Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

Ford Transit Custom Double Cab: Swiss Vans

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab stands out as a versatile and practical vehicle in the commercial van market. Combining the functionality of a cargo van with the comfort of a passenger vehicle, it has become a popular choice for businesses and families alike. This model offers a unique blend of spacious interiors, robust performance, and advanced features that cater to a wide range of needs. See our Ford Transit Custom Crew Cab 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab's key aspects. We'll explore its exterior design and dimensions, delve into its interior features and comfort options, and examine its performance capabilities and powertrain choices. Additionally, we'll cover the safety and driver assistance features, discuss pricing and trim levels, and provide an overall assessment of this versatile vehicle. Whether you're considering it for work or personal use, this guide aims to give you a thorough understanding of what the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab has to offer.

Overview of the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

What is the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab?

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab is a versatile vehicle that bridges the gap between commercial vans and passenger vehicles. It's a variant of the popular Ford Transit Custom, designed to cater to the medium van market. This model combines the functionality of a cargo van with the comfort and practicality of a passenger vehicle, making it an ideal choice for businesses and families alike.

The Double Cab-In-Van version of the Ford Transit Custom features glass-filled sliding doors on both sides, a second row of seats, and a bulkhead separating the enlarged cabin from the cargo area. This configuration allows for increased seating capacity while still maintaining a substantial load space.

Key features and benefits

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab offers a range of features that set it apart in the commercial vehicle market:

Flexible seating: The van can accommodate up to six people, with three seats in the front and an additional three in the second row. This makes it perfect for transporting work crews or larger families.

Dual access: With sliding doors on both sides, passengers can easily enter and exit the vehicle from either side, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Spacious cargo area: Despite the addition of extra seating, the Double Cab still offers a generous load space of 4.3 cubic meters, making it suitable for various cargo-carrying needs.

Impressive payload: The vehicle has a payload capacity of 1163kg, excluding passenger weight, ensuring it can handle substantial loads for work or leisure purposes.

Comfort and technology: The cabin is equipped with features typically found in passenger cars, including air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and a user-friendly dashboard design similar to Ford's popular hatchbacks.

Driving experience: The Transit Custom Double Cab offers car-like handling with quick, accurate steering and a punchy turbodiesel engine, making it easy to maneuver despite its size.

Target market and use cases

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab caters to a wide range of users who require both people-carrying capabilities and cargo space. Its target market includes:

Businesses: Companies that need to transport both personnel and equipment, such as construction firms or service providers.

Tradespeople: Professionals who require space for tools and materials while also needing to transport a team.

Active families: Those who need a spacious vehicle for daily use and weekend adventures, with room for passengers and gear.

Shuttle services: Organizations that provide transportation for small groups along with their luggage or equipment.

The vehicle's versatility makes it suitable for various use cases, from work-related tasks to leisure activities. Its ability to carry up to six people while still offering significant cargo space makes it an excellent choice for those who need a multi-purpose vehicle that can adapt to different situations.

In summary, the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab stands out as a highly adaptable vehicle that combines the best aspects of commercial vans and passenger vehicles. Its blend of seating capacity, cargo space, and driving comfort makes it a compelling option for a diverse range of users in both professional and personal contexts.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab boasts a sleek and modern exterior design that combines functionality with style. Its appearance varies across different trim levels, each offering unique features to cater to diverse customer preferences.

[caption id="attachment_51046" align="alignnone" width="700"] Ford Transit Custom Double Cab 2024[/caption]

Styling and appearance

The exterior styling of the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab is characterized by a range of distinctive elements. The base Leader trim includes power-foldable door mirrors with body-colored housings and projector-style halogen headlights with static cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. As customers move up the trim levels, they'll find additional enhancements such as body-colored front bumpers, rear bumper end caps, and full wheel covers.

Higher-end trims like the Limited and Sport models offer even more refined exterior features. The Limited trim adds body-colored bodyside moldings, chrome front grille surrounds, and 16-inch alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts. The Sport trim takes the styling up a notch with a sport styling kit, including a front lower bumper skirt, body-colored side skirts, and rear bumper skirt. It also features sports-style bonnet and rear door stripes, as well as side stripes with Transit branding.

For those seeking a more rugged appearance, the Custom Trail trim offers unique styling elements such as a Trail front grille with FORD lettering, side and rear Trail decals in Crystalline Black, and plastic painted two-tone front and rear bumpers.

Size options (L1, L2)

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab comes in two size options: L1 (short wheelbase) and L2 (long wheelbase). These options cater to different space requirements and use cases. The L1 model has an overall length of just under 5 meters, while the L2 extends to over 5.3 meters.

In terms of height, the Transit Custom is available in two roof options: H1 (low roof) and H2 (high roof). The H1 model stands at exactly 2 meters tall, allowing it to fit under most standard height restrictions, including many underground car parks. The H2 model, with its higher roof, measures just under 2.4 meters in height.

The width of the Ford Transit Custom remains consistent across all variants at 1986mm at its widest point. With mirrors extended, the width increases to 2772mm, while folded mirrors reduce it to 2080mm.

[caption id="attachment_51049" align="alignnone" width="700"] Ford Transit Custom Double Cab 2024[/caption]

Cargo space and load capacity

Despite its dual-purpose design as both a passenger and cargo vehicle, the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab offers impressive load space and capacity. The cargo area dimensions vary depending on the chosen wheelbase and roof height.

For the Double Cab-in-Van configuration, the L1 H1 model provides 3.5 cubic meters of load space, while the L2 H1 offers an increased capacity of 4.4 cubic meters. This flexibility allows businesses and families to choose the most suitable option for their specific needs.

The van's design includes a full-height DIN/ISO compliant bulkhead, separating the passenger compartment from the cargo area. This feature ensures safety and comfort for occupants while maximizing the usable load space. The Transit Custom can accommodate up to three Europallets on the floor, making it highly practical for various commercial applications.

In terms of payload, the Transit Custom Double Cab offers a substantial carrying capacity. While specific figures may vary based on the chosen configuration and accessories, the van has a payload capacity of 1163kg, excluding passenger weight. This impressive capacity ensures that the vehicle can handle substantial loads for both work and leisure purposes.

Interior Features and Comfort

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab-In-Van offers a spacious and comfortable interior that sets a new benchmark in the medium van sector. The 2018 update brought significant improvements to the cabin, enhancing both functionality and comfort for drivers and passengers alike.

Seating configuration

The Double Cab-In-Van version of the Ford Transit Custom features an expanded seating capacity compared to the standard model. It accommodates up to six people, with three seats in the front and an additional three in the second row. This configuration makes it ideal for transporting work crews or larger families.

The second row of seats is spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers. These seats are positioned against the bulkhead, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants. Accessibility has been improved with the addition of a second door, allowing passengers to enter and exit from both sides of the vehicle. The metal door panels on the side doors have been replaced with tinted glass, preventing glare and enhancing passenger comfort.

Cabin amenities

Ford has redesigned the cabin to offer improved storage options and a more user-friendly layout. The Transit Custom Double Cab now boasts more cup holders and better overall space utilization. One standout feature is the excellent under-seat storage, providing additional space for personal items or work equipment.

The cabin also offers enhanced connectivity options to meet the needs of modern users. USB sockets and 12V outlets are readily available, allowing occupants to charge their devices on the go. For those requiring more power, there's an option to have a 240V socket fitted, further increasing the van's versatility.

[caption id="attachment_51047" align="alignnone" width="700"] Ford Transit Custom Double Cab 2024[/caption]

Technology and infotainment

At the heart of the Transit Custom's technology offerings is Ford's Sync 3 Infotainment System. This system has been praised as the most intuitive software available in modern vans, setting a new standard for user experience in the commercial vehicle segment.

The Sync 3 system offers a range of features designed to enhance both productivity and entertainment during journeys. While specific details about the system's capabilities are not provided in the given information, it's likely to include features such as touchscreen controls, smartphone integration, and voice command functionality.

It's worth noting that Ford's policy of continuous product development means that specifications and features may change over time. The company reserves the right to update colors, models, and items described on their website at any time, ensuring that the Transit Custom remains at the forefront of van technology and comfort.

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab-In-Van's interior combines practicality with comfort, offering a spacious and well-equipped cabin that caters to both work and leisure needs. Its versatile seating configuration, ample storage options, and advanced technology features make it a standout choice in the medium van sector.

Performance and Powertrain Options

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab offers a range of engine choices to suit various needs and preferences. These options provide a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, catering to different driving requirements.

Engine choices Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

The Transit Custom comes with a 2.0-liter diesel engine, known as EcoBlue, available in four power outputs: 107bhp, 134bhp, 148bhp, and 168bhp. This variety allows customers to select the power level that best suits their specific needs. The 134bhp and 168bhp versions offer the additional option of four-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and capability for more challenging terrains or weather conditions.

For those seeking alternative powertrains, Ford also offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Transit Custom. This model combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, providing a unique blend of efficiency and versatility.

The 148bhp diesel engine has proven to be a good match for the Transit Custom, delivering ample performance across the rev range. It provides sufficient power for various driving scenarios, including motorway cruising, without leaving the driver wanting for more.

Fuel efficiency

Fuel economy figures for the 2.0-liter diesel engine vary depending on the specific configuration. According to official WLTP figures, average fuel consumption ranges from 34.0mpg for the 168bhp automatic with four-wheel drive to 40.9mpg for the 107bhp manual front-wheel drive version.

In real-world conditions, drivers have found these figures to be achievable, particularly with a lightly loaded van. However, it's important to note that making full use of the Transit Custom's payload capacity may result in a decrease in fuel efficiency.

The plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom offers significantly improved fuel economy figures, with Ford claiming up to 176.0mpg. This impressive figure is achievable due to the vehicle's ability to travel on electric-only power for up to 35 miles, according to official tests. However, real-world efficiency will depend heavily on charging behavior and driving patterns.

Transmission options Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

The Transit Custom offers two transmission options to suit different driving preferences. As standard, a six-speed manual gearbox is available across the range. This gearbox has been praised for its precise action and ease of operation, making it a solid choice for those who prefer manual control.

For those seeking a more relaxed driving experience, Ford offers a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This in-house built gearbox has been noted for its smooth operation and has been well-received by drivers. The automatic transmission is available on models with the 134bhp engine and above.

The automatic gearbox can provide better fuel economy during regular motorway runs due to its higher top gear, which allows the engine to rev less at high speeds. However, it's worth noting that this may come at the cost of slightly reduced fuel efficiency in urban driving scenarios.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab prioritizes safety and driver assistance, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect occupants and enhance driving experience. These features have contributed to its recognition as a top-rated vehicle in its class.

Standard safety equipment

The Transit Custom comes equipped with essential safety features as standard. Electronic stability control is included on both passenger-carrying and commercial variants, providing improved vehicle stability during challenging driving conditions. A seatbelt reminder for the driver is also standard equipment, encouraging proper safety practices.

For child safety, the Transit Custom has received high marks. In crash tests, it scored maximum points for its protection of both 18-month and 3-year-old infants. The vehicle's design minimizes the likelihood of head contact with interior parts during impacts. Additionally, the front passenger airbag can be disabled to accommodate a rearward-facing child restraint, with clear information provided about the airbag's status.

Advanced driver assistance systems

The Transit Custom boasts an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems, earning it a Gold award from Euro NCAP. These systems are designed to supplement, not replace, the driver's attention and control of the vehicle.

Key features include:

Seat Belt Reminder 2 technology, which has been standardized across the range.

A driver-set speed limitation device, available as standard equipment on more than half of the vehicles sold.

A new Digital Rear View Mirror, offering twice the field of view of a conventional rear-view mirror, particularly beneficial for panel van, double-cab-in-van, and shuttle bus models where rearward visibility can be limited.

It's important to note that while these features enhance safety, they are supplemental and do not replace the driver's judgment and need to control the vehicle. Drivers are advised not to drive while distracted or using handheld devices, and to use voice-operated systems when possible.

Crash test ratings Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

The Ford Transit Custom has performed exceptionally well in crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP. In the side barrier test, it scored maximum points with good protection across all body regions. The more severe side pole impact test showed adequate protection for the chest and abdomen, and good protection for the head and pelvis.

These impressive results have contributed to the Transit Custom receiving the highest score of any vehicle tested by Euro NCAP in its category. This achievement makes Ford the only manufacturer with Gold-rated vans in both the 1-ton and 2-ton segments, solidifying its position as a leader in van safety.

It's worth noting that the performance of some driver assistance features and safety systems may be affected by certain weather or environmental conditions. Ford continues to develop and improve these systems as part of its commitment to continuous product development.

Pricing and Trim Levels Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab offers a range of trim levels, each with its own unique character and features. As of 2022, Ford provides five distinct trim options: Leader, Trend, Limited, Trail, and Active. These trim levels cater to various needs and preferences, from basic functionality to more luxurious and specialized designs.

Available trim options

The Leader trim serves as the entry point for the Transit Custom, providing essential features for those prioritizing affordability. It offers the basics needed to get the job done effectively.

Moving up the range, the Trend trim adds a SYNC-3 touchscreen display and additional exterior style elements, offering a more compelling package for the price.

The Limited trim brings the Transit Custom's iconic design to life with alloy wheels, chrome-styling interior features, and body-colored bumpers. This option provides a more refined look and feel.

For those seeking a rugged appearance, the Trail trim features a unique front grille, black alloy wheels, and protective plastic around the van's edge, making it stand out on the road.

At the top of the range, the Active trim includes larger alloy wheels, standard roof rails, and various style additions, making it the most practical and visually striking option.

Starting prices Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

The All-New Ford Transit Custom Double Cab starts at £34,800 (excluding VAT) for the Trend trim. Prices increase as you move up the trim levels:

Trend: £34,800 (excluding VAT)

Limited: £37,380 (excluding VAT)

Trail: £39,380 (excluding VAT)

Sport: £40,100 (excluding VAT)

It's important to note that these are basic recommended retail prices and do not include VAT, any available customer savings, or "On the Road" costs such as delivery to the dealership, 12 months of road tax, and the first registration fee.

Value for money analysis

Despite a price increase of around 10% compared to the previous generation, the Transit Custom still offers competitive pricing in its class. It undercuts rivals such as the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro, providing good value for money.

The Transit Custom boasts impressive standard equipment levels, even in the entry-level van. Features like pre-collision assist, lane-keeping, traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, auto high beam, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera come as standard. Additional systems available include intelligent adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert, reverse brake assist, exit warning, active park assist, and a 360-degree view camera.

Furthermore, the Transit Custom has shown strong residual values, with a 10.5% improvement in its three-year/60,000-mile residual value compared to its predecessor. This translates to a difference of £1,975, indicating good long-term value retention.

When considering value for money, it's crucial to factor in the specific needs of the business or individual. While higher trims offer significant upgrades in appearance, comfort, and functionality, the base trim provides essential features at a more accessible price point.

Conclusion Ford Transit Custom Double Cab

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab proves to be a versatile and well-rounded vehicle, striking a balance between practicality and comfort. Its blend of spacious interiors, robust performance, and advanced safety features has a significant impact on its appeal to both businesses and families. The variety of trim levels and powertrain options allows customers to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs, while the competitive pricing and strong residual values add to its attractiveness in the market.

To wrap up, the Transit Custom Double Cab stands out as a top contender in the medium van sector. Its combination of passenger-carrying capabilities and cargo space, along with its car-like driving experience and advanced technology, makes it a compelling choice for those looking to get a reliable and adaptable vehicle. Whether it's to transport work crews and equipment or to take the family on weekend adventures, the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab proves to be a capable and versatile companion.

FAQs

Currently, there are no FAQs available for "The Ultimate Guide to the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab: Features, Specs, and More." Please check back later for updates.