Ford has updated its range of sporty vans in Europe
with a new model as well as new and updated engines for the 2019 model year. The big news is the Transit
Custom Sport becomes more powerful than ever thanks to a new 2.0-liter EcoBlue
turbo diesel that makes 185 PS and 415 Nm of torque.
Customers can have the new standard engine with six-speed manual or six-speed
SelectShift automatic transmissions.
Ford anticipates CO2 emissions as low as 151 g/km
and corresponding average fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km (40.9 mpg UK). Going
on sale from mid-2019, the Transit Custom Sport van also benefits from a
connectivity upgrade with the introduction of FordPass Connect on-board modem
technology as standard. This turns the vehicle into a WiFi hotspot for up to 10
devices.
The tech upgrade continues with newly-available
driver assistance technologies including Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise
Control with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane-Keeping Aid, and Blind Spot Information
System. As before, the Transit Custom Sport is available in several
configurations including van, passenger van, and double-cab-in-van in both
short- and long-wheelbase versions. All feature unique chassis tuning for
“enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.”
The sporty van is easy to recognize thanks to the
twin stripes on the bonnet and front bumper, a more muscular body kit including
body-side moldings and wheel arch extensions, as well as body-color bumpers,
side mirrors and door handles. Ford Transit Custom Sport models also feature
17- or 18-inch alloys and partial leather interior trim in Ebony.
Moving on, the Transit Sport lineup receives a third
member for the 2019 model year, the Transit Connect Sport. Unveiled at the 2018
IAA Commercial Vehicle show, it is now on sale with an upgraded 120 PS 1.5-liter EcoBlue turbo diesel and six-speed manual transmission. Ford
estimates an average fuel economy of 5.0 l/100 km (56.5 mpg UK) and corresponding
CO2 emissions from 130 g/km.
As with the Transit Custom Sport, the Transit
Connect Sport features a sporty body kit, sports stripes, and partial leather
front seats. It also comes equipped with 16-inch Dark Stainless alloys. Finally, the Transit Courier
Sport compact van completes the lineup with a similar exterior treatment and a
choice of two 100 PS engines: a 1.5-liter TDCi four-cylinder turbo
diesel and a 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder gasoline unit, both mated to
six-speed manual transmissions.