Ford Transit 2014 News

Ford's in Transit - the one-tonne Transit Custom gets a two-tonne stablemate. Meet Ford's new Transit. This is the two-tonne big Transit, joining the one-tonner that went on sale earlier this year. Somewhat confusingly, the small Transit is called the Transit Custom and the big Transit is just called Transit.The Custom is a competitor for Hyundai's iLoad and Toyota's HiAce and the biggie competes against the likes of the Mercedes Sprinter and Renault Master.The big Transit comes out of the same factory in Turkey as the Custom model but that's where the commonality ends. It uses a different chassis and is rear-wheel drive. The Custom is a front-driver, which is fine in smaller vans as it costs less and is more fuel efficient. Rear-drive better suits vehicles carrying heavier loads because more weight is on the rear of the vehicle and it is able to get better traction.Cargo volume ranges from 11 cubic metres to 15.1, or up to five Euro-style palletsTransit variants include three vans and two cab-chassis, one a single cab and the other a crew cab. The base 350L has mid- and high-roof options. Ford Australia says it will introduce a passenger van version, which has the largest curtain airbag in production, at some stage next year.Prices start at $47,680 for the 350L with single rear wheels - all other models have twin rear wheels for better traction and load distribution - and rises to $52,680 for the 470E Double Cab Chassis The Transits all share a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, an updated version of that in the Ranger workhorse. It comes in one tune only, with 114kW at 3500rpm and 385Nm from 1600rpm-2300rpm, and is fitted with fuel-saving stop-start tech (Ford has not released fuel figures).Initially, the transmission will be six-speed manual only. A torque converter automatic under development for both Transits may be up to two years away.The payload for the Transit ranges from 1122kg to 2500kg and the maximum combined mass is 4490kg. Cargo volume ranges from 11 cubic metres to 15.1, or up to five Euro-style pallets.As with the Transit Custom, Ford Australia specified the local Transit models with an impressive amount of standard safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, trailer sway control and electronic stability control - which is configured to account for how the vehicle is loaded.Paired to a mobile phone, the Transit can call emergency services automatically in the event of a crash.Cruise control is standard as is a digital radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and phone connectivity, airconditioning, 3.5-inch dashboard screen and steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls.

Ford says their capped price service offer, MyFord, has been successful in bringing thousands of owners back to the brand -- 13,000 in 2013 alone. So they're taking the offer further, raising it to seven years and 135,000km from the six years/105,000km that rolled out in 2011.The revised program -- available on vehicles built from 2007 -- has been extended to cover brake pad replacements and rotor machining across the range except the sporty FPV, ST and XR5 variants and the light commercial Transit van. All eligible models will have front pads capped at $259 and rear ones at $219, except the rear-wheel drive Falcon and Territory rear pads, which will be capped at $259. Machining is capped at $88.Ford has also announced a year's free membership and roadside assistance with state motoring organisations -- NRMA, RACV, RACT, RACQ, AANT, RAA and RAC -- at participating dealers with the sale of any new car, except FPV and Transit.“The addition of the Auto Club Program is another customer-focused offering that Ford owners will enjoy,” Ford Australia general manager, customer service division, Stephen Kruk, says. “Customers expect this level of certainty from their dealers and we’re happy to say that since it was introduced in July 2011, the program has been very well received by our customers.”Owners can check the maximum price for a service, and all terms and conditions at www.ford.com.au/myfordcps.  MyFord Capped Price Servicing is available on the following vehicles.Ford Fiesta – WQ, WS, WTFord Focus – LS, LT, LV, LVIIFord Mondeo – MA, MB, MCFord Falcon – BF, BF FPV, BF MkII, BF MkII FPV, BF MkIII, FG, FG FPV, FG MkII, FG MkII FPVFord Escape – ZD, ZCFord Econovan - JHFord EcoSport - BKFord Kuga - TE, TFFord Territory – SY, SY F6X, SY MkII, SZFord Ranger – PJ, PK, PXFord Transit – VM, VNThis reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

There's toughening competition in the van segment, with brands increasingly trying to sweeten the offer with more car-like features and better deals. Ford is tossing two new one-tonne Transit Custom models into the fray with the lure of an extended five-year, 200,000km warrant -- adding two years and 100,000km over the standard one.The 290S short wheelbase is rolling into showrooms this month priced from $37,490 -- about $1500 more than the current entry-level 280. The longer wheelbase 330L arrives mid-year at $39,490, which is a drop of $2000 on the current 330.Both will be powered by the carryover 92kW/350Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed manual driving the front wheels. Fuel economy is claimed at 7.1L/100km for the 290S and 7.3L/100km for the 330L.The 290S offers 5.95 cubic metres of rear load space and 2555mm load length, and the 330L 6.83 cubic metres and 2922mm in length.Ford is promising a more comfortable workhorse with extra features, including the SYNC infotainment system, more storage nooks and crannies in the cabin and a fold-down centre armrest that does double duty as a writing surface. The hauling capacity benefits from a load-through hatch in the bulkhead and an integrated roof-rack system.Driving and safety technology includes ABS with brake assist for panic stops and brakeforce distribution to counter uneven loading, stability control, hill start assist, torque vectoring, cruise control with speed limiting, and the workers' welcome mates: trailer sway control, load adaptive control and roll-over mitigation.The Transit Custom will also get the myFord Capped Price Servicing program and -- for the first time on the van -- Emergency Roadside Assistance."We are signaling to customers that the all-new Transit Custom presents a very compelling reason to buy," Ford Australia's vice-president of marketing, sales and service, Graeme Whickman says. "Not only is the Transit well priced, but it has high levels of safety, practicality and driver appeal."2014 Ford Transit Custom pricesFord Transit 290S Custom 2.2-litre turbodiesel (man) $37,490Ford Transit 330L Custom 2.2-litre turbodiesel (man) $39,490This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSMini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family. The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)Lexus CT 200h: Lexus will complete the spindle grill-ification of its Australian lineup when it launches the mid-cycle refresh of the CT 200h hybrid hatch before July. Along with the stylistic alignment with the rest of the range, the new CT will feature revised suspension tuning and interior trim, with the possibility of sharpened pricing in the pursuit of sales volume. (Approximately $40,000-$58,000)Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Subaru Impreza WRX: Underwhelming or otherwise, Subaru’s new WRX performance sedan is due in late March, ahead of a hotter-again STI version by mid-year. (Approximately $40,000)Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance: The upgraded Golf GTI Performance pack will complete the GTI lineup during 2014, with an extra 7kW, bigger brakes, tricky diff, plus xenon headlights, LED taillights, 19 inch wheels, and alcantara added to the tartan cloth interior trim. (Approximately $47,990)Volkswagen Golf R: The all-wheel drive Golf R performance flagship is also expected in 2014, with 206kW and 380Nm promising performance to trump all before it. (Approximately $50,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. Approximately 37,000-56,000Infiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Skoda Octavia RS: The Czech brand will launch the hot Octavia RS in the second quarter, with the petrol version matching the new Volkswagen Golf GTI mechanically, and the diesel version is expected to continue with the same spec as the Golf GTD available overseas. (Approximately from $40,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)PEOPLE MOVERSHonda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDBMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will also score similar SYNC-inclusive revisions at around the same time, ahead of the same 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Isuzu MU-X: Isuzu will introduce the seven-seat MU-X in January, with the company’s first SUV sharing much of its design with the D-Max ute and Holden Colorado and Colorado 7 models. The MU-X will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre diesel engine as the D-Max, and offer family 4WD toughness for a lot less than Toyota’s Prado. (Approximately $40,500-$53,500)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Mercedes-Benz GLA: Mercedes will bring the new A-Class-based GLA SUV to our shores in May, with the all-new model taking the fight to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the premium compact SUV segment. Priced from about $45,000, the GLA will be available in front or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and engines from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre GLA200 and 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre GLA250 petrols, and 100kW/300Nm 2.2-litre GLA200 CDI and 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre GLA220 CDI turbodiesel options. (Approximately from $45,000)Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Mitsubishi will introduce its first hybrid model in April, in the form of the plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV. Priced from about $50,000, the Outlander PHEV promises Holden Volt-rivalling efficiency for about $10,000 less, and wrapped within a more practical SUV body. (Approximately from $50,000)Nissan Pathfinder hybrid: Nissan will complete its new Pathfinder SUV lineup in the second quarter, with the addition of a new petrol-electric hybrid variant to help silence the naysayers lamenting the lack of a diesel option in the new model. The 187kW/329Nm hybrid drivetrain uses a 15kW electric motor paired with a supercharged 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine, resulting in a claimed 25 per cent fuel efficiency gain. (Approximately $55,000-$60,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Skoda Octavia Scout: The Octavia RS will be followed by the jacked-up Scout AWD variant in about mid-year. (Approximately $40,000-$45,000)Toyota Kluger: Toyota will introduce the third-generation of its Kluger large SUV in the first quarter, with the all-new larger model promising improved seating for seven and fresh styling, but its continued reliance on a petrol V6 might threaten its sales success next to the diesel and hybrid options offered by most rivals. (Approximately $40,000-$60,000)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000) 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSAlfa-Romeo MiTo: The Mini Cooper-rivalling MiTo hatch is due for a refresh in January. Tweaked styling is expected, along with updated features and sharpened pricing in line with other recent Fiat Chrysler Australia pricetag shuffles. (Approximately 25,000-30,000)Honda City and Jazz: Honda’s slow-selling City compact sedan is due to be replaced by an all-new model in the second quarter of 2014, leading the also-new third-generation Jazz compact hatch which is expected in around June. The new Jazz will benefit from a new dual-clutch auto transmission, and a new hybrid variant is expected to dip well below the current petrol-electric model’s 4.5L/100km combined figure. (Approximately $16,000-23,000)Kia Rio: Also due for a refresh in the third quarter is the Kia Rio light hatch and sedan range, with the stylish model likely to score visual tweaks and value gains to keep up with more recent competition. (Approximately $15,000-22,000)Mini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)Volkswagen Polo: Volkswagen’s Polo light hatch range is also due for a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of the year, with revised styling, plus efficiency and technology trickle-down from the Mk7 Golf likely. Approximately $17,000-29,000)SMALL CARSAlfa Romeo Giulietta: Following on from its pricing shuffle in 2013, the small Giulietta hatch range also due for a mid-cycle refresh later in 2014. Approximately 24,000-40,000)Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai will revise its Elantra sedan in January, with freshened styling and a new local suspension tune expected to be the main changes. (Approximately $20,990-$30,190)Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Kia will bring the Pro_cee’d GT down under in March, with the new hot hatch set to go head to head with its mechanical sibling the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. (Approximately $30,000)Kia Soul: Also expected in March is a heavily revised version of the trendy Soul small hatch, with rejigged styling, upgraded underpinnings and petrol and diesel drivetrains. (Approximately $21,000-$30,000)Mazda3: Mazda will renew its assault on the Australian sales charts in January, with the arrival of the new third-generation 3 sedan and hatch models. The new 3 will be available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol engine from launch, with diesel versions set to follow later. (Approximately $20,000-35,000)Nissan Pulsar SSS sedan: In the third quarter, Nissan will break with Pulsar SSS tradition by adding a sedan version of the hot turbocharged model, with Mazda’s SP25 sedan its only logical rival. (Approximately $31,000)Peugeot 308: Peugeot’s headline act for 2014 will be the new 308 small hatch, with the lighter and more efficient model arriving before the end of the year to target Volkswagen’s Golf head-on. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Proton Suprima S: Proton will launch the Preve sedan-based Suprima S small hatch in January, in $21,790 (drive away) GX and $26,590 (drive away) GXR spec levels. Available with a CVT auto initially, both versions will use a 103kW/250Nm 1.6 litre petrol turbo. Cheaper $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR) six –speed manual versions will arrive later in the year. (Approximately $19,790-$24,590)Proton Preve: In the second quarter, ther Malaysian brand will add a five-speed manual version of the Preve GXR sedan, which is expected to undercut the existing CVT auto version by $2000 with a $20,990 drive away pricetag. A more upmarket Preve LE is expected at around the same time, and likely to be priced around the $25,000 mark.Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Skoda will introduce the much anticipated Rapid Spaceback in the second quarter, with the new hatch to sit beneath the recently launched Octavia Liftback and wagon. (Approximately from $20,000)Toyota Corolla sedan: Toyota’s grasp on the Australian market is set to be strengthened by the arrival of a sedan version of the new Corolla in February. Both European and US versions of the new sedan have been unveiled, and the Australian model will most closely resemble the European model. (Approximately $20,000-$32,000)Volkswagen Golf wagon: Volkswagen will add a wagon bodystyle to its Mk7 Golf lineup early in 2014, mirroring the hatch with its range of petrol and diesel engines. (Approximately $27,000-37,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. (Approximately 37,000-56,000)Kia Optima: Kia’s Optima will score a mid-cycle update in January, with revised styling inside and out, along with added features. (Approximately $30,990-$40,490)PEOPLE MOVERSCitroen C4 Grand Picasso: Citroen will replace the long-serving C4 Grand Picasso with an all-new version in the second quarter of 2014. The new model promises to continue as a stylish alternative to other seven-seat people movers with a choice of petrol or diesel drivetrains and will hopefully retain the current model’s sub-$40,000 pricing. (Approximately $37,000-$40,000)Honda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDFord EcoSport: The Blue Oval’s new EcoSport baby will complete its lineup in February, with the cheaper Trend and Ambiente spec levels joining the top-line Titanium that launched the model in December. (Approximately $20,790-27,790)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Jeep Cherokee: Jeep’s new more-civilised Cherokee SUV will arrive in the first half of 2014, with a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 3.2-litre petrol V6, or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. (Approximately $28,000-$37,000)Kia Sportage: During the second quarter, Kia will grace its Sportage medium SUV with a more significant update than the minor revisions made in mid-2013 with the shift to European production. Like Optima, expect fresh interior and exterior styling and new features. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Nissan Qashqai: Nissan’s other significant SUV arrival for 2014 will be the Dualis-replacing Qashqai compact SUV, which will arrive in five-seat only guise in the third quarter. (Approximately $26,000-$36,000)Renault Captur: The Renault Captur will arrive mid-year, representing the French brand in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segement. The Clio-based crossover should start in the low $20,000s, and challenge the Trax, Juke, 2008, and EcoSport. (Approximately from $20,000)Skoda Yeti: Skoda’s best-selling Yeti compact SUV is also in line for a mid-cycle refresh in around June, with revised styling and features to bring it in line with the brand’s newer models. (Approximately $26,000-$38,000)Suzuki S-Cross: Suzuki’s SX4-replacing S-Cross will arrive in January, with reduced fuel consumption an increased interior space over the model it supercedes. Like the SX4, the S-Cross will continue with 2WD and AWD options, and will be priced between $22,990 and $34,990.COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000)Renault Kangoo Maxi crew van: A passenger-carrying Kangoo Maxi crew van is also expected in the second quarter. (Approximately $27,000)

Ford has announced a slew of new and updated models for 2014, headlined by the return of the much-loved XR8 -- and its V8 Miami engine -- as part of a styling and features overhaul of the Falcon range.Read Ford Falcon XR8 reviewsThe updates to the Falcon range will happen towards the end of the year and coincide with updates to the Territory SUV, with more details on both ranges to be revealed closer to the launch dates.Read Ford Territory reviewsHowever Ford's changes to other models kick off early in 2014 with the new Transit van range hitting showrooms in January with the front-wheel drive, short-wheelbase Custom model, powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel developing 92kW of power and 350Nm of torque -- an increase of 20Nm. It will be followed by the larger rear-wheel drive long-wheelbase Transit in the second quarter.The Transit range's features will include a new integrated and stowable roof rack, twin battery system, Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system with digital radio and Bluetooth, front, side and curtain airbags, and optional Trailer Hitch Assist, front and rear parking sensors and an electro chromatic rearview mirror with integrated rear camera display.Read Ford Transit reviewsThe Ford EcoSport compact SUV will be the next in line for changes, with February seeing the arrival of entry-level Ambiente and mid-level Trend spec models. And the Kuga SUV also gets a brushover, offering new paint colours, an optional $1200 pack that gives you a hands-free tailgate and smartkey system on the Trend spec level.Read Ford EcoSport reviewsThe Ranger ute line-up will expand, with the recently-arrived mid-level XLS now adding a 2.2-litre engine and the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions to join the 3.2-litre manual version. In addition, the 4x2 XL Single Cab Chassis 2.2-litre low-rider Ranger will be getting side airbags as standard, and satellite navigation has been added across the entire XLT line-up due to customer demand.Read Ford Ranger reviewsThis reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

 When Ford’s global executives rolled into Sydney last week to host a razzamatazz show aimed at convincing us all it has big plans for Australia, they could have been forgiven for overlooking the humble Tansit van - but they didn’t. The Ford Go Further event at Fox Studios was all lights and action in the much-hyped style that works in the US.Ford Motor Company chief operating officer Mark Fields introduced several new models from sporty Fiestas to the Everest SUV, but also talked up two Transits as they were driven onto the stage in front of several Ford dealers, employees and journalists.“Are these cargo vans hot or what? Fields asked excitedly, almost shouting. There were a few claps, quite likely from Ford employed folk, but it’s safe to say any euphoria was contained. It is, after all, a van.While it might not have caused mass hysteria, the introduction of the new Transit van early next year will represent a significant step forward from the current model. Ford will actually introduce two different Transit models, a medium and a large version. It’s not just the size that contrasts, the two vans look different too.The smaller van is called the Transit Custom, which is already on sale in Europe and will be introduced here around February next year. Ford’s larger offering is the Transit Cargo, which goes on sale in Europe and the US later this year and will be available locally from next April.There is also a third Transit model, the Transit Connect, which is a size smaller than the Custom and would line up against models like the Renault Kangoo Volkswagen Caddy, but Ford Australia has not yet decided whether to bring this to Australia.The mid-sized Custom is available in a series of wheelbases and with a regular roof or high roof. The longer wheelbase, high roof model offers up to 8.3 cubic metres of cargo space and a floor to roof measurement of 1.78 metres. Ford says it can’t confirm the payload of the Custom, but the van is marketed in Europe as a one tonne van. The Custom has already been tested by Euro NCAP and recorded an impressive five-star score.Ford developed the larger Transit Cargo to replace the bigger Transit versions currently sold in Europe, but also the ancient E-Series van sold in the United States that was based on F-Series ute. While the Custom has a more European style, the bigger Cargo van takes on a more aggressive American-style nose with a chunky grille, similar to that shown on the Ranger-based Everest SUV. There are several different versions, but the largest available has room for 15.1 cubic metres of cargo. The maximum payload is around 3.2 tonnes, although Ford Australia has confirmed none of the specs of the model to be sold here.Both the Custom and Cargo vans will be available with a carry-over 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel that is also used in the Ranger ute. The Cargo is also available with a 3.5-litre turbo EcoBoost petrol V6, which replaces the V8 equipped Econoline, but this will not be made available for the Australian models.It is most likely that smaller Custom models sold in Australia will be front-wheel-drive, while the larger Cargo will be rear-drive. Ford says both new Transit models are built with a large amount of high tensile steel, which is stronger and lighter than regular steel. Ford has developed the Transits in a range of body options, including bus, cab-chassis, crew cab-chassis and regular cargo van.