2023 Ford Transit Custom

Ford Transit Custom

Ford’s Transit Custom slots in as the sweet spot for South Africans who need proper carrying space but don’t want to wrestle a hulking full-size van through city traffic. The rivals—Crafter, Vito, HiAce—are familiar, but the Custom splits the difference on price and everyday liveability. Only diesel here, either the outgoing 2.2TDCi (in 92 kW or 114 kW) or the newer 2.0-litre, with a choice of manual or auto. On paper at least, choice looks thin: seven active listings, ranging from R199,000 for older 2.2s to R789,000 for newer 2.0-litre automatics. That steep median—R580k—tells the story. Most buyers are chasing the newer, pricier stock, while the older 2.2s are more about clearing out fleet leftovers than offering a cheap way in. If you pack smart, the 2.0L LWB Base 6MT is the one to shortlist, with prices landing between R579,900 and R678,800. Those wanting a bit more flash—and the convenience of an auto box—will eye the 2.0L Sport 6AT, nudging up to R789,000. The cheaper 2.2TDCis (R199,000–R329,900) average around 89,530 km, which is honest mileage for vans that’ve seen steady graft, not just showroom polish. What tips the scales for the Custom? It’s simply easier to drive—feels less like a delivery box, more like a passenger car when you’re slogging up the N3 or battling downtown traffic. The cab’s quieter, the ride’s more civilised, and if you’re running deliveries in Joburg or Cape Town, the automatic actually matters. That’s the point.