Ford is bringing its high-performance MS-RT brand to the new Transit Custom van. Designed and engineered by Ford and the specialists at MS-RT – an offshoot of Ford’s rally partner M-Sport – the new van promises to deliver a combination of motorsport-inspired style with an enhanced driving experience and payload capability that will keep commercial users happy.
Sitting at the top of the Transit Custom range, the MS-RT gets a slew of styling upgrades, some of which are functional. There’s an aerodynamic front bumper with an integrated spoiler, side skirts to lower the overall stance of the vehicle, and a new rear bumper with a diffuser. At the top of the van is a motorsport-inspired rear spoiler, available in a split version for panel vans using cargo doors. Battery-powered E-Transit Custom MS-RT vans will also have an LED light strip between the headlights.
Extended wheel arches house a 50mm wider track, bookended by anthracite 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/45R19 Goodyear Eagle Sport tyres. The result is lower unsprung weight, which is good for handling, and improved stability and grip.
Cosmetic touches include gloss black mirror caps and door handles, and MS-RT Blue painted brake callipers. The range will be available in eye-catching colours, including vivid Yellow Green and MS-RT Blue.
The interior features new seats with side bolsters finished in vegan eco-leather and suede, with MS-RT logos and blue stitching. The panel van will be available with a driver’s seat and a twin passenger bench, while the crew van has a single passenger seat in the front and three in the rear, all finished with matching upholstery.
All models will receive a sculpted sports steering wheel with a blue 12 o’clock marker and stitching.
Other features include dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a digital rear-view camera, front and rear parking aids, cruise control, and an intelligent speed limiter.
As commercial vehicles, they’ll also be connected to the Ford Pro platform, with software and connected services, including end-to-end charging solutions for electric models, management tools from Ford Pro Telematics and the FordPass Pro app, as well as the FordLiive connected uptime system.
MS-RT Power
Ford is making both the diesel-powered Transit Custom, plug-in hybrid model, and pure-electric E-Transit Custom available with the MS-RT upgrades.
The electric version will feature a 285hp electric motor sending power to the rear wheels, making it the most powerful — and possibly most fun — Transit Custom ever. When work has to come first, driving modes can be switched on to limit power to 218 or 136hp.
Two diesel-powered models will be available, both powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine. The first will provide 170hp via an eight-speed automatic gearbox to the front wheel, with an all-wheel drive option. A lower power, 150hp variant with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox will be the entry point to the MS-RT models.
The 232hp plug-in hybrid option features a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an 11.8kWh battery.
MS-RT Payload
Specific details on payload and cargo volumes aren’t available for each model yet, but Ford tells us that the MS-RT range will offer up to 6.8m3 maximum load space and up to 1,124kg maximum net payload.
Ford Transit Custom MS-RT Pricing and Availability
Ford has yet to announce prices for the Transit Custom MS-RT, although customers can now order both the diesel-powered model and electric E-Transit version at Ford dealers. We expect a starting price for the diesel panel van of around £50,000 plus VAT.
The Transit Custom is built in Ford’s plant in Kocaeli, Turkey, with fully assembled models coming to the UK. The vans will then undergo final assembly and finishing at MS-RT’s facility in Dagenham.
Customer deliveries are expected to commence in mid-2024.
“We’re delighted to add MS-RT models to our Ford Pro portfolio, offering an exciting, halo option from the dealership for customers who need a commercial vehicle but also want to make a statement about their business,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro Europe. “More customers are wanting a work vehicle for the week but something that supports their lifestyle at the weekend. These new MS-RT vehicles are the perfect answer.”
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