CUSTOM MADE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Ford has re-invented its strong selling Transit Custom mid-sized van in second generation form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 47

The Transit Custom evolves into second generation form with the aid of shared design with Volkswagen. As well as the familiar diesel range, there's an improved PHEV variant and, most notably, a full-electric E-Transit Custom model too. Britain's best selling van just got a lot more up-to-date.

Backgroundword count: 217

The Transit Custom isn't only Ford's best-selling van, out-selling its nearest rival three-to-one. It isn't only the nation's best-selling van of any kind. It's also the UK's best-selling vehicle full-stop, currently out-selling Britain's best-selling car, the Vauxhall Corsa, by about 25%. So this, our review on the all-new second generation Transit Custom, is a big deal because this LCV is hugely significant. What it now isn't in this second generation form is purely a Ford. The so-called 'Project Cyclone' agreement between Ford and Volkswagen provides for all future Volkswagen commercials to use Ford underpinnings (in return for Ford gaining access to Volkswagen's MEB platform for passenger EVs). Which is why most of what matters with this MK2 Transit Custom is shared with the new generation Volkswagen Transporter, which will be built alongside it at Ford's Otosan plant in Turkey. The headlines predictably lie with electrification - a bigger-capacity PHEV powertrain and an all-new EV model. But the previous diesel powerplant continues too. The Transit Custom model line dates back to 2012 - prior to which 'Custom' was merely a Transit trim level. An update in 2018 coincided with a huge surge in sales as home delivery took off, subsequently fuelled by the pandemic. That'll help this MK2 Transit Custom as well. But just how good is it?

Driving Experienceword count: 282

This MK2 Transit Custom model's calling card is its greater degree of powertrain electrification but we tried a diesel because that's what the majority of Transit Custom operators will want to do for the foreseeable future. It's the same 2.0-litre EcoBlue unit that featured in post-facelift versions of the previous generation model, but can now be paired with a new high-efficiency 8-speed automatic gearbox. There are four engine outputs - 110PS, 136PS, the 150PS model we tried and the top auto-only 170PS version. AWD is now an option with the 136PS variant. As for those electrified powertrain options we mentioned, well if you don't want to be constrained by range, it's worth taking a look at the 232PS PHEV variant, now based around a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired to an electric motor powered by a now larger 11.8kWh battery which, when fully charged, is expected supposed to be able to take this LCV up to 34 miles without troubling fossil fuel. The alternative is the E-Transit Custom full-EV, launched with a 64kWh battery paired to electric motor options developing either 136PS, 218PS or even 285PS. EV range is up to 209 miles and with DC fast charging up to 125kW, a 15-80 per cent recharge requires 41 minutes. Whatever your choice of Transit Custom powertrain, this Ford continues to easily set the standard in its class for ride and handling. Aided in this MK2 model by a freshly-developed semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension design that improves body roll, steering precision and traction. There's a wide range of drive modes too - 'Normal', 'Eco', 'Sport' and 'Slippery' - plus you can have a 'Tow/Haul' setting that facilitates a maximum towing weight of 2,800kg.

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