Ford has expanded its commercial vehicle range with the launch of the Transit Van 350 LWB, a model tailored to meet the demands of businesses and fleet owners in a variety of sectors.
"The Ford Transit has supported businesses across Europe for many years, and now, with the arrival of the Transit Van 350 LWB, we’re enhancing its offerings for South African commercial vehicle users," says Sunil Sewmohan, Product Marketing Director at Ford South Africa.
Offering a total load volume of 13 sq/m, the vehicle can accommodate up to four Euro pallets, with a maximum floor length of 3 200 mm, with a maximum payload of 1, 325 kg.
Access to the load area is made easy with twin rear barn doors that open up to 180 degrees, alongside a single kerbside load door. For added convenience, customers can opt for the Delivery Assist Package, which includes side loading doors, a close assist function for the side doors and keyless entry and start.
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The load area is equipped with safety features such as 10 tie-down hooks and built-in lighting to support work in darker environments, including warehouses. Optional heavy-duty batteries are also available, depending on specific business needs. Additionally, the Transit Van can tow up to 2 800 kg with a braked trailer, while its gross vehicle mass (GVM) is rated at 3 500 kg, with a combined gross mass (GCM) of 6 000 kg.
The Transit Van 350 LWB is powered by Ford’s 2,0-litre Single Turbo EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering 121 kW and 390 Nm of torque. Designed for both performance and efficiency, the engine incorporates an AdBlue system that reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. A 20-litre AdBlue tank comes standard.
Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a rotary shifter. The vehicle also features four selectable drive modes — Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, and Slippery — which allow drivers to adapt the vehicle’s performance to different driving conditions. Additionally, the Transit Van comes equipped with Auto Stop/Start as standard, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions in urban environments.
The vehicle includes an 8-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen, which provides access to the SYNC4 infotainment system. With hands-free voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, staying connected on the road is simple.
FordPass functionality, accessible via a 5G modem, enables users to remotely start the vehicle, perform vehicle health checks, locate the vehicle and lock or unlock doors through the FordPass app. Inside the cabin, a USB charging port and 12v auxiliary power socket are available to keep devices powered.
For added convenience, an innovative feature stops the engine when the driver shifts into Park, activates hazard lights and locks unused doors, then restarts the engine when the brake pedal is pressed. This helps reduce delays when stopping for deliveries or unloading.
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The Transit Van 350 LWB is equipped with a range of safety features as standard. These include the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, and Rollover Mitigation. It also comes with anti-lock braking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Emergency Brake Assist. Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring system is also included.
For enhanced driver assistance, customers can opt for the Driver Assistance Package, which adds Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Speed Control, Blind Spot Information, Lane Keeping Aid and a 360-degree camera with parking aids.
The Transit Van 350 LWB is available at a recommended retail price of R1-million, inclusive of VAT. This price comes with a 6-year/90 000 km Ford Optional Service Plan, a 4-year/120 00 0km warranty and four-year unlimited distance Roadside Assistance. There’s also a five-year unlimited distance corrosion warranty and a two-year/unlimited distance warranty for service parts.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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