Ford's new Transit Custom van will be priced from £17,495 (excluding VAT), while the company promises class leading carrying ability.

Customers choosing the short-wheelbase version get a cargo volume of 6 cu m, while the long-wheelbase van offers 6.8 cu m.

Ford says maximum priority was given to combining the largest possible load box within the Transit Custom’snew shape, and particular attention was given to the detailed design of the bulkhead and bodysides to optimise the size and practicality of the load space.

New features in the Transit Custome include a load-through hatch in bulkhead enables loads up to three metres in length, such as pipes or ladders, to be safely carried inside a SWB vehicle.

A hinged opening (596mm x 205mm) at the foot of the bulkhead allows long items to be laid along the floor of the van, and extend into a secure loadspace underneath the dual passenger seat in the front cabin. LWB models can accommodate loads up to 3.4m long

There is also a deployable integrated roof rack system seamlessly integrated into the roof. The system features three transverse roof bars which are located in recesses in the roof panel, and which can be deployed when required.

When not in use, such as when the owner is using vehicle at the weekend, the cross bars can be quickly folded down, reducing drag and fuel consumption, creating a smarter appearance, as well as keeping the vehicle height under two metres for access through car park height restrictions (with the exception of the 330 series). The roof rack is capable of carrying loads up to 130kg

There are also locking check arms that allow the rear cargo doors to be easily locked in place at 90 degrees open, to ensure that the doors cannot be blown around by gusts of wind or passing vehicles while the driver is loading or unloading items

Repositioned tie-down hooks and fixing points located on the body sides. By moving the multiple DIN and ISO compliant tie-downs onto the side wall, the floor is left clear of intrusions or recesses that can reduce usable load area or make complete cleaning of the floor nearly impossible

An easy-clean load floor liner offers enhanced durability and simple cleaning. Similar to the load-bed liner in a pickup truck, the sealed load liner is constructed of strong material, and is tailored to the shape of the load floor, extending up to a height of 80mm around the sides of the load area.

The liner is easy to mop or sponge clean, it also protects the steel floor from the possibility of damage during loading and unloading, enhancing residual value

LED loadspace lights provide customers requiring brighter lighting within the load box, such as when using the cargo area as a working space, with significantly higher light output from four high-performance LED units

"This may be a more stylish Transit, but it’s a more functional Transit, too," said Barry Gale, commercial vehicles chief engineer, Ford of Europe.

"The additional features we have built into the load space make everyday functions more convenient – so it’s easier for customers to do their job."

Full prices and for all Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom derivatives can be found here.