Ford Australia has introduced a wide-ranging update to its Transit Custom van that includes powertrain, payload and towing capacity improvements, new variants and extra high-level driver-assist safety systems fitted standard across the range.

Transit’s safety package was already comprehensive, but now goes even further with a host of advanced technology like autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance with a driver alert system and automatic headlamps – including auto dip when on high beam.

Rain-sensing windscreen wipers are also now included on a list that that runs to six airbags, full-colour rear-view camera, Sync emergency assist (automatically calling for help in the event of a crash), front and rear parking sensors and a variety of electric handling aids such as dynamic stability control, rollover mitigation, trailer sway control, crosswind stabilisation, load adaptive control and hill launch assist.

On the powertrain front, Transit Custom’s 2.0L EcoBlue four-cylinder turbo-diesel has been revised to meet Euro 6.2 emissions standards and in the process raises power and torque to 125kW (+29kW) and 390Nm (+5Nm) respectively on all models bar the newly introduced Sport variant, which uses a meatier 136kW/405Nm version.

Alongside the engine tweak, the Transit Custom short-wheelbase models now have a higher gross vehicle mass (GVM) – up to 3,400kg (as denoted by the 340S model designation, replacing 300S) and, as a result, a higher braked towing capacity in the six-speed automatic version of 2,150kg (up from 1,800kg).

As well as extra grunt, which combines with the six-speed auto only, the new 320S Sport Van has unique styling elements including 17” black machined alloy wheels, a body kit, racing-style stripes, gloss-black grille, body-coloured mirrors and, not least of all, hi-tech bi-Xenon headlights with static bending and LED daytime runners. Standing out from the crowd, it also has two exclusive metallic colours – blue and orange.

One downside is that the sportier wheel and tyre specification does reduce GVM slightly to 3,200kg.

The Sport’s cabin also boasts 10-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, partial leather seat trim, a textured leather steering wheel cover and gloss-black and chrome trim applications, while the load area has new LED lighting.

Ford has also introduced a new Double Cab-in-Van (DCiV) body style based on the long-wheelbase Transit Custom that can carry up to six occupants (three each at front and back) and still offer 4.4m³ of load space. The regular SWB low-roof model offers 6.0 m³, and the LWB 6.8m³.

A rear bulkhead is standard and the rear seats are accessed via the dual side loading doors, while both regular and Sport variants are also available – the latter using only five seats (in a 2+3 layout) and carrying some minor spec differences, such as sat-nav on-board but cornering lights not.

Ongoing updates now see the cabin of all models equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system with 8.0” touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart phone capability, 4.2” colour instrument cluster (previously optional), heated windscreen/seats and the programmable MyKey that can be used to tailor settings such as speed, audio and driver assist tech.

The other headline attraction is an aftersales care package that includes a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, 30,000km service intervals and fixed-price servicing for the first four years (or 120,000km).

A Ford Service Benefits program with other useful services (loan car, sat-nav updates, etc) is also offered, while a huge array of customisation options – including a $1,500 high-roof option on either wheelbase – are available to tailor the vehicle to any particular trade.

Pricing for the front-drive-only Transit Custom starts at $42,190 plus on-road costs for the 340S SWB van (with six-speed manual), with auto adding $2,800 and the long wheelbase an extra $2,000. The SWB Sport kicks in at $48,490, while the two LWB DCiV models are priced at $49,990 for the regular version and $53,490 for the Sport.

The bigger Transit model line, which includes rear-wheel drive and cab chassis variants, continues unchanged.