Ford bolsters the commercial and people-mover transport segments

• New High-spec Tourneo Custom Limited raises the luxury stakes in people-mover segment

• Transit gains versatile Kombi Van in LWB Ambiente and SWB Trend versions

• A total of seven models now available in Transit Custom range, five in Tourneo Custom

PRETORIA, South Africa, 29 January 2014 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is raising the stakes further in the commercial and people-mover segments with the addition of three all-new models in the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom line-ups.

The introduction of the new high-specification Tourneo Custom Limited SWB is in response to growing customer requests for a high-powered and more luxurious version of this popular model.

On the commercial vehicle front, business and fleet clients will benefit from the launch of the new Transit Custom Kombi Van. This versatile new model offers the functionality of a second row of seats and space for up to six people, in combination with a dedicated panel van-style load area at the rear of the vehicle. The Kombi Van is available in LWB Ambiente and SWB Trend guises.

“Since the launch of the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom in 2013 we have enjoyed great success with these models amongst private and fleet customers,” says Tracey Delate, Ford Marketing Manager. “This was followed up by the expansion of the range at the end of 2014 with the addition of the two-ton Transit and Tourneo models that increased the scope of Europe’s best-selling commercial vehicle range.

“The addition of the Tourneo Custom Limited and two Transit Custom Kombi Van derivatives now broadens the appeal even further,” Delate states. “The increased performance and luxury specification of the Tourneo Custom Limited makes it ideal for family buyers.

“With the introduction of the Transit Custom Kombi Van, fleet and business owners now have the option of an even more versatile vehicle that can carry people as well as equipment, safely and securely.”

Tourneo Custom Limited

The launch of the upmarket Tourneo Custom Limited was driven by customer interest in a high-specification, high-powered model similar to the trend-setting Transit Custom Sport van.

The new Tourneo Custom Limited, priced at R485 000, is only available in short-wheelbase (SWB) configuration and tops the expanded five-model line-up which includes the existing Ambiente and Trend versions of the Tourneo Custom – both of which are available in a choice of SWB and LWB body styles.

One of the main differentiating features of the new Tourneo Custom Limited is the more powerful version of the 2,2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine. In high power form, this unit delivers 114kW of power at 3 500 r/min along with 385Nm of torque at a low 1 600 r/min.

Despite the additional performance, linked to the standard six-speed manual transmission it boasts the same fuel economy and emissions rating as the lower powered derivatives. In the combined cycle it uses just 6,5 l/100 km* with corresponding CO₂ emissions of 172 g/km*.

The 92kW / 350Nm Duratorq TDCi unit is retained in the Trend models, while the Ambiente uses a 74kW / 310Nm version of this engine.

Visually the Limited can be differentiated externally by means of the full colour coding for the front and rear bumpers, door handles, mirrors and body side cladding. In the interests of driving convenience, it also gains power folding exterior mirrors, automatic headlamps with auto-dim front beams, as well as rain-sensing windscreen wipers. An electrochromatic rear view mirror with integrated camera display is included, linked to parking sensors front and rear, as well as Trailer Hitch Assist functionality.

The sophisticated interior ambience is reinforced by the fitment of leather seats as standard. The driver’s seat includes full eight-way adjustment while the front passenger seat benefits from lumbar support as well. Side rear window blinds add a further measure of privacy and comfort, bolstered by the standard rear air-conditioning system.

The comprehensive Ford Protect customer care programme is incorporated in the purchase price. This extends to a five-year/90 000km service plan, four-year/120 000km warranty, five-year/unlimited corrosion warranty and three-year/unlimited roadside assistance. Service intervals are 15 000km.

Transit Custom Kombi Van

The introduction of the versatile Transit Custom Kombi Van opens the 2013 International Van of the Year to a whole new range of buyers that require load-lugging ability as well as the capability of safely accommodating passengers.

With its second row of seats, the Kombi Van is able to carry six people in total, while retaining a useful 4.35 cubic metres of load space in the case of the Ambiente LWB model, which is priced at R385 000.

The specification matches that of the existing Ambiente Panel Van, and includes a driver’s airbag as standard, along with ABS, EBD, EBA and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) – the latter incorporating Hill Launch Assist, Load Adaptive Control and Roll-Over Mitigation. Trailer Sway Control is activated with the fitment of a Ford-approved towbar. A Bluetooth-enabled radio/CD is fitted as standard, and includes steering wheel audio controls and USB/Aux connections.

The Kombi Van Ambiente LWB is equipped with the 92kW and 350Nm version of the 2.2 Duratorq TDCi engine, along with a six-speed manual transmission. Combined fuel consumption is 7,1 l/100 km* with a CO₂ emissions rating of 189 g/km*.

Headlining the expanded Transit Custom line-up is the new Kombi Van Trend SWB which retails for R397 000, and uses the same engine. In Trend specification it closely mirrors the equivalent Tourneo Custom derivative, but runs on 16-inch steel wheels in line with its commercial orientation.

Compared to the entry-level Ambiente, it offers further functionality with the inclusion of dual side loading doors and running boards for easier access to the 3,47 cubic metre load space.

Further interior appointments include a Sync-enabled audio system with voice control and two additional speakers, heated windshield, power and heated mirrors, an integrated trip computer and cruise control.

The driver and front passenger enjoy heated and height-adjustable front seats, with additional lumbar support for the driver. The steering wheel and gear lever are both finished in leather.

The Transit Custom comes standard with Ford’s four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, five-year/unlimited corrosion warranty and three-year/unlimited roadside assistance. A service plan is available for purchase as a dealer option.

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