Towards a green life in the Ford Transit Custom PHEV

The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT plug-in hybrid is quite a unique vehicle. This van plays the sports-family-work card with the energy to drive the rear wheels, in a style that requires some boldness.

Forget about a plain white or black van here. For this test, Ford provided me with a retina-searing "Yellow Green" shade. A bright colour that complements the aerodynamic additions, including the spoiler on the double rear door, and the 19-inch wheels to show off the muscles of the MS-RT (M-Sport Road Technology) finish. A sporty look paired with the PHEV engine, boasting a total power of 233 hp combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine producing 118 hp with a 152 hp (111.7 kW) electric motor. The latter is powered by an 11.8 kWh battery. It's enough to drive in electric mode for 40km (55km officially). However, it doesn't lose its power once the battery is "depleted". Indeed, this van has some punch.

Not just for show

For this test, I had the double cab version with a three-seat bench at the rear and a partition separating the passenger cabin from the cargo area. Thus, it's a vehicle for 5 people. You sometimes need to cling on to climb into the vehicle, despite the step. It's an easier task for the rear seats thanks to the sliding doors. The effort is rewarded with a rather flattering finish. The seats even boast blue stitching and MR-ST logos. Ford also uses eco-friendly leather. Perhaps that's where the green comes in! The atypical nature of this van is also highlighted by the mid-point mark on the steering wheel. It also doesn't forget the practical aspects with multiple storage spaces and USB-C ports.

Punchy

The first impression is often the right one. And after the first few wheels' turns, it's promising. The Transit eagerly moves forward, silently, in electric mode as long as the battery has charge left. The driving position is typical of a utility vehicle, but comfortable thanks to the seats of this finish. Sometimes, you have to engage in large arm movements to turn in tight bends. The chassis is that of a van with some oscillations when empty. But nothing prohibitive, with Ford's engineers having tuned the suspension to make it a vehicle comfortable on the road for family trips, while still capable of holding up to 1124kg of load. Note that once the battery is depleted before the station, the vehicle behaves like a typical hybrid. You can stay in the fast lane on the motorway without shame, with some electrifying acceleration available.

Rock ’n’ roll

The double cab configuration of the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT can fulfil various roles. For this test, we needed to transport rock band equipment. Not only did everything fit into the rear part without having to pile up to the ceiling, but also the band members could travel together with all the required comfort before and after the show. Safely, because the instruments and sound and lighting equipment are well separated from the cabin. The only downside was that we needed to dismantle a structure to fit it in... Because it lacks length in this 5.05m version. For that, we would have opted for the long 5.45m version. It would certainly have fit sideways in this case.

Going back to our test van. It could even allow for an outdoor concert since there are 2 two 230 V sockets near the double door. Another option: a rear light facing outward to load all the equipment easily after the concert. Clever, the green beast. Moreover, it has a central rear-view mirror thanks to a rear camera.

Efficient

Once the shock of the flashy design is absorbed, this Ford Transit Custom PHEV offers real pleasure. It's possible to choose a less daring colour. But this vehicle can bring happiness to a family as well as to a professional. It's not a vehicle that has been tuned with suspension that compacts the vertebrae. No! Thus, by keeping the standard van settings, corners should be taken keeping in mind that one remains at a certain height with a tendency to lean. Even if this Ford shows grit in the apex thanks to a good front end. It's therefore pleasant to drive with a bit of dynamism. Especially since the hybrid system remains effective in all circumstances. Even when driving with an empty battery, the electric motor remains operational to fulfil its role. The van never loses the urge to move forward. With good engine management, the "empty battery" consumption can stay under 8.5 l/100km. The average when charging regularly can even drop below 6 l/100km, or even 5 l/100km. It's difficult however to meet the official 1.7 l/100km, unless only short trips are made between recharges.

The budget

A van like the Transit Custom can be configured as desired. Thus, we will look at this MS-RT double cab 5-seat L1 length configuration. In Belgium, the price is €69,660 including VAT, with rather comprehensive equipment for driving aids and comfort, with its 19-inch rims, blue brake callipers, aerodynamic bumpers, spoiler, 13-inch touchscreen and sporty ambiance. However, there are options that can still increase the bill, such as sockets in the loading compartment or the infotainment system with integrated navigation. This is just a brief overview because the list of accessories and extras spans several pages... In France, the price is also around €70,000. In Switzerland, it will also be over CHF 70,000. Note that it's also possible to drive with the MS-RT style with another engine besides the plug-in hybrid, in a 170 hp Diesel or a 100% electric 285 hp (210 kW) version. An offer with various shades of green…

(Olivier Duquesne – Source: Ford – Pictures: © Olivier Duquesne)