Now with a 6-year/90 000 km service plan as standard, the updated Ford Transit Van and Chassis Cab really gets to put its best face forward.
Front-end styling that reflects Ford’s latest design language as seen on the Transit Custom, gives the Transit a more assertive appearance with the most obvious change on the refreshed model being the new three-bar grille.
“The Ford Transit Van and Chassis Cab models are big-hitters when it comes to load-carrying abilities and the updated model brings the styling of this extremely capable commercial vehicle in line with the rest of the current Ford line-up in South Africa,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
“Even more noteworthy is the inclusion of the service plan as standard, which eliminates the additional financial burden and complexity of budgeting for scheduled servicing of the vehicles for small and large fleet owners.
“In a tough economic and business environment where the total cost of ownership, including regular maintenance, is a key deciding factor, this presents a great benefit to commercial customers.”
TheTransit Van is available in two models, starting off with the medium wheelbase (MWB) variant that offers a load volume of up to 10 m3, and a gross payload of 1 325 kg. It is able to accommodate four standard Europallets, or carry items measuring up to 3 m long.
In the case of the extended long wheelbase (ELWB) model, it has a 15,1 m3 capacity. It can haul a payload of up to 2 270 kg, carry five Europallets or load items up to 4,2 m in length.
Ease of access to the load area is facilitated through a sliding side door with an opening width of 1 300 mm and height of up to 1 600 mm, for easier loading and unloading with forklift trucks. The rear doors have an opening width of 1 783 mm and a height of up to 2 070 mm, which allows for even bulky items to be easily loaded.
Up to 12 ISO-compliant floor-mounted tie-down points are provided throughout the load compartment for securing items, with standard illumination providing greater visibility when working inside the vehicle.
Should additional load capacity be required, the Transit is capable of towing up to 2 800 kg with a braked trailer for the MWB model, or 3 500 kg for the larger-capacity version.
The towing capacities of the Transit Chassis Cab models, which are also available in MWB and ELWB specifications, match that of the van derivatives but they have higher gross payload ratings of 1 597 kg and 2 691 kg respectively. This makes the Chassis Cab models ideal for tailor-made loadbox solutions to suit the customer’s unique requirements.
The 2,2-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel engine powers the Transit models and both variants have a 92 kW version of this engine, with an accompanying peak torque output of 350 Nm. The higher-spec engine used for the ELWB models boasts 114 kW and 385 Nm. All Transit variants are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, with drive to the front wheels for the MWB, or to the dual rear wheels for the ELWB Transit.
Inside, it offers excellent visibility, a relaxed driving position, and a steering column that is fully-adjustable for rake and reach.
Smart stowage solutions are located throughout the interior, including a full-width overhead shelf and a large hidden compartment under the dual passenger seat. Two 12-volt power sockets are provided, and can be used for charging or powering mobile devices. A Ford audio system as fitted as standard with Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity, Voice Control and steering wheel-mounted audio controls for added driving convenience and safety.
All Transit models are equipped with anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Hill Launch Assist and Rollover Mitigation. A driver’s crash bag is standard, with a passenger crash bag available as an option as part of the Comfort Pack that also adds air-conditioning.
Buyers can also specify a rear-view camera with front and rear parking sensors, which is optional on the Transit Van, that add further convenience and ease of use.
Model Range and Recommended Retail Prices:
Transit Van
2.2 TDCi MWB R527 100
2.2 TDCi ELWB R658 200
Transit Chassis Cab
2.2 TDCi MWB R477 000
2.2 TDCi ELWB R589 300
