2024 Ford Transit Custom diesel van revealed with a steering wheel that turns into a table
The next Ford Transit Custom is due in Australia late next year, first with diesel power ahead of an electric version in 2024 – and a genius steering wheel that turns into a table at the press of a button when stopped.
The 2024 Ford Transit Custom van has been revealed with what is believed to be a world-first feature – a steering wheel that tilts flat at the press of a button to create a lap-top bench or lunch table.
The first new Transit Custom in 11 years is due in local Ford showrooms in late 2023 with diesel power, with "additional variants" to follow in 2024 alongside the electric E-Transit Custom version.
Although at a glance this looks like a reskin of today's Ford Transit – especially on the side profile – the company is describing it as a new model based on a new platform.
As reported previously, the new Ford Transit Custom will also form the basis of the next Volkswagen Transporter, in a partnership between the two car giants that also spawned the new Ford Ranger and VW Amarok utes.
Ford is leading the development of the Transit and Transporter, which will be built in the same Ford factory in Turkey. It's unclear how different the Volkswagen will be from its Ford sibling.
Underpinned by a new architecture, the 2024 Transit Custom offers a choice of two load lengths, two roof heights and a choice of one or two rows of seats.
Few details have been confirmed so far, however Ford says the new model will be equipped with independent rear suspension, offer a lower cargo floor height than its predecessor, and notes some variants will be less than two metres tall to more easily fit in low-ceiling car parks and delivery bays (the current Transit measures 2010mm to 2380mm tall, depending on the model).
The diesel Ford Transit Custom will offer the same 13-inch Sync 4 infotainment touchscreen as the electric model.
In what is believed to be a world-first in the van class, the steering wheel on certain models can be tilted flat to create a table or work space when the car is stopped.
Powering the new van will be "the latest generation" of Ford EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel engines, with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is said to be rated up to 2500kg.
Engine details are yet to be revealed, though Ford's latest commercial vehicles (including the Ranger ute and current Transit Custom) offer single-turbo and twin-turbo versions of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with up to 157kW.
For more details on the electric E-Transit Custom – which offers up to 380km of estimated driving range – click here to read Drive's previous story.
The 2024 Ford Transit Custom is due in Australian showrooms in late 2023 with diesel power, ahead of "additional variants" of the diesel model, alongside the electric version in 2024.