To further improve the capabilities of its van range, Ford is adding some new variants of the Transit to its lineup that are specifically tailored for those who need to take them to more rugged terrain. The treatments have been applied to the Ford Transit and Tourneo people carrier models and the smaller Transit Connect and Custom variants.
The Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail's ability to take on tougher terrain is aided by the inclusion of a new mechanical limited-slip differential for front-wheel-drive models that Ford developed in partnership with specialist firm Quaife. This setup shifts torque between the front wheels that have the most grip at any one moment to give it better traction on loose surfaces such as gravel tracks and muddy terrain. Its electronic stability control is also enhanced to work with this system so that it doesn't get bogged down.
With the larger Transits, there is the all-wheel-drive transmission and also a Transit Trail model with rear-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive transmission gains additional drive modes for 'Slippery' and 'Mud/Rut' conditions. It also has an AWD Lock model that splits torque evenly between the front and rear axles.
Refreshed styling to match
To tie in with the mechanical enhancements, the styling team has also given these models a more distinctive style with clear SUV influences. The Active models follow what we have already seen in the Fiesta and Focus models, with Active badging on the outside and Storm Blue accents inside the cabin and 'A' emblems on the seats. Unique alloy wheel designs and plastic cladding on the sides help to round out the look of the Active models.
The Trail models get a bold grille with Ford appearing in big bold letters just like on the Ranger Raptor pickup. Black 16-inch alloy wheels, 'Trail' logos on the lower section of the front doors and black cladding on the lower bumpers and along the sides help to give this van a tougher image.
"The Active and Trail models demonstrate how versatile and capable the Transit range can be," said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. "From businesses that operate off the beaten track to families who want a vehicle as adventurous as they are, there is a Transit to suit every need."
The Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models will come in panel van and double-cab van body styles and get the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine in 130-, 170- and 185hp versions. The Transit Custom Trail model gets the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Hybrid with the same power outputs and adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup to improve fuel efficiency.