Ford has announced new “rough-road-capable” Trail and Active variants for the Transit and Tourneo ranges, available to order now for delivery in late summer. The new Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models have been designed specifically to operate in tougher working environments, with the enhanced traction of a new mechanical limited-slip differential (mLSD) on front-wheel drive Transit and Transit Custom variants, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on the Transit.

New Active variants of the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom come with additional body cladding and the option of an mLSD for enhanced traction on loose, slippery or soft surfaces. An SUV-inspired exterior is intended to add visual appeal as well as boosting practicality off the beaten track.

“The Active and Trail models demonstrate how versatile and capable the Transit range can be,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “From businesses that operate off the beaten track to families who want a vehicle as adventurous as they are, there is a Transit to suit every need.”

The range of Active vehicles will be further expanded later in 2020, with the introduction of the smaller Transit Connect Active and Tourneo Connect Active models. More details will be provided closer to launch.

Trail
The new Ford Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail’s looks are supported by enhanced capability for owners and operators whose work takes them to challenging terrain away from normal roads.

Trail variants feature oversized “Ford” lettering in the matte black grille with additional black cladding around the front and rear lower bumpers and side panels, complemented by unique 16-inch alloy wheels and “Trail” logos on the front doors. The Transit Custom can also be specified with roof rails and running boards for added versatility.

A choice of drivetrains offers enhanced traction for difficult conditions. Front-wheel-drive Transit and Transit Custom Trail models are fitted with an mLSD as standard, and Transit Trail is available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for progress in more challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Developed in partnership with driveline technology specialists Quaife, the mLSD automatically transfers engine torque in low grip conditions to the wheel with the most traction, allowing the Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail to more comfortably tackle unpaved roads, gravel tracks and challenging surfaces. The vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control system has also been recalibrated to harmonise with the mLSD. The same technology has previously been used to enhance the traction and handling characteristics of Ford Performance models including the Focus RS, Fiesta ST and Focus ST, and has no impact on CO₂ emissions or fuel efficiency.

Transit Trail is also available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for optimised traction off-road. The technology enhances the base rear-wheel drive configuration by sending up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the front axle based on available grip in response to changing road surfaces and driver inputs.

Transit Trail’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive technology is also supported by additional ‘Slippery’ and ‘Mud/Rut’ selectable drive modes, designed to improve performance and driver confidence across a variety of driving scenarios. These are easily selected using the Drive Mode controller on the dashboard. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive also features AWD Lock mode to split torque 50:50 between front and rear axles on extreme low-grip surfaces. The system does not compromise the load volume or dimensions of the Transit Trail compared with rear-wheel drive equivalents.

Trail models also benefit from an enhanced interior specification, with full leather seating as standard bringing additional luxury, durability and wipe-clean flexibility to the cabin. Air conditioning, power-foldable door mirrors and auto lighting are also standard, as is Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen.

All Transit Trail and Transit Custom Trail models are available in panel van and double-cab-in-van body styles,and are powered by Ford’s advanced 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with a choice of 128 bhp, 168 bhp and 182 bhp power outputs.

In addition, Transit Custom Trail models offer the efficiency benefits of electrified powertrains with Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue Hybrid powertrains in 128 bhp, 168 bhp and 182 bhp form. The 48-volt mild hybrid technology recovers energy during deceleration, stores it in a 48-volt battery pack, and uses the energy to increase fuel efficiency.

Active
New Transit and Tourneo Custom Active models “add SUV style and enhanced practicality with unique design features and a revised specification to suit the demands of both private and business users”. Offering more space and load carrying capacity to enable adventurous lifestyles, the new Active models follow on from the Ford Fiesta Active and Focus Active passenger vehicles.

Active models are distinguished by an SUV-inspired exterior, including:

• Unique 17‑inch alloy wheels
• Signature Active mesh grille
• Additional cladding on the wheel arches, body sides, rear bumper and mirror caps
• Standard roof rails

A full-width Active decal at the rear is complemented by Active badges on each wing. For users requiring additional capability in more challenging driving conditions, Transit Custom Active and Tourneo Custom Active can also be specified with the mLSD as an optional extra (£550 RRP).

All Active models benefit from a unique interior specification, with part-leather seat trim and the addition of a blue instrument panel accent for Tourneo Custom Active.

The Tourneo Custom Active’s interior can be reconfigured to reflect users’ demands. The flexible seats can move to give passengers more room or increase luggage space, increased further in the long wheelbase variant. The seats can also be reversed to create a conference seating layout or removed entirely for more luggage space. The seat mounting points can then be used to mount in-vehicle racks to carry bicycles more safely.

Active series are available with power outputs of 128 bhp, 168 bhp and 182 bhp depending on model and specification. Automatic and manual gearboxes are available across the range, with the optional mLSD available on manual vehicles. Customers can choose from a wide range of variants and body styles including:

• Tourneo Custom Active in SWB, seating up to eight people including driver
• Transit Custom Active panel van in SWB and LWB, with 3,000kg GVM
• Transit Custom Active double-cab-in-van in SWB and LWB, with 3,200kg GVM

The new Trail and Active models also benefit from the enhancements introduced to the Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom ranges during 2019, with more fuel efficient 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel and EcoBlue Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain options, alongside FordPass Connect modem technology for improved vehicle utilisation, and new interior features and driver assistance technologies.