Ford Transit Custom 2019 pricing and specs revealed

Ford Australia has released local pricing and specifications for the updated 2019 Ford Transit Custom range, which now offers a full suite of active safety technology such as auto emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control as standard, as well as the addition of a new Sport version and new long-wheelbase crew van.

The new Sport model is designed to appeal to dual-purpose buyers, with an uprated engine and more premium interior with second-row seating. The Sport is the premium version of the brand's crew model - labelled the Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV) by Ford - a variant that gives Ford a much needed competitor to crew-van rivals like the Hyundai iLoad, Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter and Toyota HiAce, all of which have crew van models available. 

The updated Transit Custom range is from $42,190 plus on-road costs, and range-wide it now includes AEB with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert as standard across the range. The safety gear was previously available as an option for $1600.

The 2019 Transit Custom range features a new 125kW/390Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the standard safety equipment, an 8.0-inch multimedia system with Ford’s Sync 3 software is standard, which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sat nav will cost you an extra $600. 

Short wheelbase (SWB) Transit Custom models have earned an increased gross vehicle mass (GVM) rating, which is now 3400kg - hence the new 340S model name (previously 3000kg, and 300S). The increased GVM has enabled the Transit automatic to achieve a maximum 2150kg braked towing capacity (was 1800kg). 

The Sport model features an uprated 136kW/405Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Confusingly, this version is a 320S, with a 3200kg GVM. 

The Sport also has 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights body coloured mirrors, a gloss black grille and even a body styling kit for extra visual attitude. The Transit Custom Sport is also available in two unique colours - ‘Blue Metallic’ and ‘Orange Glow’, but Transit Custom buyers can choose from more than 100 colours by special order (adds $1400).

The interior of the Transit Custom Sport also includes a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, gloss black detailing, chrome vent surrounds, LED rear load area lighting, part-leather upholstery and a leather steering wheel. 

The 340L DCiV model pushes seating capacity from three in the standard van up to six, with a rear row of seats. Both the 340L DCiV and 320L Sport DCiV models have a standard rear bulkhead, dual sliding side doors and 4.4-cubic metres of cargo area. 

The Ford Transit Custom accounts for about 10 per cent of mid-sized van sales in Australia, with 1880 units sold in 2018. The job is soon to be even harder, with the all-new 2019 Toyota HiAce due to launch within the next few months. 

Ford Transit Custom pricing (plus on-road costs): 

340S SWB manual: $42,190 340S SWB auto: $44,990 340L LWB manual: $44,190 340L LWB auto: $46,990 320S SWB Sport auto: $49,490 340L LWB DCiV auto: $49,990 320L LWB Sport DCiV auto: $53,490

Options:

Prestige paint: $650 SVO paint: $1,400 Satellite navigation: $600 High-roof: $1,500 Rear cargo door liftgate: $550 Rear side window (LHS): $350 Dual side load doors (no windows): $1,000

Dual side load doors (windows): $1,700

Will the addition of new safety features and a Sport trim help Ford Transit sales in Australia? Tell us what you think in the comments below.