Ford New Zealand reckons the arrival of a six-speed automatic transmission for the Transit Cargo, Custom, and Tourneo models will have a Ranger-like impact on the van segment in the New Zealand market.
The new self-shifting transmission versions of the new Transit Cargo and Transit Custom made their debut at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek yesterday on the Ford New Zealand stand.
In addition to the new transmission, Ford is also introducing a new 2-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine, and wind stabilisation technology to the Transit Cargo, Custom, and Tourneo models furthering their market appeal.
The expansion positions Transit Custom to compete in 85% of the medium van segment compared to 34%, giving Van consumers even greater choice.
“An automatic variant for Transit and Transit Custom provides New Zealand’s small businesses, large fleet and Government buyers a no-compromise option when it comes to choices in vans,” says Ford New Zealand light commercial marketing manager Jeremy Nash.
“The Transit will compete across the segment for new customers who require or prefer automatic transmissions, adding that features to its robust capability, 5-star safety and smart ergonomics and we’re talking a Ranger-like impact on the van segment in New Zealand,” says Nash.
All Transit Custom and Transit Cargo models benefit from a larger reversing camera display that’s now located on the audio system screen rather than in the rear-view mirror.
For the Transit Custom, new options include Dual Side Load Doors, which mean the cargo is always kerbside accessible no matter which way it’s loaded, while a Rear Liftgate Door offers the flexibility of full access to the load area for those who need it.
The new 2-litre EcoBlue Ford Transit and Transit Custom vehicles are fitted as standard with a new technology that helps drivers stay in lane when their van is hit by a sudden crosswind or the turbulence created by a large truck.
Side Wind Stabilisation is an advanced feature that was developed by Ford engineers, and is designed to carefully apply the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a side wind gust on the vehicle’s path.
“The all-new EcoBlue engine in the Transit Cargo and Transit Custom offer better performance and better fuel economy, and it is also providing customers with a technology-packed option in the segment to help them get their work done more efficiently,” says Nash.
2017 Transit Custom 2-Litre EcoBlue pricing
SWB Low Roof with Full Glass Option, man $53,490 auto $55,490
SWB Low Roof Single Side Load Dr, man $51,990 auto $53,990
LWB Low Roof Single Side Load Dr, man $58,490 auto $60,490
LWB High Roof Single Side Load Dr, man $58,990 auto $60,990
2017 Torneo Custom 2-Litre EcoBlue pricing
LWB Trend manual $58,990 auto $60,990
2017 Transit Cargo 2-litre EcoBlue pricing
350L LWB Med Roof Single Side Load Dr, FWD $63,640 auto
350L LWB chassis/cab FWD auto $64,540
