Ford Transit Custom Review: The Delivery Beast That Doubles as a Head-Turner

By Byron Lukas

When I first laid eyes on the Ford Transit Custom Sport in Agate Black, I expected practicality, not passion. But this van had presence. Its sculpted body, sharp LED daytime running lights, and bold grille made it look more James Bond getaway car than delivery mule. Under streetlights, the finish shimmered like a tuxedo — sleek, confident, and unexpectedly sexy.

Inside Story: Premium Comfort Meets Tech Savvy

Step inside, and the surprises keep coming. The cabin feels more like a refined lounge than a cargo hauler. Plush seating, soft-touch materials, and a high-tech cockpit make long drives a pleasure.

At the heart of it is Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system on a crisp 13-inch touchscreen. Intuitive and responsive, it supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice control — giving the Transit Custom a luxury SUV feel in van clothing.

Power and Performance: Diesel Desire

Don’t let the sleek looks fool you: under the hood, the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine delivers 125 kW and 390 Nm torque. Pair that with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and multiple driving modes — Sport, Eco, Slippery — and you’ve got a workhorse that handles with the finesse of a dancer and the punch of a heavyweight.

Whether weaving through city traffic or cruising on the highway, the Transit Custom is smooth, confident, and surprisingly agile.

Cargo King: Stamina That Works as Hard as You Do

With a payload capacity of 1,200 kg and up to 6.8 cubic metres of load volume, the Transit Custom isn’t just strong — it’s generous. Dual sliding doors and wide rear openings make loading effortless. Over a week of deliveries, it swallowed every box, package, and bulky item with ease, proving it’s every bit the delivery monster Ford promises.

Price and Value: Worth Every Rand

Starting at around R938,000 in South Africa, the Transit Custom is no cheap fling — but factor in its fuel efficiency, robust reliability, and low running costs, and it becomes a competent long-term partner. It’s a serious rival to competitors, with just enough flair to seduce buyers looking for more than utility.

Safety and Support: Protective Yet Subtle

With features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera, the Transit doesn’t just carry your cargo — it looks after you too. Its gentle nudges and alerts feel protective rather than intrusive, adding peace of mind to every journey.

Final Verdict: A Week-Long Affair

By the time I handed back the keys, the Ford Transit Custom had left its mark. Sexy, steamy, and endlessly capable, this van is more than a tool of the trade — it’s a partner in adventure, a delivery beast with curves, brains, and brawn.

The only downside? Once you’ve driven it, late nights at work won’t feel like a burden — they’ll feel like an excuse to spend more time together.