Ford is entering the South African van market with a name that's synonymous with hauling and fetching in Europe.
Ford SA will be tacking a spectrum of the mid-sized market with its Transit and Tourneo Custom range.
Both vehicles come off the same mould, the difference being that the Transit Custom is a panel van built for hauling loads of up to one tonne and the Tourneo Custom is a passenger van.
TOURNEO CUSTOM, THE PEOPLE HAULER
The Tourneo is a natural contender for the executive shuttle service market, although Ford believes it will also appeal to families and those with active lifestyles.
While it seats up to eight occupants in a spacious and versatile cabin, Ford believes its sharp styling - derived from Ford's passenger car line-up - and smart technologies will give it the edge in this market.
It's available in two wheelbase lengths, the SWB boasting a total length of 4.97 metres and the LWB measuring 5.34m. The latter's extra length has been allocated to the luggage compartment.
Those needing more baggage capacity can opt for the deployable integrated roof rack system, which can be raised or lowered when required.
Twin sliding doors provide access to the rear compartment, where occupants will find six seats that can be easily folded or removed - there are 30 configurations in total. However, keeping the back-seat drivers cool in summer is a matter of ordering the optional rear air conditioning system - although a front aircon is standard.
The Tourneo can be had in Ambiente and Trend equipment levels, the latter boasting 16-inch alloys, cruise control, electric mirrors and Ford's SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system that 'syncs' with popular smartphones and music players.
Powering the Tourneo range is a 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engine with two power levels. In the Ambiente it produces 74kW and 310Nm; opt for the Trend and you get 92kW and 350Nm.
The engine will need a service every 15 000km, although the first five years or 90 000km are covered by a standard service plan.
PRICES
2.2 TDCi Ambiente SWB FWD - R385 200
2.2 TDCi Trend SWB FWD - R407 800
2.2 TDCi Ambiente LWB FWD - R392 200
2.2 TDCi Trend LWB FWD - R414 700
TRANSIT CUSTOM, THE WORKER BEE
As the worker in the range, the Transit Custom gets right down to business with its multiple GVM options that range from 600kg to 1400kg.
Like the Tourneo, it's available in two wheelbase lengths; the shorter version offers a loading volume of 6.0m3 SAE with full bulkhead fitted and the LWB will devour 6.8m3.
Due to the optimised bulkhead and load space design, even the SWB model is able to haul three Euro pallets loaded to at least one metre high. The bulkhead also has a load-through hatch that allows load of up to three metres (or 3.4m for the LWB) to be accommodated.
To ensure easier loading, the tie-down hooks are positioned on the body sides and the load floor liner was specifically designed to be easily cleaned. Ford's deployable roof rack system is also in place for larger hauling requirements.
Like its Tourneo cousin, the Transit is available with 74kW/310Nm and 92kW/310Nm variations of ford's 2.2-litre turbodiesel motor, and there's also a 114kW/385Nm version for those seeking more serious urge. As far as economy is concerned, Ford claims that all three guzzle less than 7.3 litres per 100km on a combined cycle run.
Service intervals are set at 15 000km and a service plan is optional.
Open your wallet to the options list and you can have a whole raft of sophisticated driver assistance gadgets that you'd normally expect on luxury cars.
Besides the aforementioned Sync system, the Transit is available with Lane Keeping Alert, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam and Hill Launch Assist.
PRICES
2.2 TDCi Ambiente Low SWB - R302 700
2.2 TDCi Ambiente Hi SWB - R306 400
2.2 TDCi Ambiente Low LWB - R309 700
2.2 TDCi Ambiente Hi LWB - R317 400
2.2 TDCi Sport SWB - R364 600