Last year, Ford launched the Transit Custom Trail models, which, according to a Ford press release, are specifically designed for working in challenging conditions.
Trail models feature extra black protection under the front and rear bumpers and on the side panels. The model also features 16-inch aluminium wheels. Roof rails and running boards are also available for the Transit Custom.
The Transit Custom Trail is only available in a front-wheel drive version. The standard mechanical differential lock helps to reduce unwanted wheel spin, especially on loose or uneven surfaces, by transferring power to the wheel with the most grip.
See here for other Ford test drives.
The body is only available in a long version and there are a couple of height options.
The models are powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, available in 130 and 170 horsepower.
We tested the 170 hp model.
Good to have in the cockpit
The Transit today is very much about the driver and passenger. The driver gets a good driving position and there’s plenty of room for two passengers. The centre seat is a little small, but it’s still a good place to sit for short journeys.
Entertainment and navigation are available with the optional Audio 24 package. It costs more than €1,500, though. The package includes a sat nav, Ford Sync 3, two usb-connectors and an 8.5″ screen.
The navigation and display worked well during the test drive.
Visibility from the car is good, but there were problems to the rear right as there were no windows at all in the boot of the test-drive model. Fortunately, the car has good two-way mirrors, which allow you to see part of the blind spot.
In addition, the big lump in the top centre of the windscreen is slightly obstructing visibility. Especially if the driver is tall or sits up high.
There are plenty of compartments in the cabin. The bottom of the handy overhead compartments is horizontal. There are also several bottle or mug compartments, a traditional glove box and a small open compartment in the roof. There is also plenty of storage space in the doors.
There are also quite spacious storage areas under the passenger seats. A small work surface can be folded forward from the middle passenger backrest to accommodate, for example, a writing surface.
The driver’s seat has an elbow on the right hand side, and it would be nice to have one on the left as well, as the elbow offered by the door is a little too far away.
with the 170-horsepower engine, the car is quite nimble. The car can maintain a good highway speed, but then the noise inside is already high.
The car’s gearbox works well, only under light loads does the six-speed box feel a bit redundant. Less gears would be fine. The car has a start-stop system, so the engine always shuts off at traffic lights.
No automatic available on the Trail model
The driver will be pleased to know that the car comes with an optional reversing camera. The trunk of the test car also had the optional LED headlights. They illuminate the windowless space very well.
Other optional extras include lane departure warning and cruise control.
The air conditioning is not automatic, so you have to adjust it to your own preferences. Fortunately, the seat heaters are of a more moderate design, meaning they don’t heat up the seats to a scorching temperature. The heater is useful because the car has leather seats.
On the other hand, the car also has an auxiliary fuel heater to warm up the cabin before setting off.
The central lock on the boot is opened by a separate button, which means that when the cab doors are opened, the boot remains locked. This is a good thing if, for example, you keep valuable work equipment in the car.
For whom?
The car costs €40,824 without options, and the test car came with the Audio 24 package, a towing hook, LED cargo lights, a reversing camera, metallic paint and a remote control for the auxiliary heater.
With these options, the total price of the car comes to €44,862.
The car is therefore suitable for someone who wants a Transit Custom with a little more style. The car has a decidedly sportier look.
Ford Transit Custom Trail L2H1
- Engine: diesel, 1.99 l, 170 hp, 390 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox
- Drive mode: front-wheel drive
- Total mass: 3 400 kg
- Load capacity: 1 270 kg
- Fuel consumption: 7.4 l/100 km combined. WLTP
- CO2 emissions: 198 g/km
- Dimensions: length: 5 340 mm, width: 2 080 mm, height: 1 956 mm, wheelbase: 3 300 mm
- Trailer mass: with brakes: 2 800 kg, without brakes: 750 kg
- Warranty: 5 years / 200 000 km
- Price from: € 40 824
- Price of test-driven car with equipment: € 44 862
