Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport has revolutionized the world of work vans, offering tradesmen an unparalleled blend of functionality and style. This versatile vehicle stands out in the competitive market, providing a spacious interior, advanced technology, and robust performance capabilities. For professionals seeking a reliable and efficient partner in their daily operations, the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab Sport has become an increasingly popular choice. Source

This article delves into the key features that make the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M-Sport an exceptional work van for tradesmen. It explores the vehicle’s versatile interior layout, cutting-edge connectivity options, and impressive performance specifications. Additionally, the piece examines the safety features tailored for tradesmen and the various customization possibilities available to suit different trades. By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of why this Ford model is considered the ultimate work van for modern professionals.

Overview of the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab has established itself as a versatile and capable work van, offering a blend of functionality, comfort, and style that appeals to tradesmen and professionals alike. This model stands out in the competitive market with its spacious interior, advanced features, and robust performance capabilities. See all Ford Transit Custom Vans for sale

Key Features

The Transit Custom Double Cab boasts an impressive array of features that cater to the needs of modern tradesmen. It offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to five people, making it ideal for transporting work crews. The van’s load area has a capacity of 5.9 cubic meters in the long-wheelbase model, providing ample space for tools and materials. See Ford Transit Custom Lease Deals

One of the standout features is the Quickclear windscreen technology, which uses ultra-thin filaments to defrost and defog the windscreen in seconds, enhancing safety and convenience. The van also comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.

Design and Styling

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab has a striking appearance that combines functionality with modern aesthetics. The Limited trim model features a chrome-skirted grille, giving the van a more premium look. Body-colored wing mirrors, side moldings, and door handles, along with 16-inch alloy wheels, further enhance its visual appeal.

Inside, the cabin design takes cues from Ford’s popular car models like the Fiesta and Focus. The dashboard is well-built, featuring high-quality materials and an intuitive layout. The driver’s seat offers 8-way adjustability, ensuring optimal comfort during long journeys. The double passenger seats provide ample legroom, and all seats are heated, adding an extra layer of comfort. See all Ford Van Lease deals

Engine Options

The Transit Custom Double Cab offers a range of engine options to suit various needs. The standard powerplant is the Euro 6 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine, available in several power outputs: See Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

1. 107 bhp
2. 134 bhp
3. 148 bhp
4. 168 bhp

The 134 bhp and 168 bhp versions have an option for four-wheel drive, while all other variants are front-wheel drive. Transmission options include a standard six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission built in-house by Ford.

These engines offer a balance of power and efficiency, with the van demonstrating impressive performance even when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. The manual gearbox has been praised for its seamless shifting, contributing to a smooth driving experience.

Spacious and Versatile Interior Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport boasts an interior that combines spaciousness with versatility, making it an ideal choice for tradesmen who need to transport both crew and cargo. This van’s thoughtful design maximizes space utilization, offering a comfortable environment for passengers while maintaining ample room for equipment and materials.

Seating Capacity

The Transit Custom Double Cab-In-Van has expanded its seating capacity significantly compared to the standard model. While the standard van accommodates up to three people with a bench seat, the Double Cab version adds a second row of three seats, increasing the total capacity to six. This additional row is not just an afterthought; it has been designed with comfort in mind. The three extra seats are spacious, offering plenty of legroom and ample head height for passengers.

Accessibility has also been enhanced with the addition of a second door. This feature allows crew members to enter and exit the vehicle from both sides, streamlining the process of loading and unloading passengers. The second row of seats backs onto a bulkhead, which serves a dual purpose of providing support and separating the passenger area from the cargo space.

Cargo Space Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport

Despite the addition of extra seating, the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab-In-Van maintains an impressive cargo capacity. The van still offers a surprisingly large cargo area, with a load volume of 4.3 cubic meters. This configuration strikes a balance between passenger comfort and cargo-carrying ability, making it an excellent choice for tradesmen who need to transport both people and equipment.

One of the standout features of the Transit Custom is its payload capacity. Even with the additional seating, the van maintains a payload above the crucial one-tonne mark, offering a hefty 1163kg (excluding the additional weight of passengers). This impressive payload ensures that tradesmen can still carry substantial loads while benefiting from increased passenger capacity.

The cargo area is designed with practicality in mind. All versions of the Transit Custom come equipped with a large sliding door on the passenger side, with the option to add a second on the opposite side for even easier access. The rear doors open wide, allowing for effortless loading and unloading of large items. The load area is well-shaped with minimal intrusions, maximizing the usable space.

Storage Solutions

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport offers a range of storage solutions to help tradesmen organize their tools and equipment efficiently. A standard feature across all panel vans is the metal bulkhead with a load-through hatch. This clever design allows for the transportation of longer items such as pipes and planks, extending the maximum load length to 3,037mm on L1 models and 3,404mm on L2 models.

Floor-mounted tie-down lashing points come as standard, providing secure anchoring for cargo. For those needing additional storage options, the van offers a fold-flat roof rack capable of carrying up to 130kg. This innovative feature stows away when not in use, reducing air resistance and improving fuel economy.

To further enhance the van’s storage capabilities, aftermarket solutions like Vanimal’s ply-racking systems can be installed. These cost-effective solutions offer multi-compartment, toolbox, and specialized shelving racks designed to fit perfectly along the van sides or bulkhead. Available in standard plywood or with a Hexaboard finish, these racks are easy to assemble, durable, and lightweight, making them ideal for organizing tools and equipment in the Transit Custom’s cargo area.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport has established itself as a leader in advanced technology and connectivity, offering a range of features that enhance both productivity and comfort for tradesmen. The van’s cabin, redesigned in 2018, now serves as a benchmark in the medium van sector, providing an array of innovative solutions to meet the demands of modern professionals.

Infotainment System

At the heart of the Transit Custom’s technological offerings is Ford’s Sync 3 Infotainment System, widely regarded as the most intuitive software system available in modern vans. This system is displayed on a high-definition 13-inch touchscreen, providing easy access to a variety of functions. The digital instrument cluster presents driver information through quick-to-understand icons, allowing users to prioritize the display of navigation commands and vehicle status information.

The infotainment system also incorporates voice-operated controls, enabling hands-free operation of various functions. This feature is particularly useful for tradesmen who need to stay connected while on the move, allowing them to make calls, send messages, or adjust settings without taking their hands off the wheel.

Driver Assistance Features

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport comes equipped with an impressive array of driver assistance technologies, designed to enhance safety and improve the overall driving experience. These features include:

1. Adaptive Front Lighting System: The Signature LED headlights adjust to changing conditions, providing optimal lighting when transitioning from well-lit urban areas to darker rural environments.
2. Glare-free High Beam: Standard on Limited models and above, this feature prevents dazzling other road users while maintaining maximum visibility.
3. Drive Modes: Six selectable modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery Road, Tow/Haul, and Trail) tailor the vehicle’s performance to specific driving conditions, optimizing throttle response, steering, and gear-change behavior.
4. All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available with automatic transmission, this system maintains traction in challenging weather conditions and on poor terrain, improving cornering and road holding even with standard tires.
5. Traction Control: This feature automatically transfers engine torque to the wheel with the most traction in low-grip conditions, enhancing vehicle handling on various surfaces.

Smartphone Integration Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport

The Transit Custom’s connectivity features extend to seamless smartphone integration, allowing tradesmen to stay connected and productive while on the go. The van’s cabin is designed with modern professionals in mind, offering:

1. Keyless System: This feature allows drivers to start the vehicle without fumbling for keys, as long as the key fob is present.
2. Under-seat Storage: The flexible dual front passenger seat includes easy-access storage large enough for laptops, files, and other office accessories.
3. Pro Power Onboard: This optional feature transforms the E-Transit Custom into a mobile power source, providing up to 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment both on the go and on-site.
4. Delivery Assist: Available from 2024, this feature integrates with the touchscreen and voice-operated systems to optimize delivery tasks, including automated actions like engaging parking brakes, turning off the engine, and activating hazard lights.

These advanced technology and connectivity features make the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport an ideal choice for tradesmen seeking a modern, efficient, and connected work vehicle. The van’s innovative solutions not only enhance productivity but also provide a comfortable and safe environment for both drivers and passengers.

Performance and Efficiency

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport offers a range of performance and efficiency features that make it an ideal choice for tradesmen. With various engine options and advanced technologies, this van delivers impressive fuel economy, towing capacity, and handling capabilities.

Fuel Economy

The Transit Custom comes equipped with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, available in different power outputs ranging from 107bhp to 168bhp. According to official WLTP figures, the average fuel economy for this engine varies depending on the configuration:

• The 107bhp manual front-wheel drive version achieves the highest efficiency at 40.9mpg.
• The 168bhp automatic with four-wheel drive offers 34.0mpg.

For those seeking even greater efficiency, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant boasts an impressive 176.0mpg. This model can travel up to 35 miles on electric-only power, significantly reducing fuel consumption for short trips.

Real-world data from Ford Transit Custom owners provides additional insights into fuel efficiency:

• 2023 models averaged 30.4 mpg across 4,921 miles tracked.
• 2021 models achieved 20.2 mpg over 44,739 miles.
• 2020 models recorded 24.4 mpg across 78,180 miles.

Towing Capacity

The Ford Transit Custom demonstrates impressive towing capabilities, making it suitable for various professional needs. Key points include:

• Maximum towing capacity of up to 2,800kg for braked trailers.
• Towing capacity of 2,500kg with the new 8-speed automatic transmission.
• For loads exceeding 750kg, braking is required on both wheels of at least one axle to maintain control and stability.

It’s crucial to consider proper weight distribution and load-matching when towing. Heavier items should be loaded first and positioned low and close to the axle for optimal stability.

Handling and Maneuverability

The Transit Custom’s design and features contribute to its excellent handling and maneuverability:

1. Car-like driving dynamics: The front wheels have been moved forward, resulting in more car-like handling.
2. Light steering: Makes the van easy to maneuver in urban environments.
3. Body control: Movements are kept in check, enhancing overall stability.
4. All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available with automatic transmission, improving traction in challenging conditions.
5. Drive Modes: Six selectable modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery Road, Tow/Haul, and Trail) optimize vehicle performance for various driving conditions.

The Traction Control system further enhances handling by automatically transferring engine torque to the wheel with the most traction in low-grip conditions. This feature allows for comfortable navigation of wet, slippery, and challenging surfaces, including unpaved roads and gravel tracks.

These performance and efficiency features make the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport a versatile and capable work van, suitable for a wide range of professional applications.

Safety Features for Tradesmen

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport offers an impressive array of safety features designed to protect tradesmen and their valuable equipment. These features encompass active safety systems, passive safety features, and security enhancements, making it an ideal choice for professionals who prioritize safety in their work vehicles.

Active Safety Systems

The Transit Custom boasts several advanced active safety systems that help prevent accidents and enhance driver control. These include:

1. Side Wind Stabilisation: This system uses the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to detect and counteract strong, gusty crosswinds, helping the driver maintain lane position.
2. Traction Control: By distributing more torque to the wheel with the most traction, this system improves vehicle handling in low-grip conditions.
3. Emergency Brake Assist: Designed to recognize emergency braking situations, this feature increases braking pressure to provide extra stopping power.
4. Roll Stability Control: Ford’s unique roll-rate sensor helps keep the tires grounded under conditions of high center of gravity and when driving through off-camber turns.
5. Trailer Sway Control: This feature detects trailer sway and counteracts it to bring the trailer under control, enhancing safety when towing.
6. Hill Start Assist: Preventing the vehicle from rolling down slopes when switching from brake to accelerator, this feature is particularly useful for towing and carrying heavy loads.

Passive Safety Features Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport

The Transit Custom has excelled in Euro NCAP’s first-ever van safety tests, achieving the highest possible five-star safety rating. Its passive safety features include:

1. Strong Body Structure: The van’s robust construction contributes significantly to its high safety ratings.
2. Airbag System: The Transit Custom offers more airbags as standard than ever before. These include:
   • Front passenger airbag located in the roof
   • Rear Curtain Airbags covering the second row of seats
   • Side Airbags in the back of the front seats for lateral or front-angled collisions
3. Load Adaptive Control: This system identifies changes in the vehicle’s mass and center of gravity, adapting the safety systems to optimize braking effectiveness, traction, and stability.

Security Enhancements

The Transit Custom incorporates several security features to protect tradesmen’s tools and equipment:

1. Keyless Entry with Enhanced Security: While offering convenience, the keyless entry system can be turned off to prevent potential security risks associated with key signal scanning.
2. Factory Dead Locking: This feature prevents the internal handles from opening the doors when activated, enhancing security when the van is locked.
3. Ultrasonic Sensors: Unlike many vans that only have sensors in the cab area, the Transit Custom includes ultrasonic sensors in the load area, providing comprehensive intrusion detection.
4. Alarm System: The van offers a full guard or reduced guard alarm system. The full guard includes interior sensors in both the cab and load area, while the reduced guard protects only the perimeter, allowing movement inside the van without triggering the alarm.
5. Improved Door Locking: The 2018 software update addressed previous vulnerabilities, ensuring that unlocking the driver’s door with a manual key doesn’t deactivate the alarm or unlock the load area if the van was originally locked with the remote control.

These comprehensive safety and security features make the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport an excellent choice for tradesmen who prioritize the protection of their crew, tools, and equipment.

Customization Options for Different Trades

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport offers a wide range of customization options to cater to the specific needs of various trades. These options allow tradesmen to transform their vehicles into efficient, purpose-built workspaces.

Racking Systems Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport

Vanimal’s cost-effective ply-racking solutions provide an excellent way to maximize storage and manage cargo, tools, and equipment in the Transit Custom. These racking systems are designed to fit perfectly along the van sides or bulkhead, offering versatility and efficiency.

Key features of Vanimal’s racking systems include:

1. Construction using 12mm hardwood plywood or Hexaboard plywood
2. Traditional mortise and tenon joints for durability and strength
3. Adjustable shelf heights in 50mm increments
4. Pre-assembled units for easy installation
5. Customizable compartments with removable 6mm plywood dividers

These racking solutions are available in various configurations, including multi-compartment, toolbox, Makpac, Packout, and Festool shelving racks. The lightweight yet sturdy design ensures that the racking can withstand daily use without compromising the van’s payload capacity.

Roof Racks

Ford Transit Custom roof racks and bars offer additional storage options for tradesmen who need to transport longer items or maximize their cargo capacity. These roof accessories are manufactured in the UK by reputable brands like Rhino Products and Van Guard Accessories.

Popular roof rack options include:

1. Rhino Aluminium Roof Rack
2. Rhino KammRack Aluminium Roof Rack
3. Rhino KammBar Fleet Steel Roof Bars
4. Rhino KammBar Pro Aluminium Roof Bars

These roof racks are designed to be durable and efficient, with many models being TUV approved or crash tested. They can be customized with additional accessories such as pipe tubes and rear rollers to suit specific trade requirements.

Specialized Equipment Integration

The Ford Transit Custom offers several options for integrating specialized equipment, catering to the unique needs of different trades:

1. Pro Power Onboard: This innovative technology transforms the E-Transit Custom into a mobile power source, providing up to 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment both on the go and on-site.
2. Drive Modes: The van features six selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery Road, Tow/Haul, and Trail) that tailor throttle response, steering, and gear-change behavior to specific driving conditions.
3. Ladder Accessories: Various ladder-related accessories are available, including:
   • Rhino 6 Step Aluminium Rear Door Ladder
   • Rhino Safe Clamp – Set of 2 Locking Ladder Clamps
   • Rhino SafeStow4 Gas Strut Assisted Ladder Loader
   • Rhino 3.0m LadderStow
4. Pipe Tubes: For trades requiring the transport of long materials, options like the Rhino 3m Pipe Tube Pro (available in standard unlined or lined versions) provide secure storage solutions.
5. Load Access: The Rhino Crawler Board / Load Access Board enhances accessibility to cargo stored on the roof.
6. Internal Racking: Ford offers MR4 internal van racking options for the Transit Custom, available in 1, 2, or 3 bay configurations, allowing tradesmen to create custom storage solutions inside their vans.

These customization options demonstrate Ford’s commitment to meeting the complex and varied needs of a wide range of industries, ensuring that the Transit Custom remains a versatile and adaptable platform for tradesmen across different sectors.

Conclusion Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport has a significant impact on the world of work vans, offering tradesmen a blend of functionality, style, and advanced features. Its spacious interior, cutting-edge technology, and robust performance capabilities make it a top choice for professionals in various trades. The van’s versatility shines through its customization options, allowing tradesmen to tailor their vehicles to meet specific needs.

To wrap up, the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab M Sport stands out as a reliable and efficient partner for daily operations. Its comprehensive safety features, impressive fuel economy, and advanced connectivity options contribute to its appeal. As the ultimate work van for modern professionals, this Ford model continues to set the standard in the competitive market, providing tradesmen with a vehicle that enhances their productivity and meets the demands of their diverse trades.

FAQs

What typical issues should I watch out for in a used Ford Transit Custom van?
The Ford Transit Custom van often encounters several common issues including problems with the clutch and gearbox, electrical system malfunctions, issues with the Diesel Particulate Filter, turbocharger defects, cooling system complications, suspension glitches, brake problems, and troubles with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve.

Which Ford Transit Custom model is the best purchase?
The ideal Ford Transit Custom model to purchase largely depends on your specific needs. However, the 2.0 136 EcoBlue engine is highly recommended due to its superior payload and towing capacities within the model range.

Which Ford Transit Custom model is the most powerful?
The most powerful version of the Transit Custom is set to be the electric model, equipped with a 285hp electric motor that powers the rear wheels. This version is not only the most potent but also promises to be the most enjoyable to drive.

How does the Ford Transit differ from the Ford Transit Custom?
The Ford Transit Custom is a mid-sized van positioned between the smaller Transit Connect and the larger Transit within Ford’s lineup. The 2022 Transit Custom has been updated both internally and externally, offering enhanced drivability, increased practicality, and additional features, making it more appealing than ever.ford transit custom double cab m sport