Ford Transit Custom Problems

There is, indeed, an all-wheel-drive version of the current-model Ford Transit in some parts of the world, but sadly for those with a specific set of needs, it isn’t coming to Australia. Fundamentally, the sales volumes wouldn’t justify Ford’s investment in technical training and spare parts required to get the AWD Transit into showrooms here.

On the face of it, Australian buyers looking for an all-wheel-drive commercial vehicle are vastly more attracted to vehicles like Ford’s own Ranger dual-cab utility. And that shouldn’t really come as a surprise, either; local buyers have always been more drawn to conventional utilities than they have vans. That’s the complete reversal of how the European market sees things, but that’s cultural difference for you.

Meantime, I can see why some people would like an AWD Transit. For towing a tradie trailer while keeping your other gear safe and having the ability to get on and off greasy building sites, a van like a Transit with four-wheel-drive would take some beating. But for now, for Australia, it’s officially a no from Ford.

The latest information we have is that the Custom Sport is on offer in Australia. Go back to Ford. 

Go for the Transit. It has five-star safety with six airbags and you even get heated seats. Ford is also struggling to move them, so crunch a good deal.

Like you I think the value of some of the technology we're being sold is questionable. The fuel saving and emission reductions that flow from the start/stop function are miniscule.

Ford says there are more than 400 colour choices on the Transit but there is almost no interest in Australia beyond the basics. “The take-up rate of non-white and silver paint was very low. However, we are watching the market and may expand the colour range if customers demand it,” says company spokesman, Neil McDonald.