Ford’s Transit Van range has been given a boost with the addition of a new versatile and practical derivative that features a longer body and bigger load carrying ability. The Extra Long Wheelbase (ELBW) Transit joins its siblings as the fourth-generation Ford Transit Van alongside the Transit Custom Base, Transit Custom Sport, and Transit Van.
The Transit boasts an impressive history that harks back to the introduction of the first-generation Ford Transit Mark 1 with its iconic design in the United Kingdom in 1965.
“Over the past six decades, the iconic Ford Transit has proven itself in many applications – from commercial to leisure activities. The Transit Van has evolved over the years and with the development of the modern extra-long body we have been able to widen the options for our customers, which include small and medium enterprises, freight haulers and courier companies,” says Sunil Sewmohan, Product Marketing Director at Ford South Africa.
“The new ELWB Transit, with its great appetite for hard work, combines a competitive carrying capacity with dependable power, exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions from Ford’s advanced Duratorq TDCi diesel engine” says Sewmohan.
Practicality and payload
The main difference between the new ELWB Transit and its slightly smaller LWB range partner, is the new ELWB version has longer (6 785 mm) body dimensions than the LWB (5 981 mm). Both versions also have the same kerbside sliding door width (1 300 mm), while the rear cargo doors opening height is higher (1 987 mm) compared to the LWB derivative (1 748 mm). The kerbside sliding door and rear cargo doors that open up to 180-degrees offer effortless access to load cargo in the Transit Vans.
The Transit offers up to 15,1 cubic metres of load volume, 2 270kg gross payload capacity; and a load length of more than 4m in the Transit. The new ELWB Transit features dual 16-inch 195/75 rear steel wheels on each side and a maximum braked towing mass of 3 500kg is specified for the new ELWB Transit.
Further standard enhancements of the load compartment include a complete rear trim board, a moulded load floor liner, 12 load floor tie-down hooks for securing cargo, and load space lighting. Extra heavy-duty batteries for longer load bay lighting when the vehicle is stationary can be added as additional equipment.
Drivetrain
Delivering 121kW maximum power and 390Nm maximum torque, Ford’s advanced 2.0-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine propels the ELWB Transit efficiently and economically through 6-speed manual transmission.
Recommended retail price is R1 062 000.00 (incl VAT) and includes a 6-year/90 000 km Ford Optional Service Plan, 4-year/120 000 km Ford warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. A 2-year/unlimited distance over-the-counter (OTC) parts and service parts warranty (SPW) is also included in the price.
