Ford TRANSIT CUSTOM Parts | 2019 - 2023 | EcoBlue mHEV #A0APK875K
Ford Transit Custom Mk2 is the van of the year 2020 and the most popular sold in Europe This review covers the entire Transit Custom range, including the mid-life facelift from 2018, which introduced a clear and new look, improved high-tech safety equipment, and a much more practical yet still stylish interior design, and the engine update from 2019. However, for details about the Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid, see our separate review, which covers this unique petrol-electric PHEV van in great depth. Whats new for 2020? We do not expect major changes for the Transit Custom in 2020, although this will be the first full year of production for the Plug-In Hybrid, so we will start to see more of these on the road. With substantial updates to the engine lineup in 2019, we dont believe Ford intends to change anything under the hood. However, you will soon be able to order a sporty-looking MS-RT model directly from any Ford dealer. Ford Transit Custom 2019: more powerful engines and new EcoBlue Hybrid technology After quickly moving from the major phase in 2018, Ford brought more updates to the Ford Transit Custom for 2019, focused on further improving the engine range. The main news here was the introduction of an even more powerful 185 HP / 415 Nm version of the 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel. But, in fact, every Transit Custom is an upgrade, thanks to new turbochargers that offer more torque, plus improved injectors, new pistons, and an on-demand oil pump. Ford should lead to real-world fuel economy. Additionally, there is a new "mild hybrid electric vehicle" Transit Custom mHEV package, an option on some engines that adds a smart start-generator system and a small lithium-ion battery pack, in an effort to save even more fuel. When equipped, these vans are EcoBlue Hybrid-friendly. Ford Transit Custom 2019 is also available with onboard Wi-Fi and some improved safety systems. What is Ford Transit Custom? Introduced in 2012 (according to the image below), Custom effectively split the traditional Ford Transit range in two - Custom taking over the medium-sized or "one-ton" segment, leaving the full-size Transit to focus on the large van or "two-ton" market. Among the main rivals for the Transit Custom are Volkswagen Transporter, Opel Vivaro, Renault Trafic, and Mercedes-Benz Vito. Described at launch by the CEO of Ford of Europe, Stephen Odell, as "A stylish and modern van that customers will be proud to have on the road, with the hardworking attitude they expect from a Transit," the staff excels as a complete system. Details about the Ford Transit Custom 2018 facelift As a total package, Transit Custom has always been hard to beat. But, while the original 2012-2017 cabin design is fine, it was never particularly practical, with small, wonderful buttons and limited storage space. The 2018 facelift - or MCA (mid-cycle action) in Ford-speak - solved this issue with a complete interior redesign, which now offers class-leading cabin storage amounts and updated infotainment options. It also still avoids looking too much like a commercial vehicle, something Ford knows is important for Transit Custom buyers. Besides this, the 2018 update brings a new front-end design to the exterior that more closely matches Fords latest car design language. Key elements include the high-mounted grille with three bars and slim headlights, with LED daytime running lights on most models. You may have also noticed that the lower central section of the front bumper is not painted now; it is also easily replaceable, a design detail intended to address occasional grounding damage they may be subjected to on sites or when contacting high curbs. Ford Transit personal driving experience All Transit vans are good to drive, the Sport model is the best The 2.0-liter engines are more responsive and powerful The ride can be bumpy when the van is empty There is a school of thought that suggests it shouldnt really matter what a van is like to drive - since carrying things in the back with as little fuss as possible is the primary purpose of any VCV. However, ask Transit Custom owners and operators, and they will all tell you that one of the things they like most about the medium Ford van is how good it feels from behind the wheel. How are the Ford Transit Custom engines? The engines help. There was nothing particularly special about the performance of the old 2.2-liter units, so if you are considering one of those, dont worry. But the new 2.0-liter engines develop torque much earlier, so they feel more energetic and smoother, while also being quieter. Most buyers go for the mid-power - so the 125 HP 2.2-liter or the 130 HP 2.0-liter - but if you can afford a punchier model either with 155 HP (2.2-liter), 170 HP, or 185 HP (2.0-liter) youve won. The less powerful 100 HP and 105 HP models will handle the stated weights okay, but expect them to be slow and more fuel-thirsty when fully loaded. Besides adding the 185 HP engine, the end of 2019 also saw the introduction of mild hybrid technology (mHEV). This EcoBlue hybrid system is available as an option on certain models, to further improve fuel economy. There is very little difference from the driving experience - to such an extent, you will be hard-pressed to know if the van you are in is equipped. Is it worth buying the Transit Custom automatic gearbox? The Ford manual gearbox fits standard in all Transit vans and works very well for a van. Its not the most precise thing in the world, but neither is it so vague that you need a map to find the next gear. In 2016, Ford added an optional six-speed automatic range to the lineup - attractive to both lifestyle buyers and operators who do a lot of miles, especially where they might get stuck in traffic. Again, this works well, but its not as sharp or positive as the DSG automatic that Volkswagen uses in the Transporter. The gear selector design means you often find that youve accidentally locked it in manual mode instead of drive, which becomes quite annoying after a while. Ford Transit Custom handling and ride comfort Where it particularly impresses is in the corners. Its not as equal to a car, but, in van terms, its adequate, resisting body roll like a champion while smoothing out most bumps without complaints. In fact, when you have a bit of load in the back, they actually ride very well, although they can get quite bouncy when empty. Important interior improvements for the 2018 Transit Custom facelift The Transit Custom cabin has always looked smart, but it was never the most practical - or the easiest to use. For the 2018 facelift, Ford completely transformed this, enhancing the interiors functionality, which it claims is a "class-leading" amount of cabin storage. Additional storage While we applaud the additional storage, its a shame that the three new bins on the top of the dashboard dont have a lid, meaning everything in them will be on display (and will reflect in the windshield). They are also not so easy to access from the drivers seat. The new interior door trim design is, however, a triumph. Now offering three levels of storage and a sensibly placed grab handle, we think most owners will appreciate this added utility, even if the lowest level is only accessible when the door is open. Transit Custom options and infotainment with Transit Custom 2018 Running Ford Sync 3, the new 8.0-inch tablet-style screen upgrade in Fiesta style is a vast improvement over the pathetically pokey offering available in the pre-facelift van - although it may still not be as easy to use as the system mounted in the VW Transporter. Ford Transit Custom LWB Low Roof Trend 2.0 TDCi 170 (Euro 6). efficient 2.0-liter EcoBlue engine Brings more power, with an increase of up to 13% in mpg 1,392kg payload in 170 HP with low roof, long wheelbase Ford Transit Custom was the best-selling van in Europe in 2015 and showed no signs of slowing down in 2016. Ford has an enormous dealer network, which helps, but the Transit Custom is also one of the friendliest vans on the market - and that goes for everything from how it drives to the thought that went into its load capacity. Now, the old 2.2-liter TDCi turbodiesel engine powering the Transit Custom (and the larger Transit) has been replaced with a brand-new 2.0-liter TDCi EcoBlue turbodiesel. Designed to meet the latest stricter Euro 6 emissions regulations, you might expect the new "downsized" engine to have strangled performance and dull responses. But, in fact, it brings increased power, with 20% more torque at 1,250 rpm for better drivability and promises 13% better fuel economy to reduce running costs. Additionally, it is also quieter. We put the most powerful 170 HP EcoBlue engine to the test in a Trend specification, long-wheelbase, custom, with standard roof height. New EcoBlue diesel in Ford Transit Custom You probably dont want to delve too deeply into the technical details of the new 2.0-liter EcoBlue engine, but it is worth noting that Ford has put a lot of effort into reducing friction to improve efficiency and has mounted a low inertia "turbocharger for improved response. It seems that the turbo uses good quality materials
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