The new Transit custom will spawn a PHEV from 2019, in the mean time, it gets a major update.

• Ford Transit Custom sets a new standard for the one-tonne van segment with bold new design, all-new cabin interior and ECOnetic series for enhanced fuel efficiency
• Legendary Transit productivity boosted by ECOnetic variant delivering 148 g/km CO2 emissions;* game-changing EcoBlue diesel powers range, with six-speed auto option
• New cabin provides ideal mobile office with class-leading stowage, improved comfort and ergonomics, and easy connectivity with SYNC 3 or Device Dock options
• Advanced technologies include CV-first Intelligent Speed Limiter to help drivers stay within legal limits, and Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert
• New Transit Custom starts production in late 2017 for customer delivery from early 2018; zero-emission capable Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) derivative to launch in 2019

Ford has revealed the new Transit Custom one-tonne commercial vehicle, delivering bold new design, an all-new interior and enhanced productivity to European businesses. New Transit Custom will be available to order later this year, and is scheduled for customer delivery in early 2018.

Powered by the Dagenham-built Ford EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, Transit Custom has been re-engineered to offer significant new features and capabilities, including a new ECOnetic variant, delivering improved fuel efficiency and 148 g/km CO2 emissions.*

The UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle now sports a bold new front-end design with three-bar Transit grille, a completely new cabin that offers best-in-class stowage, improved comfort and ergonomics, and easy connectivity with SYNC 3 or MyFord Dock options. Further technologies introduced to commercial vehicles for the first time include Intelligent Speed Limiter.

“Transit Custom has been a runaway success since it was introduced, and this new version raises the game once more,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “We have listened carefully to our customers, and delivered a one-tonne van that is even more stylish, even more productive, and packed with smart features.”

The new generation Transit Custom sets the scene for Ford’s next major commercial vehicle innovation, with the introduction of the zero-emission capable Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) derivative scheduled for 2019. The PHEV Transit Custom will begin trials with fleet customers in London later this year.

Introduced in late 2012, Transit Custom quickly established itself as Ford’s top-selling commercial vehicle in the UK and across Europe. Total European sales for 2016 were at 118,000 units - a further 15 per cent increase over the previous year’s record - with more than 50,000 of those sales in the UK alone.

Transit Custom was the first of Ford’s expanded all-new Transit line-up to go on sale – later joined by the Transit Courier, Transit Connect and Transit models – and was a key driver in Ford becoming Europe’s number one commercial vehicle brand in 2015, a leading position it has held ever since.

Ford EcoBlue engine and new ECOnetic variant

The new Transit Custom is powered by the state-of-the-art Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, designed, engineered and built at the Dagenham Engine Plant. It was introduced to the range during 2016 with a choice of 105PS, 130PS and 170PS power outputs, and delivers significant cost of ownership and performance benefits compared to the previous 2.2-litre diesel, with fuel-efficiency improved by up to 13 per cent and low-end torque enhanced by 20 per cent.

The updated model now offers a new ECOnetic variant, available for the 300 Series short-wheelbase van, which comes with a 105PS engine with a unique calibration and Auto-Stop-Start, low rolling resistance tyres, Ford’s innovative Acceleration Control feature, and a fixed 62 mph speed limiter. The ECOnetic variant delivers 148 g/km CO2 emissions and 49.6 mpg, a further six per cent improvement over the most efficient current vehicle.

The new Transit Custom continues to offer commercial vehicle operators the same breadth of capabilities from a vehicle line-up that includes two roof heights, two wheelbase options, a gross vehicle mass range from 2.6 tonnes to 3.4 tonnes offering payloads up to 1,450kg, and bodystyles including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van.

The new model maintains the Transit reputation for delivering class-leading load-carrying ability, with innovative loadspace features such as the load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items, and the integrated roof rack that can be folded away when not in use.

Dynamic styling and cabin for the perfect mobile office

New Transit Custom has a dynamic and professional new front-end appearance that shares the same design DNA as Ford’s latest passenger cars, with a high-mounted trapezoidal grille and dynamic, slim headlamps. The latest lighting technologies are available, with high series models featuring distinctive new signature LED daytime running lights and powerful HID Xenon headlamps.

The cabin interior is completely new, with an instrument panel based on Ford’s new interior design philosophy – pioneered on the all-new Fiesta – which offers a user-centric layout that is influenced by consumer interactions with smart devices and tablets.

Based around strong horizontal design elements that emphasise the width of the cabin, the new instrument panel features hard-wearing materials, and is packed with practical touches designed for drivers who treat the cabin like a mobile office during long working hours in their vehicle.

The new design provides class-leading interior stowage, with up to 25 litres of space offered in the instrument panel, including three convenient open bins on its upper surface with space for clipboards or mobile devices, and generous glove box stowage capable of storing hanging A4 files in the lower closed compartment.

Further new practical features include a fold-out cup holder beneath the gear lever, adding to the cup holders and 2-litre bottle holders at each end of the instrument panel. The door panels have also been completely redesigned for improved stowage and usability, with three large stowage spaces and a practical new grab handle integrated with the decorative door trim.

For the driver, all-new displays and control panels have been designed for enhanced ergonomics and ease of use, and high-series models feature a floating, tablet-inspired eight-inch colour touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures.

SYNC 3 will enable Transit Custom drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need fuel”, “I need a coffee”, or “find an address”, drivers can locate nearby fuel stations, cafés, or the location of their next job. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™.

For vehicles not equipped with the larger displays, the MyFord Dock in the centre of the instrument panel provides the ideal location for drivers to mount, store and charge their smartphone, MP3 player or satellite navigation system. USB and 12-volt power sockets are located in the upper stowage bin in front of the driver, and alongside the gear lever, for easy device charging.

Comfort is enhanced by new seat designs featuring revised foam padding and geometry for optimised support, while trim materials have been completely renewed throughout the cabin, with a focus on quality, durability and appearance. This includes seat fabrics that have been subjected to Ford’s toughest-ever abrasion tests.

Advanced technology and driver assistance features

The new Transit Custom introduces a sophisticated range of driver assistance features, and is the first commercial vehicle to offer Intelligent Speed Limiter, which enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, using the Traffic Sign Recognition system to detect speed limit signs.

The new model also offers Ford’s Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them, ideal for vans that often have restricted rearward visibility.

These new features add to the comprehensive suite of technologies already available for Transit Custom, including the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Lane Keeping Alert, Side Wind Stabilisation and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The latest specification also includes the smooth and responsive six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system on Kombi M1 models that delivers a supple, controlled and level ride across a wide range of load conditions.

Customers can also specify a new Upfitter Interface Module, which allows aftermarket conversions and accessories to access data from the vehicle’s electrical systems, so that they can be operated and controlled more efficiently using real-time vehicle data.

Range-topping Sport series gets fresh new look

The new Transit Custom range is headed by the dynamic 170PS Sport series, available in a wide choice of eight different body and seating options including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions.

The Sport’s signature twin bonnet stripes and exterior body kit have been redesigned for the new model, including distinctive new two-tone stripes in black with orange or silver accents. The sporting style continues inside the cabin with partial leather Ebony interior trim that combines striking new embossed fabric inserts and leather bolsters.

The New Subaru Levorg is available with three years/30,000 miles of free servicing to boost it's popularity.

Subaru are pleased to announce that the Levorg sport tourer will be available with three years or 30,000 miles free servicing until the 30^th September.

A spiritual successor to Subaru Sports Tourers of the past, the Levorg is making waves and winning races with Team BMR in the British Touring Car Championship.

The Levorg is available as one model; 1.6 GT Lineartronic priced at £27,495. The Levorg is equipped with a 1.6 litre DIT (Direct Injection Turbo) Boxer engine, which is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2016, and produces 170PS and 250Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Levorg is also fitted with Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system; the only estate car with All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature at under £30,000. Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection’ system (SRVD) also comes as standard which alerts drivers to vehicles which are crossing behind. A comprehensive safety package, SRVD combines three technologies: Blind Spot Detection, which alerts drivers to cars sitting in their blind spot; Lane Change Assist, which warns drivers of fast-approaching vehicles behind when the driver indicates to change lane; and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which detects vehicles passing behind when reversing out of a parking space.

Other standard features include Subaru Starlink; a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, connectivity and navigation system, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI Drive) which allows the driver to choose between Intelligent mode and Sport mode to suit their mood or surroundings. Leather seats and trim, metallic paint, privacy glass and a rear parking camera also feature.

IRELAND - Subaru announces pricing and specification for the All-New Levorg Estate to Ireland

• All-new 1.6-litre DIT Boxer engine paired with Lineartronic CVT and AWD
• Strong bodyshell and a wealth of active and passive safety technology
• Sport tourer body, with Subaru’s most refined interior yet
• GT trim level with generous specification as standard

The all-new Subaru Levorg goes on sale in Ireland this month, priced at €44,995. The new sport tourer model, which made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, has previously launched in Japan, Subaru’s domestic market, where it has proved extremely popular with existing customers and created many new converts to the brand.

A spiritual successor to the much loved fourth-generation Subaru Legacy Tourer (2003-2008), the Levorg promises a compact on-road footprint, yet even greater interior space than its forebear. The car will be available in a single GT trim package, with heaping levels of specification as standard, including Subaru’s iconic All-Wheel Drive (AWD) drivetrain.

Subaru’s most refined interior

Subaru engineers and designers promise that the Levorg will offer one of the company’s most refined cabins ever, with a greater use of high quality materials. Leather-trimmed sports seats with unique to Levorg blue stitching will come as standard, as will Subaru’s new factory-fit 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, connectivity and navigation system. Leather trim is used generously within the cabin, including the door trims, on the centre console and on top of the multi-function display on the dashboard.

High practicality from a compact footprint

While the Levorg benefits from smaller exterior dimensions than the fourth-generation Legacy Tourer, this sporty new model offers buyers greater practicality.

Not only do occupants enjoy greater leg, head, and shoulder-room than in the last Legacy Tourer, but the capacious 522-litre boot – rising to 1,446 litres with the second row of seats folded down – provides ample room for anything from sports equipment and bicycles, to luggage and pets. Levorg has been developed with ease-of-use and practicality in mind, and owners are unlikely to find themselves short on space, in spite of the car’s compact footprint.

All-new 1.6-litre DIT Boxer engine and Lineartronic CVT


The Levorg is powered by a newly-developed 1.6-litre DIT (Direct Injection Turbo) Boxer petrol engine, a signature format for the Japanese manufacturer. Paired with Subaru’s super-smooth Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, Levorg offers a supremely refined powertrain.

The new 1.6-litre DIT power unit delivers the same performance as Subaru’s existing 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated Boxer engine, despite being 36% smaller. Engineered specifically for its application in Levorg, the all-new four-cylinder engine produces 170 PS and 250 Nm torque. The all-new four-cylinder engine offers smooth, seamless power delivery and greater efficiency. Flexibility is core to its character, providing power over a wide range of engine speeds and perfectly matching the car’s remit as a sport tourer.

The Levorg accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 8.9 seconds, while returning a fuel consumption statistic of 7.1 litres/100km (almost 40mpg) on a combined cycle. Levorg is classified as VRT Band D. With Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, Vehicle Dynamics Control and torque vectoring, the Levorg’s drivetrain provides unrivalled stability in all conditions.

Strong body shell and a suite of active safety technologies

The new Levorg will continue to uphold Subaru’s reputation as a manufacturer of some of the safest cars on the road, with a wide range of passive and active safety technologies. The new model boasts a higher proportion of ultra-high tensile steel than other models, with 50% of the body made up of strong, yet light steel alloys for the greatest possible crash safety performance.

Levorg is equipped as standard with the new ‘Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection’ system (SRVD), which alerts drivers to vehicles which are crossing behind. A comprehensive safety package, SRVD combines three technologies: Blind Spot Detection, which alerts drivers to cars sitting in their blind spot; Lane Change Assist, which warns drivers of fast-approaching vehicles behind when the driver indicates to change lane; and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which detects vehicles passing behind when reversing out of a parking space.

Levorg also features SI Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) which allows the driver, via a button on the steering wheel, to choose either Intelligent mode or Sport mode, according to their mood, or the driving environment.

To ensure best-in-class on-road handling, the Levorg joins the WRX STI and new Outback, being fitted with Active Torque Vectoring (ATV). ATV effectively brakes the inside wheels under cornering and apportions greater torque to the outside of the car, reducing understeer and oversteer to allow a more predictable and controlled course through corners.

With a range of safety assist technology, as well as front, front side, curtain and driver knee airbags, whiplash-reducing front seats, and High Beam Assist, the Levorg is expected to receive a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when it is tested later this year.

Generous standard specification

The Levorg offers Subaru’s typically generous levels of standard equipment. In addition the comprehensive arsenal of safety features listed above, standard specification will also include:

• auto on-off LED headlamps
• rain-sensing wipers
• front and rear fog lamps
• metallic paint
• 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels
• privacy glass and a subtle roof spoiler
• keyless access and push-button start
• bespoke leather heated sports seats in the front
• 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats
• boot lamp
• two 12-volt power outlets, four USB ports (two in the front, two in the rear)
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system with Subaru STARLINK connectivity,
• dual-zone air-conditioning
• rear parking camera.

Model	RRP		CO2 (g/km)
Subaru Levorg GT 1.6 DIT Lineartronic	€44,995		164

Vauxhall announces pricing and specification for the all-new Zafira Tourer MPV.

• Prices announced for New Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, available from October
• Design model starts at just £18,615 OTR
• Elite Nav model comes with panoramic windscreen and sunroof from just £25,445 OTR

Vauxhall’s new Zafira Tourer will be in showrooms from October across the UK, priced from £18,615 on-the-road. The new Zafira Tourer comes with an attractive new exterior and interior that emphasises its spacious design and outstanding in-car connectivity. 

The latest model comes with all the well-known virtues of its predecessors such as the Flex7^® seating system, ergonomically-certified AGR front seats, the Flex-Fix^® bicycle carrier and FlexRide adaptive damping. The new Zafira Tourer range includes Design, Energy, SRi, SRi Nav, SE, Tech Line, Elite and Elite Nav trim levels.

Prices start from £18,615 for the 1.4i 140PS Turbo Zafira Tourer in the Design trim, which comes with Vauxhall’s IntelliLink system and seven-inch display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. OnStar is standard across the range and the base model comes with digital radio and cruise control, LED daytime running lights, 17” alloy wheels and front and rear parking sensors.

Vauxhall offers the choice of two engines for the new Zafira Tourer, the 1.4i 140PS Turbo or the 2.0CDTi 170PS in either manual or automatic transmission. By choosing the 2.0CDTi 170PS diesel engine with Start/Stop manual transmission, the Zafira Tourer offers customers CO₂ figures from 129g/km and achieves a combined fuel consumption of between 57.7mpg and 54.3mpg.

The range-topping Elite Nav model adds the Vauxhall 950 Satellite navigation system and 18” Alloy wheels. The panoramic sunroof is also standard in this trim, as are heated leather ergonomic front sports seats, dark tinted rear windows, electronic climate control and front fog lights. The Elite Nav trim is priced from £25,445 OTR. 

	*On-the-road price
Design
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£18,615
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£20,135
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£21,625
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£22,750
Energy
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£21,735
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£23,255
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£24,745
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£25,870
SRi
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£23,280
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£24,800
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£26,355
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£27,415
SRi Nav
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£23,980
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£25,500
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£27,055
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£28,115
SE
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£23,265
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£24,785
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£26,275
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£27,400
Tech Line
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£20,310
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£21,830
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£23,320
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£24,445
Elite
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£24,745
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£26,265
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£27,820
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£28,880
Elite Nav
1.4i 140ps Turbo	£25,445
1.4i 140ps Turbo Auto	£26,965
2.0CDTi 170ps S/S	£28,520
2.0CDTi 170ps Auto	£29,580