Ford has introduced some new models to its Transit Custom range. The new Colour Edition and Sports series models will target buyers looking eye-catching looks and those looking for improved driving dynamics and more aggressive styling.

Ford Transit Custom Colour Edition in Race Red

Colour me happy

The new Colour Edition models are all about style. They will be available in four colour schemes, Race Red, Deep Impact Blue, Frozen White and Shadow Black. Each van will have a contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side straps, along with black 17-inch alloy wheels.

All models will have a short wheelbase and a standard roof, and will be based on the 290 Trend model. Under the bonnet will be Ford’s new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, with a 6-speed manual transmission. The enhanced chassis settings used on the Sport series van will also be used on the Colour Edition, which should sharpen the driving experience.

The Colour Edition will be available for delivery in Spring 2017, but UK availability will be limited to just 400 units. There’s no word on price, but with so few vans, it might be worth contacting your local dealer if you’re interested.

Sport series gains new body choices

The Transit Custom Sport has hitherto been available in just one body style, the single cab short wheelbase van. Ford has heard the cries from its customers and has now expanded the Sport series to include no fewer than six different variants.

As before, the range-topping Sport series will feature a body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, including body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles. There will also be body-side mouldings and wheel arch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model.

The van’s bold appearance will be complemented by new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

Inside, the seats will boast half-leather trim and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The Sport vans will use the same 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine as the Colour Edition, but buyers will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual and the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics enhanced by a unique chassis specification that’s expected to deliver improved handling, ride and feel.

Changes include a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.