Transit Custom’s payload is decent enough at 1,407kg, but you must be careful when selecting which one to buy, as some can only carry 1,000kg. If you plan on towing, the braked towing weights range between 2,000kg and 2,800kg.

While it comes with excellent standard kit, there are many options to choose from, such as roof racking, a heated steering wheel, dual batteries, an extended dashboard console, underbody protection, and a smart digital rear-view mirror to make reversing that bit easier.

This latest model continues to impress and solidifies the Transit Custom’s position as an excellent upgrade in the competitive van market.

Author Rating 4.8/5

★★★★★

Car Reviewed: Ford Transit Custom

on the road price £32,350 with options, as tested £39,230

0-62mph 14.9secs
Top speed 106mph
Engine 2.0-litre 4-cyl Eco-Blue turbo diesel
Fuel Economy 37mpg (as tested)
Max Power 134bhp@3250rpm
Torque 361Nm
Dimensions MM 5450 L/2275 W/1966 H
CO2 emissions 161-169g/km
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Payload 1000-1407 Kg

Matthew MacConnell

Journalist

A motoring journalist from Central Scotland with a Diploma in Freelance and Feature Writing from the London School of Journalism, contributing to various online and print automotive publications. Matthew covers features, news and car reviews and enjoys the fast-paced environment of the motoring world with a strong coffee in hand. From a Honda Jazz to a Lamborghini Reventón there’s nothing off limits.