NEW Ford Transit Custom Nugget launched
- Transit Custom Nugget camper equipped with onboard modem, creating Wi-Fi hotspot with high-speed internet connection for up to 10 devices
- Nugget launched today at the Motorhome and Caravan Show in Birmingham, will be introduced across other European markets.
- “Digital nomad” and #vanlife trends are reflected by growing sales of small campers that are predicted to continue well into the next decade
The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is officially on sale, following its UK public debut at The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2019.
Transit Custom Nugget creates a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, enabling campers to stream a movie, catch up with work online and keep the kids amused with their favourite TV shows, thanks to the Ford Pass Connect on-board modem providing Wi-Fi availability up to 15 metres.
“The connected Transit Custom Nugget enables people to roam and relax while staying in touch with friends, family or work when – or if – they choose,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.
The onboard Wi-Fi is good news for a growing tribe of “digital nomads” – those who travel and work online full-time, while the rise of the hashtag #vanlife has reflected the increasing popularity of life on the road.
According to the Caravanning Industry Association, a record 125,000 motorcaravans were sold in Europe in 2018, with sales of the more compact one-tonne campers growing 13 per cent, according to Ford data. Booming sales are forecast to continue well into the next decade.
The onboard modem is introduced as part of a package of enhancements to the latest Transit Custom Nugget that improve performance, fuel efficiency and driver comfort.
The Nugget’s three-room layout includes a kitchen area separated from the rear seating, which combined with the rear-tilting roof creates a wider space with more headroom. Dual side-opening doors and the ability to walk-through from front to back contribute towards easy access around the airy cabin, which sleeps up to four people.
The Transit Custom Nugget is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine. The 130PS version costs from £56,273 (RRP), while a new, more powerful 185PS variant is also available with a choice of manual and automatic transmission, priced from £57,229 and £58,199, respectively. The EcoBlue diesel has been further optimised to deliver fuel efficiency improvements of up to nine per cent, according to Ford engineering data based on a real-world driving cycle.
The new Nugget features further advanced driver assistance technologies that include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid and Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow. Active Park Assist helps steer the Transit Custom Nugget into and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, while the driver controls acceleration and braking.
As before, drivers can access their music on the road using Ford’s available SYNC 3 connectivity and entertainment system. SYNC 3 allows drivers to control audio and navigation functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands.
The Ford Transit van has been a popular vehicle for camper conversions since its launch in 1965.
