The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT plug-in hybrid stands out as a distinctive choice. This van adeptly balances sportiness, family use, and work functionality, powered by enough oomph for the rear wheels, all wrapped up in an audacious package.
Gone are the simple shades like pure white or jet-black vans typically seen. Instead, Ford supplied me with a striking “Yellow Green” model—a vibrant hue that enhances the sleek design elements such as the spoiler atop the dual-rear doors and the impressive 19-inch rims showcasing the muscular build of the MS-RT (M-Sport Road Technology) styling. This athletic appearance pairs well with the PHEV engine, which delivers a combined output of 233 horsepower from a combination of a 2.5-liter gasoline engine generating 118 horsepower along with a robust electric motor rated at 152 horsepower (or 111.7 kilowatts), supported by an 11.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack. With this setup, you can cruise up to 40 kilometers purely on electricity—though official estimates suggest around 55 kilometers. Even when the charge runs out, the vehicle maintains its spirited performance thanks to the gas engine taking over seamlessly.
Not just for show
For this test, I used the double-cab model featuring a three-seater bench seat at the back and a partition dividing the passenger compartment from the cargo space. This configuration allows seating for five individuals. Climbing inside can be somewhat challenging due to the height, even though there’s a step available; however, accessing the rear seats via the sliding doors makes it more manageable. Inside, you’re greeted with appealing finishes—the seats have striking blue stitching along with MR-ST emblems. Additionally, Ford incorporates environmentally friendly leather materials. Maybe that explains the “green” aspect! What sets this van apart further is the unconventional placement of the midpoint marker on the steering wheel. Moreover, the design includes various useful features such as ample storage compartments and USB-C charging ports.
Punchy
Initially, your impressions tend to be accurate, which holds true even after just a handful of miles driven. The Transit advances smoothly and quietly using electric power until the battery runs low. Its seating offers comfort characteristic of utility vehicles, though occasionally requiring wide arm motions during sharp turns due to its size. Though the undercarriage shares traits common to vans—showing slight instability when not fully loaded—the overall experience remains pleasant. Ford’s engineering team fine-tuned the suspension to ensure both smooth travel suitable for family outings and robustness needed to carry loads weighing up to 1,124 kg. It should also be noted that once the battery depletes past charging points, the car functions akin to an ordinary hybrid model. On highways, maintaining high speeds poses no issue; indeed, quick accelerations remain readily accessible.
Rock ’n’ roll
The dual cabin setup of the
Ford Transit Custom MS-RT
Could serve multiple purposes. In our recent test, we had to move gear for a rock band. Everything fitted perfectly in the back area without needing to stack items nearly to the roof. Additionally, the band members were able to journey together comfortably both before and after the performance. Securely too, as the instruments and audio-visual equipment stayed separate from the passenger compartment. However, one drawback was that some components required disassembly just to make them fit. This issue arose due to insufficient length in the 5.05-meter model. We believe choosing the longer 5.45-meter variant might have resolved this since the load would likely accommodate sidewise placement within that size.
Returning to our test van, it can accommodate an outdoor concert as there are two 230V outlets close to the double doors. An additional feature would be a rear-facing exterior light to facilitate loading all the gear quickly post-concert. Quite ingenious, this green monster. Furthermore, it includes a centrally placed rearview mirror assisted by a rear camera.
Efficient
After getting over the initial impact of its bold styling, this Ford Transit Custom PHEV provides genuine enjoyment. You could opt for a more subdued color scheme, but this model still brings joy both personally and professionally. Unlike vehicles with suspensions designed to compress your spine, this one maintains comfort without compromising.
When sticking to factory settings, you’ll find cornering manageable despite maintaining some elevation and leaning slightly. Thanks to its sturdy build and responsive front-end setup, it handles twists in the road quite capably, making spirited drives enjoyable. Additionally, the hybrid technology performs reliably regardless of conditions; whether the battery needs recharging or isn’t fully depleted yet, the electric motor stays active ensuring smooth operation.
The transit always retains momentum efficiently. Through precise engine control, fuel efficiency during full discharge averages around 8.5 liters per hundred kilometers. Regularly topping up will likely lower these figures down to about six liters per hundred kilometers, potentially hitting five liters too. Achieving the advertised figure of just 1.7 liters per hundred kilometers requires mostly brief journeys before needing another charge cycle.
The budget
The Ford Transit Custom can be tailored according to your preferences. We’ll examine an MS-RT model featuring a dual-cab setup designed for five passengers along with extended dimensions. In Belgium, this particular variant retails for €69,660 inclusive of VAT. It comes well-equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and luxurious features, boasting 19-inch wheels, blue calipers, aerodynamically optimized bumpers, rear spoilers, a 13-inch touch screen display, and a sporty interior design. Additional costs may apply should you opt for amenities such as power outlets within the cargo area or an upgraded entertainment unit complete with built-in GPS.
This summary only scratches the surface since numerous add-ons extend across multiple catalog pages. The cost remains roughly €70,000 in France too. Similarly, prices exceed CHF 70,000 in Switzerland. Notably, customers have alternative propulsion choices beyond the current plug-in hybrid option; they could select from either a diesel motor delivering 170 horsepower or go all-electric with a powerful output of 285 horsepower (equivalent to 210 kilowatts). Available configurations come in varying hues reminiscent of different shades of green.
(Olivier Duquesne – Credit: Ford – Images: © Olivier Duquesne)
