Ford’s ‘fuel-sipping’ Transit Custom ECOnetic offers class-leading economy

Story: COLIN DAWSON

Ford's ECOnetic Transit Custom includes many low-CO2 features as standard, including Acceleration Control, limiting the acceleration to levels achievable when the vehicle is fully laden, enabling significant fuel savings when the vehicle is unladen or part-laden

FORD’S new ECOnetic version of the award-winning Transit Custom 1-tonne ‘sips fuel like a family car’, according to the company.

It offers class-leading fuel economy comparable to that of a large family diesel saloon, with consumption from 46.3mpg – that’s an eight per cent reduction against its predecessor – and CO₂ emissions from 162 g/km when fitted with the optional 62mph speed limiter. Without the optional speed limiter, the model delivers fuel economy from 44.8mpg and CO₂ emissions from 166 g/km.

The van includes many low-CO₂ features as standard, including Acceleration Control, an innovative new technology that limits the acceleration to levels achievable when the vehicle is fully laden, enabling significant fuel savings when the vehicle is unladen or part-laden. Field tests show that Acceleration Control can reduce fuel consumption by four to 15 per cent and cut wear-and-tear on brakes, tyres and other components.

The ECOnetic model is powered by a 100hp version of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine and is equipped with standard Auto-Start-Stop that can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂emissions by up to 10 per cent in urban driving.

The ECOnetic model is powered by a 100hp version of Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel engine and is equipped with standard Auto-Start-Stop that can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10 per cent in urban driving

Other fuel-saving features include a switchable 70mph speed limiter, special engine calibration, a coolant bypass valve for quicker warm-up, optimised gearing with a six per cent longer final drive ratio, low rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic wheel trims. Business van buyers can also specify fixed speed limiters regulated to 56mph, 62mph and 70mph to suit their own operating requirements.

The Transit Custom ECOnetic will be available in short- or long-wheelbase form with three gross vehicle weight options and can be ordered by business van buyers now, with customer deliveries commencing in early 2013.

Barb Samardzich, Ford of Europe vice president product development, told Business Vans: “Transit Custom already delivers great fuel economy and the new ECOnetic model pushes the bar higher, into the realm of the family car. The Transit Custom ECOnetic is packed with advanced fuel-saving technologies that help businesses keep running costs to a minimum and reduce their carbon footprint.”

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