Ford has revealed two special variants of its Transit Custom models, a Colour Edition and Sports Series.

The demand for sporting and distinctive Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007. During the first 10 months of 2016, sales of the current Transit Custom Sport are up by 52% in the UK compared to the same period the previous year.

The Colour Edition will be limited to 400 units in 2017 and offers four eye-catching colour schemes that feature contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, along with unique black 17‑inch alloy wheels.

It has a short-wheelbase, standard roof bodystyle, and is based on the 290 Trend series model featuring the 170ps 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission, with the enhanced chassis settings from the Sport series van.

“Many of our retail customers are no longer satisfied with a standard white van, and these stunning new vehicles provide the perfect solution, the new Transit Custom makes a really positive statement about their business, and looks great on the driveway at the weekend,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe

The Transit Custom Sport series features signature twin bonnet stripes and is also now available in a much wider choice of bodystyles. Sport series customers can now select van and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions; in addition, the latest Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

It features a body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, along with body-side mouldings and wheelarch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model. The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, including second or third seat rows where fitted, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The standard powertrain combines the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a 6-speed manual, but customers can also specify the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics further optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.

Roll control is improved by a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.