New Ford Transit Custom Nugget campervan revealed
An all-new Ford Transit Custom campervan has been revealed, no chicken included
Ford has revealed an all-new Transit Custom Nugget campervan based on the recently revealed Transit Custom. Built in collaboration between Ford and German campervan specialist Westfalia, the new model features a clever new interior layout in combination with the new Transit Custom’s electrified powertrains and enhanced technology.
With first deliveries scheduled for the Spring 2024, the Nugget campervan will feature Ford’s EcoBlue diesel engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 168bhp, and is available with both front or all-wheel drive.
Twelve months after the diesel’s launch, the Nugget will also be offered with Ford’s plug-in hybrid system. This model combines the use of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and 11.8kWh battery pack. Together the power unit produces 228bhp, but final efficiency, all-electric range and performance figures have yet to be confirmed.
The camper is built on the new Transit Custom’s updated chassis, which is defined by a sophisticated independent rear suspension system. As well as offering a more car-like driving experience, it also facilitates the option of all-wheel drive, giving adventure seekers even more capability to venture into (and hopefully out of) slippery or mild off-road conditions. The dash is shared with the new Transit Custom van, featuring Ford’s new 13-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system, and the latest driver assistance technology including an active cruise control system and 360-degree camera system.
From here, the conversion to campervan has been given lots of thought from manufacturing partner Westfalia, designing the interior space around the needs of customers derived from decades of experience. The central space within the cabin is totally modular, and functions as cooking, seating and sleeping areas, with the ability to have both double beds set up whilst retaining the ability to move around the cabin.
The kitchen features a new L-shaped layout and comes with an integrated drawer fridge and induction hob and sink, the latter with a hot water connection as standard for the first time. The new layout allows for 20 per cent more worktop space, while the cabinets all now feature damped closing mechanisms to reduce rattles when on the move.
The front driver and passenger seats are able to rotate 180-degrees when parked up, plus the three-wide second row enables a total of five passengers to travel. The new tilting Dormer roof comes with a self-folding fabric section, and the ability to flip up the end piece of the mattress above to improve headroom above the kitchen section. There’s also a solar roof option that will charge the on-board battery and allow for a limited amount of off-grid electricity without the need of a generator.
To keep campers connected to the outside world in case of a global calamity, a selection of hi-tech connectivity features, such as a 5G modem, can provide remote WiFi. It also comes with a seven-inch touchscreen to control the on-board mood lighting, cabin heating, water and battery levels.
Prices and specifications are still to be confirmed, but the new Nugget will be available to order from Ford showrooms in the Autumn of this year, with first deliveries due from the spring of 2024. Plug-in hybrid models will arrive in the following 12 months.
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