Ford has added an improved engine, automatic transmission and better aftercare to its 2017.25MY Transit range.

FORD HAS REFRESHED its Transit and Transit Custom range with the addition of a new engine and for the first time ever, an automatic transmission. Among the changes brought by the new driveline are longer service intervals, increased warranty (on all models) and improved efficiency, making the Transit a more business and private buyer friendly choice.

Visually, 2017.25MY Transit models with the new engine receive a chrome insert on the front and all models now receive hub covers and are available in over 100 colours.

All models also come with Side Wind Stabilisation, developed by Ford in Australia, which applies braking to one side of the vehicle when hit by a crosswind to keep the vehicle within its lane: “No-one likes that feeling when your vehicle gets caught by a wind gust, or you are passing close to a fast-moving truck,” said Marc Suermann, chassis controls supervisor, Ford of Europe. “This new technology will help make highway driving less stressful for Transit drivers.”

The new six-speed automatic transmission, available in either a new Transit 350L model ($51,380 +ORCs) or Transit Custom (from $39,690 +ORCs), will only be available as an option on the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBlue engine which complies with the latest European Stage 6 emissions standards. The EcoBlue engine will only be available in front-wheel drive layout while the current 2.2-litre engine will remain rear-wheel drive with the only option a six-speed manual.

The 2.0-litre EcoBlue model also gets a larger 4-inch TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) colour multi-function display while the 2.2-litre models retain a 3.4-inch LCD dot matrix display.

Compared to the 2.2-litre powerplant, the new 2.0-litre EcoBlue drops fuel efficiency for the manual equipped engine from 7.2L/100km to 6.4L/100km and for the automatic transmission it returns 7.2L/100km. The new engine also increases power output, from 114kW/385Nm to 125kW/405Nm in Transit, and from 92kW/350Nm to 96kW/385Nm in Transit Custom.

Along with improved power and efficiency, the 2.0-litre EcoBlue increases the current service interval from 15,000km/12 months to 30,000km/12 months, whichever comes first, providing less of a burden for frequent business drivers. Ford’s warranty will also increase from 100,000km/three-years to 200,000km/three-years, available for both private and business buyers.

“The arrival of an automatic variant for Transit and Transit Custom widens our small business opportunities and expands consideration to include large fleet and Government buyers,” said Graeme Whickman, president and CEO, Ford Australia. “We’re enabling customers to make a real go of things with a broader range and even stronger offering with a vehicle that’s recognised globally as the benchmark. On top of this, longer service intervals mean less time off the road, while a longer warranty brings peace of mind so owners can focus on their business success.”

All Transit models will be available in over 100 colours and come with a larger reversing camera display that’s now located on the audio system screen rather than in the rear-view mirror. The new Transit 350L model will also be available with optional SYNC3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

“It’s another thing we’re doing to help consumers buy not just a van, but a vehicle that works for their brand and really stands out,” said Whickman. “It’s not just a van, but a part of your life, and a vehicle to actually want and desire.”

2017.25MY Transit Custom pricing (+ORCs):

Transit Custom 290S FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd manual – $39,690

Transit Custom 290S FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd auto – $42,440

Transit Custom 340L FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd manual – $41,690

Transit Custom 340L FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd auto – $44,440

2017.25MY Transit pricing (+ORCs):

Transit 350L RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual – $47,680

Transit 350L FWD, 2.0L EcoBlue 6-spd auto – $51,380

Transit 350E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual – $51,180

Transit 470E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual – $54,180

Transit Single Cab Chassis 470E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual – $49,180

Transit Double Cab Chassis 470E RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual – $52,680

Transit Bus 410L RWD, 2.2L diesel 6-spd manual – $57,680