This is the all-new Ford Transit Custom MS-RT, the sportiest version of the second-generation Transit Custom, Parkers’ reigning Van of The Year. With its motorsport-inspired styling, it’ll be one of the most eye-catching vans on the road.
The van has been developed in collaboration between Ford Pro and customisation specialist MS-RT, a company associated with M-Sport, the outfit behind Ford’s campaign in the World Rally Championship. Besides diesel and plug-in hybrid variants, it’s also available in electric form. With 281hp, the e-Transit Custom MS-RT is the most powerful Transit Custom yet.
Ford Pro Europe general manager, Hans Schep, said: ‘We’re delighted to add MS-RT models to our Ford Pro portfolio, offering an exciting halo option from the dealership for customers who need a commercial vehicle but also want to make a statement about their business.
‘More customers are wanting a work vehicle for the week but something that supports their lifestyle at the weekend. These new MS-RT vehicles are the perfect answer.’
What’s different about the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT?
The key difference between the MS-RT models and a regular Transit Custom is their styling, which apes that of the Ford Puma Rally1 that competes in the World Rally Championship.
At the front, there’s a more aggressive bumper with huge air inlets and an integrated splitter on the lower edge. Moving down the sides, you’ll find wider body-colour wheelarch trims and deeper side skirts.
Around the back, there’s a new rear bumper with a built-in diffuser and four exhaust outlets. Up top, there’s a huge spoiler that runs across the rear edge of the roof and part-way down the body sides. The spoiler is divided into two parts on models with twin rear doors.
The Transit Custom MS-RT rolls on 19-inch alloys wheels finished in anthracite, that are wider yet lighter than the Transit Custom Sport’s wheels. The track width is over 50mm wider than standard to fill out the extended wheel arches. Commercial-rated 235/45 R19 Goodyear Eagle Sport tyres are used.
In the cab, there are new sculpted sports trimmed in animal product-free Eco-Leather and suede, plus a sports steering wheel with a blue 12 o’clock marker. Assorted MS-RT badges, blue brake calipers, and gloss black door handles and mirror caps finish things off. Various eye-catching colours are available including Yellow Green and MS-RT Blue.
What versions of the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT are available?
The Transit Custom MS-RT is available in standard van form with a twin crew seat in the cab, or as a crew van with two seats up front and three behind.
A choice of diesel, plug-in hybrid or electric power is available. There are two diesels, both with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine. First up is the 148hp version, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, you can spec the 168hp option that’s attached to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and is available with all-wheel-drive.
The 229hp plug-in hybrid has a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an 11.8kWh battery – Ford hasn’t quoted the range running on battery power alone.
Lastly, there’s the electric e-Transit Custom which has a whopping 281hp and rear-wheel-drive. No details on battery size and range have been announced; we do know that Ford anticipates a range of up to 205 miles from the regular, less powerful e-Transit Custom.
How much payload can the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT take?
According to Ford, the Transit Custom MS-RT van has up to 6.8 cubic metres of load space, and can take a maximum payload of 1,124kg in certain models. Those figures mean the MS-RT is within a whisker of being as good a working vehicle as the regular Transit Custom models.
When can I buy a Ford Transit Custom MS-RT?
The Transit Custom MS-RT is available to order now from all Ford Pro dealers, with deliveries due to start in mid-2024. Prices haven’t been announced but expect to pay a fairly sizeable premium over a regular Transit Custom. It has been revealed alongside the latest Ford Ranger MS-RT pickup.
