International News:
Ford Transit Custom Updated For European Market
Already Converted By The Campervan Manufacturers, The Current Custom Model Is A Step Up In The Advancement of More Fuel Efficient Recreational Vehicles, But Ford Has Another Surprise For This Spring.
Ford Transits are a staple here in the States while used for many variations such as work purposes, public service, and even recreation. It's the best selling van in the U.S., but the new releases we will discuss are not sold in the U.S. at this time. Back to the origins of the Transit, we have a new model of the Custom being brought to the European market in Spring 2018. The current Custom model, which is the larger of the three models, is already converted by the campervan manufacturers, and the new version is already available to order with deliveries very soon. The Custom, which is powered by Ford’s EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine with a choice of 103bhp, 128bhp and 168bhp power ratings, will be available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) derivative in 2019. This PHEV utilises a hybrid system with a target zero-emission range of 30 miles, coupled to Ford’s 1.0-litre petrol EcoBoost engine as a range extender.
According to Out & About Live, it is expected that some converters will build camper vans on the PHEV Transit when it becomes available. "As with its two smaller siblings, it has a new front end design, while the interior is completely new. The new Custom introduces a range of advanced new driver assistance features that share technologies found on Ford’s latest passenger cars." The Custom will be a first to offer Intelligent Speed Assist for commercial vehicles, a feature that could help prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits. The Custom is also the first Ford van in Europe to offer Ford’s Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles or bicycles that may soon be crossing behind them. The next generation of the smaller Transits – the Connect and Courier – have also been revealed and will be available to order in the spring for delivery from the middle of the year. Ford seems to be taking an alternative approach to the larger Class B type motorhomes, as we may call it, that are identified with an authentic Ford Transit van chassis. However, this could be a pleasant change and it's nice to see the company providing green alternatives in the camper van market and ways to save on energy.
For the full article go to Out & About Live.
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