"Ultimate" versions of the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Ranger announced

Craig Cheetham, contributor
Wed, 14 Feb 2024

A pair of spicy variants of two of Ford’s most popular models has been revealed, developed in partnership with tuning firm MS-RT.

The special versions of the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Ranger deliver motorsport-inspired styling and sharper performance and dynamics, while there is also an electric Ford E-Transit Custom MS-RT for the first time.

The new performance-inspired vans are developed from the latest versions of the two Ford models.

With race-inspired exterior design and a sporting interior, the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT is described by the manufacturer as the “Ultimate Van” and is based on the diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of the UK’s most popular van.

Of the three, it’s the battery-powered electric Ford E-Transit Custom MS-RT that is the liveliest of the lot, with a 285PS motor powering the rear axle.

It is also offered with the 170PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with optional intelligent all-wheel drive, or as a front-wheel drive, six-speed manual with 150PS. The 232PS plug-in hybrid model uses a 2.5-litre petrol unit and an 11.8kWh battery.

The second MS-RT model is described by Ford as the “Ultimate Street Truck” and is based on the Ford Ranger. As well as beefed-up bodywork, it has 21-inch alloy wheels and stiffened suspension, along with similar sports interior upgrades to those of the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.

Only one engine is offered – a 3.0-litre V6 diesel delivering 240PS, with a 10-speed automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive. It has the same one-tonne load-capacity and 3,500kg towing weight as the standard models.

Both models come with the Ford Pro platform of software and connected services to help small businesses reduce cost of ownership, maximise uptime and optimise the productivity of their vehicles.

The new MS-RT models are available to order now from Ford Pro dealers, with deliveries starting later this year.

Ask HJ

My Transit Custom has DPF issues but the garage can't find a fix, what can I do?

I have a 2016 Transit Custom that is having repeated DPF issues. The garage clean the filter, and reset the code, but within 50 miles the van says the filter is at its limit again. This has happened three times now, and I obviously want a more permanent solution. The garage advertise themselves as Transit specialists, so I don't know what to do next. I do mixed urban/motorway driving, but even if I was only doing short trips surely it shouldn't block up so quickly?

DPF issues can have many causes, but a filter that has been cleaned and code cleared should not be clogging up again within 50 miles unless there is another issue present. It may be that a fault elsewhere in the engine or exhaust system is preventing the DPF from regenerating, which would cause it to block more quickly. If the vehicle has not had a full service recently this is a sensible first step as oil quality can affect the operation of some diesels with DPFs, but you may also wish to consider trying a different Transit or diesel specialist - you can search for one on the Honest John Good Garage Guide here: https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/

Answered by David Ross

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