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The Drive With Roland Gaspar
Words by Dino Govan
Quick take-outs:
AS I winged it from Durban to Qberha, I relished the opportunity of driving Ford’s latest offering to their van range. First, the coastal drive is very scenic but all the time I kept likening the Sports Transit Van to the one from the eighties TV series, The A Team. Remember that with Hannibal Smith & co. Well I was not disappointed when we got to see the vans and yes, there was one that was black in colour, something like the TV series. Ours was a mercy mission, delivery much needed supplies and medical equipment to several hospitals in Gqeberha. Along with its proven workhorse and load-hauling capabilities, the Sport adds both design and dynamic flair to the Transit Custom line-up.
Sporty Kit
The Transit Custom is exclusively available in short wheelbase and is easily distinguished, thanks to several eye-catching exterior changes. This includes a sport body kit, honeycomb sport grille, rear spoiler and distinctive 17-inch multi-spoke matte black alloy wheels fitted with 215/60 R17 tyres. The dual racing stripes that extend from the front bumper over the bonnet, along the full extent of the roof and down the rear twin barn doors also adds that special flair. Additionally, there are sport side decals that makes the van a bold stand out. This is no ordinary van. It’s sporty and ready for weekday and weekend action.
Easy Loading
The Transit Custom Sport is based on an all-new platform for this range that provides improved space and packaging, along with a lower floor height for easier loading and an overall vehicle height of under two metres to improve access in height-restricted areas.
The cabin boasts an impressive array of storage areas that are perfectly suited to busy lifestyles – including an under-seat stowage compartment on the passenger side, and a large dashboard compartment that’s big enough for a laptop computer or A4 file. This is made possible by the adoption of a segment-first roof-mounted passenger airbag.
Access to the load compartment is via twin 180-degree opening barn doors at the rear, as well as soft-close dual sliding side doors with convenient integrated steps.
Interior
Aesthetically pleasing and ideal for those long commutes. The Transit Custom offers an entirely new level of interior design, features, technology, safety and practicality for the van segment. The benchmark attributes are given a racier theme in the cabin of the Sport derivative, most notably thanks to the addition of sport trim with blue accent stripes for the seats, matched to premium piano black trim surrounding the multi-function display and centre console.
The driver’s seat benefits from 6-way power adjustment, including for lumbar support, while the passenger seat has 4-way manual adjustment.
Powered to please
Providing a compelling blend of both performance and fuel efficiency, the Transit Custom Sport is powered by an updated version of Ford’s 2.0-litre Single Turbo EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine. In this form it produces 125kW of power and a substantial 390Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min (increases of 25kW and 30Nm, respectively, compared to the Transit Custom Base). The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers drive to the front wheels, with transmission stalk giving the driver the option of manual gear selection if required.
Whats the Drive like?
Smooth, somewhat silent and efficient as we headed out on our mercy mission to various hospitals. I had full command of the vehicle from the driver’s seat with all controls etc. within easy reach. At times, you tend to forget that you are driving a van. It feels like a drive in a sedan or even an SUV. Gear changes were smooth, plenty of power to attain top speeds in need. The 2.0-litre single turbo four-cylinder diesel engine is more than equal to the drive.
Safety First
All the safety bells and whistles are included. The Transit Custom is tops when it comes to standard safety features, and the Sport variant is no different. The extensive list of driver assist technologies includes ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Collision Mitigation. All to ensure a safe journey on all road surfaces, be it short or long commutes.
Final Words
The Transit Custom introduces new levels of comfort, safety, technology and versatility to the van segment. It’s not your normal white van. Is it a people mover? Quite frankly, it’s more than that. It could work in many ways viz your daily office commute. On weekends, load up your sporting gear and head out to the mountains and beaches for those adventurous trips.
Pricing (includes VAT):
Transit Custom Sport 2.0L SiT 8AT R 938 000
