The American truck for commercial use, the Ford Transit, is moderately popular on the Russian market, inferior to German competitors in both reliability and body survivability. But with the advent of the new generation, as the company assures, consumers will become much more willing to buy this model. Moreover, not only transport companies are taken into account, but also private clients.
Newly built conveyor in Yelabuga
Ford Transit 2016-2017 model year
The manufacturer faithfully follows the One Ford brand concept, which involves selling the global version of the model in all markets with virtually no changes. For Europe, cars are assembled in Turkey, and Russian dealers have at their disposal “graduates” of the domestic line at the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga. It is noteworthy that even for the USA, where Transit was not sold at all before, reliably the same specification is offered. However, production in Kansas requires the installation of an automatic transmission, which is not available at the other two production sites.
The new product is produced through a whole cycle, including welding and painting of the body. A clear advantage of localization is a very attractive price, even compared to affordable French light-duty vehicles. Strictly speaking, the car turned out to be cheaper even than itself in its previous reincarnation. Although the range of standard equipment has expanded significantly.
Vehicle interior
The driver's seat in the new Ford Transit Custom has become very ergonomic. A new instrument panel has appeared, shown in the photo, made in the latest stylistic directions of Ford. This design was first tested on the new Fiesta, so the interior looks more like an office than a cargo van. The modern multimedia of the new Ford Custom is tailored for instant interaction with modern gadgets, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the new multimedia is capable of executing voice commands
According to Hans Schep, head of Ford's commercial vehicle division in Europe, the Ford Transit Custom is a very successful model. And the new Ford Transit being launched on the market will further strengthen Transit’s position in the global market. Ford[/anchor] heard the wishes of their customers and developed a modern Transit Custom 2022, by purchasing which customers will receive a modern car filled with a large number of different functions
Photo Ford Transit: exterior and interior
Ford Transit minibus on the way
The new body is stronger, being made from high-strength boron steel. In particular, this increased the corrosion resistance of the “shell”, and the official guarantee against through corrosion was a decent 12 years. To prevent bushes and small stones from leaving scratches and chips on the paintwork, the designers dressed the truck in a protective plastic body kit. At the same time, the headlights migrated to higher points, which had a positive effect both on their safety and on their tendency to get dirty in bad weather. Another good news for owners of cars of the previous generation is that the bumpers have a modular design, so that repairs after minor accidents have become less expensive. However, the exterior is powerful not only through practicality. The Ford Motor Company artists did not forget about aesthetics: the front end received the current corporate look, which makes the clumsy hero akin to the elegant models of passenger cars.
The owner of a Ford passenger car will experience even greater déjà vu inside the van. The steering wheel, dashboard, dashboard – everything accurately replicates the decoration of the brand’s sedans, hatchbacks and crossovers.
There can be no complaints about the ergonomics - it is exemplary, and the heated captain's seat is installed like a cargo truck and boasts eight-way adjustment, so visibility is good. Large exterior mirrors with spherical sections also help in maneuvering. It’s nice that two adults can easily sit on the driver’s side, since the gearbox console almost does not protrude beyond the front panel.
Photo of Ford Transit interior
For meals on the go or filling out transport documents, you can lower the middle back, turning it into a convenient table. There is a large storage compartment under the solid sofa. In addition, the new generation remained faithful to the ceiling shelf. Along with the cup holders, the interior architects also included a closable niche in the dashboard visor. By lifting the lid, the driver gains access to USB, AUX connectors and a 12V socket. A 230-volt outlet is available as an option. But what’s missing, even for an extra charge, is navigation. Marketers believed that domestic transport workers were unlikely to shell out money for an expensive information system and would prefer a removable “tablet”.
Technical characteristics of the truck
The interior is strongly reminiscent of Ford sedans and crossovers
The volume of the angular body has increased noticeably, and now the long-wheelbase version can accommodate five Euro pallets at once. “Skinny” Transit absorbs four loaded pallets. Moreover, you can store all this in the body with a forklift either through the rear hinged doors (open to 270º, equipped with magnetic latches) or through the sliding doors. By the way, the side openings have become wider by 25 mm, now this figure has increased to 1300 mm. It’s also worth saying a word about the mediocre base. Such a van formally holds the same four pallets, but the loading length has reached 3 m, and this is one of the most popular length options for building materials.
On the floor in all trim levels, new plastic with a plinth appeared, reliably protecting the metal paint from mechanical damage. The fastening eyes splashed onto the walls, which made it easier to wash the “trough” due to the absence of inconvenient holes. As before, two roof heights are offered. The model’s suspension is spring, regardless of size and configuration, configured for a comfortable ride and easy overcoming of track defects of various sizes.
Loading length increased to 3 meters
L2 H2 parameters:
- length – 5531 mm;
- width with mirrors / without mirrors – 2059/2474 mm;
- height – 2490-2550 mm;
- wheelbase – 3300 mm;
- gross weight – 3100/3500;
- volume of cargo branches – 10 cubic meters. cm (9.5 – with rear/all-wheel drive).
L3 H3 parameters:
- length – 5981 mm;
- width with mirrors / without mirrors – 2059/2474 mm;
- height – 2720-2786 mm;
- wheelbase – 3750 mm;
- gross weight – 3100/3500;
- volume of cargo branches – 13 cubic meters. cm (12.4 – with rear/all-wheel drive).
L4 H3 parameters:
- length – 6704 mm;
- width with mirrors / without mirrors – 2126/2474 mm;
- height – 2746-2781 mm;
- wheelbase – 3750 mm;
- gross weight – 3500/4600;
- volume of cargo branches – 15.1 cubic meters. cm.
Specifications
The new Ford Custom 2022 model year received EcoBlue diesel engines of various power options. Customers will be able to buy a Ford Custom with 105 - 170 horsepower. Compared to the previous generation engine, the new Ford Custom engine has become more economical
It is noteworthy that the new Ford Custom will arrive in the showrooms of official Ford dealers in various wheelbase sizes. In addition, the new Custom will be offered in two car roof heights
The first Ford Transit Custom 2022 will be available to buy early next year, and already in 2022 the manufacturer promises to launch a hybrid version of the Ford Custom Hybrid commercial vehicle, which has zero emissions.
522
Utility minibus and Transit passenger buses
Spacious passenger facilities
The new Transit lineup includes a cargo-passenger version called Combi M1. The body parameters correspond to the L2 H2 van, and the interior space is divided between nine seats, including the driver’s (three rows of three seats), and a spacious trunk. The main advantage of the model is the high degree of transformability of the interior: if necessary, you can turn the bus into a truck by partially or completely dismantling the seats. As a free option, a waiver of the third row of seats is offered, which increases the healthy volume of the luggage area, but turns the 8+1 configuration into 5+1. If there is no need for a larger volume of passenger compartment, but a large trunk is needed, then it is advisable to consider purchasing a cargo-passenger truck. It can have any of three wheelbases, and there is a choice of ceiling heights. This machine is more designed for repair teams and delivery services.
Unlike the previous arrival, the new generation has acquired its own variations of the passenger bus. The Ford Sollers plant assembles four modifications of the long-wheelbase Transit with a tall roof for transporting people within the city and over long distances. The entry-level route taxi has an 18+4+1 layout. All seats are located in the direction of travel and are equipped with three-point seat belts. As an alternative, it is proposed to consider the option of a class A “minibus” with a 20+2+1 cabin layout (this includes the “school bus” configuration). Both specifications meet the standards of both urban and intercity routes. The third configuration introduces both forward-facing seats and rear-facing seats – 18+7+1. This choice implies exclusively city trips. There is also a 17-passenger tourist bus with more comfortable seats.
Duratorq TDCi 2.2 diesel engine: owner reviews, maintenance and repair
Engine Duratorq TDCi 2.2
The line of power units consists of only one 2.2 turbodiesel in three boost levels: 125 hp. and 350 Nm, 135 hp. and 355 Nm, 155 hp. and 385 Nm. This engine migrated from the previous Transit and meets Euro 4 toxicity standards, and not Euro 6, as in Europe. For the sake of environmental friendliness, gasoline engines were allowed to be abandoned. Although many considered this a rash decision, in Russia they are very fond of taking gasoline vans and converting them to gas. In addition, the engine comes with only a six-speed manual transmission. However, this gearbox has proven itself well in the previous generation and pleases with well-chosen gear ratios, with which it is comfortable to drive a loaded truck even in a metropolis. The only drawback is noise and vibration.
The Duratorq TDCi service interval is 20,000 km or 1 year. During normal operation, the unit travels up to half a million kilometers without positive repairs. But the timing chain requires attention, which noticeably stretches over 200 thousand km, and the tensioner does not help the situation. If you do not replace the chain in time, you can pay for it with expensive engine repairs.
Appearance
The new Ford Transit Custom 2018 differs from the previous generation car in a more modern body design and a completely new car interior. It will be possible to buy the new Ford Transit in 2022, the first cars will arrive in Russia after pre-order
In recent years, the Ford Transit has won the title of the most popular commercial vehicle. In Europe, in 2016, dealers sold 118 thousand Transits in various body styles. Today, the new Transit Custom has acquired a more attractive appearance - it has a new radiator grille, modern xenon head optics
New Ford Transit video car review 2022 (Video Ford Transit Custom 2022, car review)
How much can you buy in Moscow, available configurations
Transit with cargo chassis
Van:
- front-wheel drive, 125 hp – from RUB 1,906,000;
- all-wheel drive, 125 hp – from RUB 2,306,000;
- rear-wheel drive, 125/135 hp – 2,151,000 rub. / RUB 2,241,000
Route buses:
- city bus – 2,105,000 rubles;
- tourist bus – RUB 2,141,000.
