Not long after revealing the new E-Transit Custom (pictured in blue), Ford has revealed the ICE-powered 2023 Ford Transit Custom. Due to go on sale in Australia in late 2023 – before the electric version’s 2024 on-sale date – the new Transit Custom was revealed at the IAA Transportation Show 2022 in Hannover, Germany. According to Ford, the new Transit Custom offers a wide range of improvements. The Transit Custom will join a big period of Ford releases, including the just-released Ranger and F-150.
“The all-new Transit Custom will offer a new level of technology and flexibility for Australian business customers, with all the practicality and versatility Transit is known for,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
Stylistically, the 2023 Ford Transit Custom and E-Transit Custom twins are more modern to look at than the current shape of Transit. New elements include sleek new LED headlights, a huge new grille in line with the latest Ford corporate look and a sleeker body, which Ford says gives up to a 10 per cent improvement in aerodynamics.
Underneath the body is reportedly a new platform, which now has independent front and rear suspension for greater road holding. A new generation of Ford’s ‘EcoBlue’ diesel engines with a new eight-speed automatic transmission will be available, while the E-Transit Custom features a 160kW/415Nm electric motor that gets its power from a 74kWh battery back for up to 380km of range. The diesel-powered Transit Custom will be able to tow up to 2,500kg braked.
The interior of the 2023 Ford Transit Custom is, like the exterior, more modern and functional than the current model. Highlights of the interior include a new 13-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Sync4 operating system, a steering wheel that can be tilted flat to use for work or eating and a rear cargo floor that’s been lowered by 100mm for greater overall cargo space.
The new Transit Custom will be made at a new plant in Turkey, and four bodystyles will be available with low and tall height, as well as short wheelbase and long wheelbases on offer. Importantly for fleets, both the Transit Custom and E-Transit Custom will offer a long list of safety equipment, including E-Transit Custom’s standard suite of driver assistance systems include pre-collision assist with active braking, lane keeping assist, driver alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, wrong way alert, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
The 2023 Ford Transit Custom will go on sale in Australia in late 2023, with its electric E-Transit Custom sibling due not long afterwards in 2024. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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