MYSTERY CREEK, NEW ZEALAND, 14 June 2017 – The Ford Transit is set to become the automatic choice for Kiwis with the arrival of the automatic transmission along with new more powerful and economical 2.0L EcoBlue engine and wind stabilisation technology to help drivers stay in lane in high crosswinds.
“An automatic variant for Transit and Transit Custom gives New Zealand’s small businesses, large fleet and Government buyers a no-compromise option when it comes to choices in vans,” said Jeremy Nash, Marketing Manager Light Commercial, Ford New Zealand. “The Transit is already recognised globally as the benchmark and now with an automatic, the Transit will compete across the segment with new customers who require or prefer automatic transmissions.”
“Add to that the Transits robust capability, driveability, 5 star safety and smart ergonomics and we’re talking a Ranger-like impact on the van segment in New Zealand,” added Nash.
In addition to the automatic transmission, the 2017 Transit range also welcomes the next generation of high-performance 2.0L EcoBlue engines, which offer more power and torque whilst also providing better fuel economy and improved emissions to help Transit customers achieve more.
“The all-new 2.0L turbo EcoBlue engine in the Transit and Transit Custom offer better performance and better fuel economy, and coupled with the automatic transmission, combine to provide customers a technology-packed option in the van segment to help them get their work done more efficiently,” added Nash.
| TRANSIT | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) |
| Current RWD 2.2L Euro 5 Engine | 114 | 385 |
| New FWD 2.0L EcoBlue Euro 6 Engine | 125 | 405 |
| IMPROVEMENT | 10% | 5% |
| TRANSIT CUSTOM | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | Fuel Economy (L/100km)1 | CO2 Emissions (g/km)2 | ||
| Custom SWB |
Custom LWB |
Custom SWB |
Custom LWB |
|||
| Current 2.2L Euro 5 Engine | 92 | 350 | MT: 7.2 AT: N/A |
MT: 7.4 AT: N/A |
MT: 191 AT: N/A |
MT: 197 AT: N/A |
| New 2.0L Euro 6 EcoBlue Engine | 96 | 385 | MT: 6.4 AT: 7.2 |
MT: 6.6 AT: 7.2 |
MT: 165 AT: 186 |
MT: 174 AT: 186 |
| IMPROVEMENT | 4% | 10% | 11% | 11% | 14% | 12% |
The new-generation 2.0L EcoBlue engines available in the updated Transit and Transit Custom will comply with the latest European Stage 6 emissions standards, driving significant improvements in emissions.
In more exciting news for customers, the new Transit 350L FWD Automatic can be optioned with SYNC® 3 for the first time, Ford’s new in-vehicle communications and entertainment platform that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touchscreen and an improved graphic user interface^.
SYNC® 3 highlights:
All Transit Custom and Transit models benefit from a larger reversing camera display that’s now located on the audio system screen rather than in the rear-view mirror.
For the Transit Custom, new options include Dual Side Load doors, which mean the Transit Custom’s cargo is always kerbside accessible no matter which way it’s loaded, while a Rear Liftgate Door offers flexibility of full access to the load area for those who need it.
The standard Multi-Function Display screen size of the Transit and Transit Custom featuring the new 2.0L EcoBlue engine will be upgraded to a 4.0-inch TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) colour screen. Transit carryover models with the existing 2.2L engine will remain unchanged with the 3.4-inch LCD dot matrix screen
Transit Custom vehicles will come standard with full wheel covers, replacing the hub caps of the prior model.
A new chrome insert has been added to the front grille of Transit Custom and Transit (FWD) to visually signal the new 2.0L EcoBlue engines and differentiate against prior and carryover 2.2L models.
The new 2.0L EcoBlue Ford Transit and Transit Custom vehicles are fitted as standard with a new technology that helps drivers stay in lane when their van is hit by a sudden crosswind or the turbulence created by a large truck.
Side Wind Stabilisation is an advanced feature that was developed by Ford engineers, and is designed to carefully apply the brakes on one side of the vehicle to reduce the effect of a side wind gust on the vehicle’s path.
“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.
At vehicle speeds of more than 80 km/h, the Side Wind Stabilisation system sensors monitor stability 100 times per second. If a sudden gust is detected, the feature is designed to become active within less than 200 milliseconds.
Ford engineers tested the new system at a special test track which uses six powerful fans to generate crosswinds of up to 80km/h, as well as on public roads in areas which are notorious for strong winds.
The Side Wind Stabilisation feature is also designed to help combat fatigue by reducing the driver’s workload. “This new technology will help make highway driving less stressful for Transit drivers,” said Suermann.
| Transit Custom 2.0L | Manual | Automatic |
| SWB Low Roof with Full Glass Option | $53,490 | $55,490 + |
| SWB Low Roof Single Side Load Dr | $51,990* | $53,990 + |
| LWB Low Roof Single Side Load Dr | $58,490 | $60,490 + |
| LWB High Roof Single Side Load Dr | $58,990 | $60,990 + |
| Transit Custom Options | Price | |
| RHS Load Door | $700 | |
| Tailgate (glazed) | No cost option |
*Fieldays special: $42,990
| Transit Custom Tourneo Trend 2.0L LWB | Manual | Automatic |
| SWB Low Roof with Full Glass Option | $58,990 | $60,990 + |
| Transit Cargo | Manual | Automatic |
| 2.2L 350L LWB Medium Roof Single Side Load Dr | $61,640 | |
| 2.0L 350L LWB Medium Roof Single Side Load Dr, FWD | $63,640 + | |
| 2.2L 350E LWB (Jumbo) High Roof Single Side Load Dr | $70,940 | |
| 2.2L 470E LWB (Jumbo) High Roof Single Side Load Dr | $72,340 | |
| 2.2L 350L LWB Chassis Cab | $58,540 | |
| 2.0L 350L LWB Chassis Cab, FWD | $60,540 + | |
| 2.2L 350L LWB Med Roof with Full Glass Option | $62,340 | |
| Transit Cargo Options | Price | |
| High Roof | $3,200 | |
| RHS Load Door | $700 | |
| Single front passenger seat option | No cost option |
| Transit Cargo Bus 2.2L (Prior MODEL) | Manual | Automatic |
| 2.2L 370M Bus MWB (12 Seater) | $66,390 | |
| 2.2L 410L LWB (12 Seat) | $71,990 | |
| 2.2L 460E Bus LWB (17 Seater) | $77,390 |
| Transit Cargo Bus (from mid-2017) | Manual | Automatic |
| 2.2L 370M Bus MWB (12 Seater) | $66,890 | |
| 2.2L 410L LWB (12 Seat) | $73,990 | |
| 2.2L 460E Bus LWB (17 Seater) | $79,390 |
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomoy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.co.nz.
