The Ford Motor Company has launched a Trail version of the Transit and Transit Custom in the UK market which it says are rough-road capable vehicles.
It is not yet known if the Trail models will become available to the Blue Oval markets in Australia and New Zealand. Auto Media Group is reaching out to Ford for comment.
The front-wheel-drive Transit and Transit Custom Trail variants offer enhanced traction thanks to a new mechanical limited-slip differential (mLSD) while intelligent all-wheel-drive is available as an option on the Transit Trail.
Ford says the technology enhances the base rear-wheel drive configuration by sending up to 50% of engine torque to the front axle based on available grip in response to changing road surfaces and driver inputs.
It says the Transit Trail’s intelligent all-wheel drive system is also supported by additional ‘Slippery’ and ‘Mud/Rut’ selectable drive modes. These are selected using the drive mode controller on the dashboard. The system also features AWD Lock mode to split torque 50:50 between front and rear axles on extreme low-grip surfaces.
Both the Transit Custom Trail and the Transit Trail have exterior-styling which echoes the Ford-Performance Ranger Raptor Ute.
The Trail variants feature oversized “Ford” lettering in the matte black grille with additional black cladding around the front and rear lower bumpers and side panels, complemented by 16-inch alloy wheels and “Trail” logos on the front doors. The Transit Custom can also be specified with roof rails and running boards.
Trail models have full leather seating as standard as well as air conditioning, power-foldable door mirrors and auto lighting. Ford’s Quick clear heated windscreen is also a standard feature.
All Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models are available in panel van and double-cab-in-van body styles, and are powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine.
The Transit Custom Trail models offer the efficiency benefit of Ford’s 2-litre EcoBlue Hybrid engine. The 48-volt mild hybrid technology recovers energy during deceleration, stores it in a 48-volt battery pack, and uses the energy to increase fuel efficiency.
