Ford admits that the eccentric marriage between attractive comfort and cubic bliss is never going to result in volume selling. However, it is a niche the US carmaker created and proudly reaffirmed its commitment to with the latest addition to its local van line-up.

An attractive package

Aimed at sole traders or owner operators, this van is all about reaching your destination in style. Separating the Sport from its siblings are prominent dual racing stripes and side decals, sport body kit, honeycomb sport grille, 17-inch matt-black alloy wheels, rear spoiler, LED tail lights, headlights, and daytime running lights.

The sporty theme continues inside in the form of a sports steering wheel with piano-black finishes and sport seat trim featuring blue accent stripes.

A jam-packed specification list includes 12-inch instrument cluster, 13-inch infotainment system with SYNC4 and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and multiple USB ports.

Other highlights include heated front seats with armrests, a six-way electrically adjusted driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, a storage compartment underneath the passenger seat, and an upper cubbyhole big enough to stow a laptop.

Similar to its siblings, the Sport’s gear selector is on the right stalk next to the steering wheel, with the wipers and bright/dim light control sharing the left stalk.

Ready for any load

A full-width trimmed metal bulkhead separating the cabin from the cargo hold is offered as an optional extra. Unlike the Transit Custom, the bulkhead’s window allows you to see the road behind you as the tailgate is fitted with a window.

Power sliding doors on both sides together with two rear 180° folding barn doors provide access to the 5,8m³ cargo load lit up by LED lighting. The cargo area is finished off with a protection kit along with moulded floor and features six tie-down loops to secure the cargo.

A comprehensive set of driver assistance technology also sets the Sport apart from any of its panel van contemporaries like the Hyundai Staria and VW Transporter.

Driving credentials

The Sport suffix in the van’s name is further supported by the power bump for the 2,0ℓ single turbo-diesel engine with AdBlue. The same mill that produces 100kW of power and 360Nm of torque in the Tourneo and Transit has been tuned up to deliver 125kW/390Nm.

This is sent to the front wheels via eight-speed automatic transmission.

A 1 000km launch drive between Gqeberha and Durban was more than enough to convince us of the Transit Custom Sport’s credentials. The van took to the winding N2 like a duck to water albeit not carrying the heaviest of loads.

The auto box is super smooth, while the generous torque on tap came in handy on the uphills.

The enthusiasm can further be enhanced by selecting the Sport driving mode, which is offered alongside Eco, Normal, Tow/Haul and Slippery.

What’s the verdict?

Spending 15 out of 33 hours on the road in a van might sound taxing, but the Custom Transit Sport is just so well equipped, it kept its occupants in extreme comfort, while drawing lots of attention with its attractive styling.

And that, in a nutshell, is exactly why this van exists.

Vehicle fast facts

• Price: R932 000
• Engine: 2L turbo-diesel
• Transmission: eight-speed automatic
• Power: 125kW at 3 500rpm
• Torque: 390Nm at 1 750rpm to 2 500rpm
• Fuel consumption (tested): 8,4L/100km
• Licensing mass: 1 971kg
• Towing capacity: 2 500kg
• Payload: 1 023kg

@farmersweeklysa Built for work, designed for style! The Ford Transit Custom Sport delivers 125kW power, 390Nm torque and five selectable drive modes: normal, eco, slippery, tow/haul and sport. #FarmersWeeklySA #agriculturetiktok #farmtok #fordsouthafrica #fordtransit #transitcustomsport #drivingexperience #gariepdam ♬ Way down We Go – KALEO