Extra long-wheelbase derivative added to Ford Transit range

The addition of a new ELWB derivative has given the Ford’s Transit Van range a boost. That features a longer body and bigger load carrying ability. By using Ford’s ProConverter program, lends the van to several conversion options. Among the favourites are emergency vehicles, refrigeration vans and people transporters (buses and taxis).

“Over the past six decades, the iconic Ford Transit has proven itself in many applications – from commercial to leisure activities. The Transit Van has evolved over the years. And with the development of the modern extra-long body we have been able to widen the options for our customers. Which include small and medium enterprises, freight haulers and courier companies,” says Sunil Sewmohan, Product Marketing Director at Ford South Africa.

“The new ELWB Transit has a great appetite for hard work. And combines a competitive carrying capacity with dependable power, exceptional fuel economy and low CO2 emissions from Ford’s advanced Duratorq TDCi diesel engine” says Sewmohan.

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Wider and longer

Launched in 2025. The main difference between the new ELWB Transit and its slightly smaller LWB range partner lies with its exterior and interior dimensions. As well as gross vehicle mass, kerb weight, gross payload and load capacities.

Although the two Ford Transit derivatives share the same wheelbase of 3 750 mm. The new ELWB version has longer (6 785 mm) body dimensions than the LWB (5 981 mm). The body width of both versions without mirrors is 2 059 mm, and the maximum loadspace width 1 784 mm.

Both versions also have the same kerbside sliding door width (1 300 mm). While the rear cargo doors opening height is higher (1 987 mm) compared to the LWB derivative (1 748 mm). The kerbside sliding door and rear cargo doors open up to 180-degrees. This offers effortless access to load cargo in the Transit Vans.

Load carrying capability

The Ford Transit offers impressive load carrying capability with up to 15.1 cubic metres of load volume (vs. 13 cubic metres in the LWB). 2 270 kg gross payload capacity (1 325 kg for the LWB). And a load length of more than 4m in the Transit (3m in the LWB version).

The new ELWB Transit features dual 16-inch 195/75 rear steel wheels on each side. Whereas the LWB version comes with single 16-inch 235/65 steel wheels all round. A maximum braked towing mass of 3 500 kg is specified for the new ELWB Transit (2 800 kg for the LWB). Wth an unbraked maximum towing of 750 kg for both derivatives.

Further standard enhancements of the load compartment include a complete rear trim board, a moulded load floor liner, 12 load floor tie-down hooks for securing cargo, and load space lighting. Extra heavy-duty batteries for longer load bay lighting when the vehicle is stationary can be added as additional equipment.

Drivetrain options

Only one powertrain is available on the Ford Transit ELWB. And this is a 121kW/390Nm, 2.0-litre, Duratorq TDCi. As is one transmission, and that is a 6-speed manual. The turbodiesel engine makes use of AdBlue. An additive that converts harmful nitrogen oxide exhaust emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. The AdBlue liquid, made up of special chemicals such as Urea and water, is stored in a separate 20-litre tank in the Transit.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels, and one of three available drive modes – Normal, Eco, and Slippery – can be selected for more efficient and economical driving. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 9.3 litres / 100 km on average.

Technology and comfort features

On board the Ford Transit ELWB you have Ford’s SYNC4 infotainment system. Which combines a 12-inch touchscreen with easy smartphone integration. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, conversational voice recognition, cloud-based connectivity, and much more.

The Ford app is linked to the 5G embedded modem in the vehicle. This offering includes Remote Lock/Unlock, Vehicle Locator, Vehicle Health Alerts, Vehicle Status, Intelligent Oil Life Monitor and Enhanced Customer Connectivity Settings.

Cup holders and a driver’s arm rest bring comfort to the cabin, along with steering wheel mounted remote audio controls.

Safety systems

Equipped with a host of safety features, the Ford Transit ELWB offers a high level of protection for both driver and passengers, as well as other road users.

Among the standard advanced safety systems are a driver airbag; 3-point safety belts for driver and passenger; an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control; Hill Launch Assist; Rollover Mitigation; ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is also a standard feature.

As an add on cost option, a Driver Assistance Package can be sold with the Transit ELWB. This includes Collision Mitigation; Adaptive Speed Control; a Blind Spot Information System; Lane Changing Warning & Aid, Reverse and Front Parking Aid; Reverse Brake Assist; and a 360-degree Front/Side/Rear View Camera as a parking aid.

Additional safety and security features include a standard alarm system and factory-fitted immobiliser, remote-operated central door locks with two-stage unlocking, and drive-away locking with a crash unlocking function.

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Price

• Transit ELWB – R1 062 000

The recommended retail price includes a 6-year / 90 000 km Ford Optional Service Plan, 4-year / 120 000 km Ford warranty, 4-year / unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year / unlimited distance corrosion warranty.

Also included in the price is a 2-year / unlimited distance over-the-counter (OTC) parts and service parts warranty (SPW). The recommended service interval is 15 000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.

Customers can also purchase Ford Protect Service or Maintenance Plan upgrades up to 8 years or 165 000 km. The warranty can be be extended up to 7 years or 200 000 km, and the Roadside Assistance can also be extended for an additional one or two years. T&Cs apply.