Update: Ford has added a new Sport trim to its mid-size Transit Custom range as well as a practical double cab variant.
Key Points
- Ford brings MY24.5 update to Transit Custom range
- New Sport trim offered in five-seat dual cab configuration
- Trend SWB and LWB prices climb $600 since December
Making a previously two-strong range double in size, the new Transit Custom Sport SWB starts at $59,990 before on-road costs, with the long-wheelbase version in double cab guise costing $62,990.
Additionally, the base Trend variants of the second-gen Transit Custom have climbed by another $600 since December last year.
Ford Australia has not confirmed local specifications of the Sport yet, however, some of the upgrades are obvious from the pictures provided.
Expect a painted rear bumper, body-colour mirror caps and front valance, black alloy wheels, and a racey sticker pack. Inside, the Sport should feature cloth upholstery with contrast striping.
Premium paint colours will include Agate Black, Magnetic, Moondust Silver, Grey Matter and Digital Aqua Blue on top of no-cost Frozen White. More details will be announced closer to the Sport's launch in Q3 2024.
Under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 125kW and 390Nm. The core diesel range will be joined by the electric E-Transit Custom by the end of the year.
Despite higher equipment levels, the three-seat Transit Custom Sport SWB retains a payload of 1023kg, thanks to a tare mass of 2002kh and 3025kg GVM. Its braked towing capacity is 2.5 tonnes.
The LWB model picks up two extra doors and seating for five, though that eats into its payload which drops to 854kg.
Still, the extra seats will enhance the Transit Custom's ability to perform double duty as a family and work vehicle, which is exactly what's made dual cab utes (such as the Ford Ranger) so popular.
Both Sport variants can have the standard barn doors switched to a liftgate for $700.
The other features, including the second-gen Transit's lower cargo area and flat cabin floor, carry over to the Sport and will eventually be seen on the Transit Custom's Volkswagen Transport T7 platform share.
For the MY24.5 Transit Custom update, Ford has added standard roof racks that are rated to carry loads up to 155kg (across all three bars).
There's also the new Secure Visibility Pack ($700) that swaps rear windows for full steel doors, while a metal bulkhead provides enhanced security. Offsetting the loss in visibility is a camera rear-view mirror with in-built dashcam.
The Load Space Air Conditioning pack ($1500) adds climate control to the storage area.
Ford is clear this isn't a substitute for refrigeration, but it will help customers maintain more stable load temperatures ideal for transporting "plants, florals, cakes, pets", according to the carmaker.
Variant | Price (before on-road costs) | Change |
---|---|---|
Trend SWB Van | $56,590 | Up $600 |
Trend LWB Van | $57,590 | Up $600 |
Sport SWB Van | $59,990 | New variant |
Sport LWB Double Cab | $62,990 | New variant |
✍🏻 John Law
Our original story, below, continues unchanged
December 2023: The 2024 Ford Transit Custom mid-size van will land in Australia in the second quarter of next year.
Snapshot
- 2024 Ford Transit Custom: Australian pricing and features
- Latest mid-size van available in one low-roof trim with short- or long-wheelbase bodies
- Due in Australia in the second quarter of 2024, E-Transit Custom EV to follow
Priced from $55,990 plus on-road costs – up $5600 over the current model – the latest Transit Custom is offered a single low-roof Trend grade in short- or long-wheelbase form.
It is powered by a carryover 125kW/390Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder single-turbo diesel – also found in base Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok utes – matched to a new “high-efficiency” eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission exclusively sending power to the front wheels.
As with the current Transit Custom, it has a claimed combined fuel efficiency of 8.0L/100km – compared to 7.0L/100km for a Hyundai Staria Load or 8.2L/100km for a Toyota HiAce van.
Despite looking like a reskin of the outgoing model that launched in 2012, Ford claims it is “designed from the ground up” with a lower cargo floor height. It is lighter than before, features independent rear suspension, and has an uprated 2.5-tonne braked towing capacity.
The new platform will also underpin the upcoming Volkswagen Transporter/Caravelle, as part of a commercial vehicle partnership that has spawned the Ford Ranger-based VW Amarok and the Europe-only, VW Caddy-based Ford Tourneo Connect.
Both the Transit Custom and the new VW Transporter will be produced at Ford’s plant in Turkey.
An all-electric E-Transit Custom is due in Australia “later” next year. It harnesses a 400-volt electrical architecture with a 74kWh battery pack, enabling a WLTP-rated driving range of 380 kilometres.
The electric motor produces 160kW and 415Nm, and the E-Transit Custom has a DC charge rate of up to 124kW, allowing for a charge from 15 to 80 per cent in a claimed 41 minutes.
Short-wheelbase variants – with a 3100 millimetre wheelbase and 5050mm overall length – offer a 5.8 cubic metre maximum load volume and six tie-down points, while the 3500mm long-wheelbase variant extends this to 6.8 cubic metres and eight tie-down points. It has a 5450mm overall length.
The 2024 Ford Transit Custom diesel is due in Australia in the second quarter of next year (April-June inclusive).
"The all-new Transit Custom range will continue to expand with further variants, including the new E-Transit Custom, joining the line-up later in 2024," said Ford Australia.
2024 Ford Transit Custom pricing
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Model | Pricing | Change |
---|---|---|
Trend SWB | $55,990 | up $5600 |
Trend LWB | $56,990 | up $4600 |
2024 Ford Transit Custom features
2024 Ford Transit Custom Trend features | |
---|---|
16-inch steel wheels with covers | Push-button start |
Full-size 16-inch spare wheel | Autonomous emergency braking (vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, intersection) |
180-degree opening rear barn doors with window | Lane-keep assist |
13-inch Sync 4 infotainment system | Lane departure warning |
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Blind-spot alert |
Built-in satellite navigation with one-year connected trial | Rear cross-traffic alert |
FordPass Connect with 5G-embedded modem | Adaptive cruise control |
Wireless phone charger | Automatic high beam |
7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster | Side exit warning |
Four drive modes: Normal, eco, slippery, tow/haul | Hill launch assist |
LED headlights and daytime running lights | Front and rear parking sensors |
Rear fog lamps | 180-degree rear-view camera |
LED cargo area lighting |
2024 Ford Transit Custom options
SVO paint (58 colours) – $1400
Dual side load doors, no windows – $1000
2024 Ford Transit Custom colours | |
---|---|
Frozen white | Magnetic* |
Agate black* | Moondust silver* |
*Premium paint, $700 |
COMMENTS