What is it?
Meet the white van man’s ultimate dream machine. Designed for tradespeople who demand a little more style and flair from their load-lugging daily runabouts, the MS-RT Transit Custom combines usefulness and stand-out-from-the-crowd looks. With a whole new look, performance exhaust and smart new interior, the hand-crafted £32,995 van offers those working the tools the chance to dress to impress.
What’s new?
Well, quite a lot. Hand-built in south Wales by a team of talented craftsmen, the MS-RT is now officially available through a handful of Ford Transit dealers across the UK. The coachbuilding firm has had a meteoric rise, going from zero to 60 vans a month in just over two years and that’s set to balloon again. All the parts are built in the factory in Pontypool, including the new front and rear bumpers, spoilers, side skirts and interior trim.
It also features a twin exhaust system – with the option of a speaker that imitates the sound of revving V8 engine, controlled by an App on your phone – unique MS-RT exterior badges, special OZ alloy wheels and lowered Eibach suspension.
What’s under the bonnet?
Don’t get too excited, because here it’s all pretty standard. The 170bhp EcoBlue 2.0-litre TDCi engine found in other Transit Customs is still in situ. It has 405Nm of torque and comes with a six-speed manual or auto gearbox. As it stands, it’s a great engine and more than enough to propel the van along at pace, especially with an empty load space. As the van is sold through the official Ford network, tweaks to the engine aren’t allowed before it’s sold. However, customers can come back to MS-RT after they’ve bought their vehicle and have it uprated to 208bhp with an M-Sport kit.
What’s it like to drive?
The lowered suspension makes it look cooler, but hasn’t had any dramatic detrimental effect on the ride either. On the Welsh test route, it coped fine with a mix of road surfaces. It’s swift too and although you have to work the manual gearbox to get the best of it, it’s even quite fun to drive. The good news is the modifications haven’t affected the payload either – it’s still 1,392kg.
How does it look?
This is the key selling point of the MS-RT van. Available in both single and double cab variants, it is said to appeal to tradesmen and leisure users alike. Although the looks won’t be to everyone’s tastes, with a whiff of aftermarket about it, there’s little doubt that company owners or family buyers who want to stand out will find it an attractive proposition.
What’s it like inside?
MS-RT has improved the Transit Custom’s standard interior adding Ford’s latest SYNC3 entertainment system with sat nav and reversing camera. The seats have been retrimmed with nappa leather and suede and the steering wheel is new and feels like it should be in a sports car. It also features a heated windscreen, heated seats and upgraded HID headlights.
Verdict
While it won’t tick everyone’s boxes, there’s certainly a market for a supercharged-looking white van for the masses. MS-RT went to great lengths to show us the level of detail they put into hand-building each vehicle and there’s no doubt the finish is excellent. We actually quite like the looks, it’s just a shame it doesn’t have an uprated engine to match the sporty styling.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: MS-RT Ford Transit Custom
Price (as tested): £32,995
Engine: 2.0-litre TDCi
Power (bhp): 170
Torque (Nm): 405
MPG (combined): 44.1
Emissions (g/km): 157