Ford raises the roof on Transit Custom campervan
Ford Motor Company has introduced a convenience-enhancing new tilt roof option for the spacious Transit Custom Nugget Plus camper, adding even greater flexibility for adventure-loving customers and available to order from November 2020.
The new tilt roof option for Nugget Plus enables users to maximise interior space for greater comfort when parked, and to reduce overall vehicle height for stress-free driving experiences on day trips or between stops. The new variant expands the Nugget range to four models, joining the existing Nugget Plus with fixed high roof, and the more compact Nugget model with tilt roof or fixed high roof options.
Based on Ford’s market-leading Transit Custom van, the Transit Nugget Plus tilt roof has been developed in partnership with camper specialists Westfalia and offers a fully-fitted camping interior with high-quality conversion work, advanced driver assistance and connectivity features, and a powerful, refined and fuel-efficient Ford 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. Nugget Plus uses the extra length of the long wheelbase chassis to provide a built-in toilet, washbasin and additional interior storage space.
“From weekend getaways to staycation holidays with the whole family, we’re seeing growing demand for the adventure and freedom that campers provide,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Nugget Plus’ new tilt roof lets customers enjoy light-filled, spacious living when parked up, then lower the roof to drive away without worrying about height restrictions, even reducing fuel costs en route through improved efficiency.”
Previously established as a popular camper choice in Germany, the Nugget range has been available to order direct from Ford dealers in selected markets across Europe since early 2019. As a result, Ford anticipates Nugget sales in 2020 will be almost three-fold the number purchased in 2018.
Flexible interior space
The tilt roof Nugget Plus is ideal for customers who enjoy road trips or use their camper for day trips from campsites, or even as a daily driver.
The lower roof height permits easier access to multi-storey car parks or height-restricted rest areas and helps make driving in areas with overhanging trees or low bridges less challenging. The lower overall height also facilitates garaging when the camper is not in use, delivers improved fuel efficiency in motorway driving, and could potentially help save money on ferries or road tolls compared with larger motorhomes.
The tilt roof expands to provide a sleeping area containing a comfortable double bed. The roof is light enough for simple manual operation, while a self-folding system automatically tensions the weather-resistant sides when raised and gathers slack when lowering for smooth operation and secure storage on the move. The Nugget Plus’ tilt roof can also accept a roof rack to carry outdoor equipment for adventurous holidays.
Once raised and fixed in place, the tilt roof creates up to 2.4 metres of interior headroom. A large rear window and two side windows allow light into the cabin, and are fitted with shades for privacy and to keep out early morning sun. The upper level sleeping area contains side vents and LED reading lights as standard, and the double bed can also fold away for more interior space during the day.
The tilt roof is designed to offer year-round comfort and security. The tough, waterproof solid composite top contains foam insulation to help maintain a snug temperature inside. Polyester sides are fungicidal and flame retardant for longevity and safety, and are impermeable to half a metre of water pressure. The roof’s standard grey finish is designed to complement the full range of available body colours, with optional blue, red or anthracite sides also offered for customers seeking to personalise their camper’s style.
Comfortable, connected home-from-home
In addition to sleeping quarters in the roof, the tilt roof Nugget Plus continues to provide the same high-quality finishes and unique L-shaped interior layout as the high roof variant. Facilities include a kitchenette and spacious living and dining area, which can convert to comfortable travel seats for three people when on the move. The seating area offers generous headroom even with the roof closed, and is equipped with Isofix points to safely mount child seats.
Nugget Plus’ extra space is used to provide an area at the rear housing a built-in toilet for greater convenience on longer trips and when travelling with young children. Shielded by a retractable privacy screen, the area also includes a foldaway washbasin so customers do not need to use the kitchenette sink when washing hands or brushing teeth. Fresh and waste water is supplied from two on-board tanks each with a capacity of 42 litres.
Helping holiday-makers stay connected on the move, high-speed internet is provided as standard via the FordPass Connect modem,1 creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices with connectivity available at up to 15 metres from the vehicle
Ford’s advanced 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine offers refined, fuel efficient performance whether on long distances adventures or short daytrips. Customers can specify 130 PS and 185 PS versions, each available with a six-speed manual or responsive six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The tilt roof variant’s lower height is estimated to contribute a 7 per cent overall fuel efficiency saving compared with the equivalent fixed high roof model.
The expanded Nugget range joins a booming market; the camper sector is seeing double-digit growth in most European markets, with this trend expected to continue as holidaymakers increasingly favour more secluded, self-contained holidays.
