PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 19 February 2025 – Ford South Africa is taking the next step in expanding its internationally acclaimed all-new Transit Custom range with the launch of the exciting Sport short wheelbase van. Along with its proven workhorse and load-hauling capabilities, the Sport adds both design and dynamic flair to the Transit Custom line-up.

“The all-new Transit Custom introduced new levels of comfort, safety, technology and versatility to the van segment when it went on sale earlier this year. We are further expanding its appeal with the addition of the Sport version, which is a unique offering in the market that enables customers to stand out from the typical ‘white van’ crowd,” says Sunil Sewmohan Executive Director, Product Marketing Ford South Africa.

The Transit Custom is Europe’s best-selling one-ton van and five-time winner of the International Van of the Year, including claiming the 2024 title with this all-new model.

“Transit Custom Sport buyers are typically sole traders or owner-operators, as well as customers looking for an exceptionally spacious and practical vehicle to suit their adventurous and lifestyle-oriented requirements,” adds Sewmohan.

Emphasising its more overt and dynamic character, the Transit Custom Sport is exclusively available in short wheelbase configuration and is distinguished from the existing commercial-oriented long wheelbase Base model through several eye-catching exterior changes. This includes a sport body kit, honeycomb sport grille, rear spoiler and distinctive 17-inch multi-spoke matte black alloy wheels fitted with 215/60 R17 tyres.

This is complemented by dual racing stripes that extend from the front bumper over the bonnet, along the full extent of the roof and down the rear twin barn doors. Additionally, there are sport side decals that boldly underline that this is no garden-variety delivery van.

The upmarket and sophisticated appearance is further emboldened by the advanced LED headlights with signature LED daytime running lights and automatic high beam control, as well as LED taillights.

Interior

The Transit Custom offers an entirely new level of interior design, features, technology, safety and practicality for the van segment. The benchmark attributes are given a racier theme in the cabin of the Sport derivative, most notably thanks to the addition of sport trim with blue accent stripes for the seats, matched to premium piano black trim surrounding the multi-function display and centre console.

The driver’s seat benefits from 6-way power adjustment, including for lumbar support, while the passenger seat has 4-way manual adjustment. Furthermore, both seats incorporate dual armrests, as well as seat heating that provides respite from chilly winter mornings.

The Sport shares the rest of the high-tech features, space and practicality that are found on the new Transit Custom range. This includes a large 13‑inch landscape touchscreen angled towards the driver for ease of use. It is equipped with Ford’s SYNC®4 communication and infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is complemented by a 12-inch instrument cluster with an eight-inch configurable display.

To keep devices powered on the go, the centre console features USB-A and USB-C ports along with a 12-volt socket. Additionally, dual USB-C charging ports are located in the storage binnacle ahead of the instrument cluster on the driver’s side, and in the lidded dashboard storage compartment ahead of the passenger.

In keeping with its upmarket flair, the optional metal bulkhead that separates the cab from the load compartment features soft-touch trim while retaining the useful central window.

Practicality

The Transit Custom Sport is based on an all-new platform for this range that provides improved space and packaging, along with a lower floor height for easier loading and an overall vehicle height of under two metres to improve access in height-restricted areas.

The cabin boasts an impressive array of storage areas that are perfectly suited to busy lifestyles – including an under-seat stowage compartment on the passenger side, and a large dashboard compartment that’s big enough for a laptop computer or A4 file. This is made possible by the adoption of a segment-first roof-mounted passenger airbag.

The Transit range is renowned for innovation, and small business operators who use the cabs in their vans as offices and canteens every day will certainly appreciate the clever new tilting steering wheel in the Transit Custom which makes it better than ever at serving both needs. The wheel’s rim rotates to become a stand for tablets and laptops as well as a flat-topped table to make paperwork and lunch breaks more comfortable. This unique feature will be available as an added-cost option from the second quarter of this year.

Heading into the load compartment, in short wheelbase guise the Transit Custom Sport is 5 050mm long and has a load compartment length measuring 2 602mm up to the bulkhead and a width of 1 392mm between the wheel arches. With a maximum load volume of 5.8m3, it can carry up to three standard Euro pallets with a payload up to 1 023kg. The Transit Custom’s 2 500kg tow rating for a braked trailer is unchanged.

Access to the load compartment is via twin 180-degree opening barn doors at the rear, as well as soft-close dual sliding side doors with convenient integrated steps. The powered sliding doors can be opened or closed via the door handles, dedicated buttons on the remote control or buttons on the dashboard.

Six load area tie-down loops are provided to secure goods in transit, and the load area protection kit with full-height walls and a moulded floor is fitted as standard. Bright LED interior lighting makes working from this vehicle an absolute breeze in low-light conditions.

Drivetrain

Providing a compelling blend of both performance and fuel efficiency, the Transit Custom Sport is powered by an updated version of Ford’s 2.0-litre Single Turbo EcoBlue diesel four-cylinder engine. In this form it produces 125kW of power and a substantial 390Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min (increases of 25kW and 30Nm, respectively, compared to the Transit Custom Base).

An advanced eight-speed automatic transmission delivers drive to the front wheels, with transmission stalk giving the driver the option of manual gear selection if required. The Sport has the same four selectable Drive Modes as the rest of the range, comprising Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul, plus an additional Sport mode for more spirited driving.

A 55-litre fuel tank is standard, along with a 20-litre tank for the AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid – the latter transforming nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water, significantly reducing the impact of its exhaust emissions.

Safety and security

The Transit Custom range is peerless when it comes to standard safety features, and the Sport variant is no different. The extensive list of driver assist technologies includes ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Reverse Brake Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Collision Mitigation.

Additionally, it is equipped with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Assist, Driver Alert with Impairment Monitor, Lane Keeping Aid, Roll Over Mitigation, Intelligent Speed Assistance with Speed Sign Recognition, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

In addition to the innovative roof-mounted front passenger airbag, the Transit Custom Sport has a further five airbags comprising the driver’s front airbag, plus dual side curtain and side seat airbags.

To aid parking manoeuvres, the Transit Custom features standard front and rear parking sensors combined with a 180-degree split view rear camera.

Keyless Entry and Start is complemented by shielded power door deadlocks, a two-step door unlocking system, Thatcham Category 1-specification alarm and standard immobiliser. The integrated FordPass Connect modem enables remote locking, unlocking and starting of the vehicle via the FordPass app, along with the vehicle locator, health alerts and oil life status. 

The introduction of a new car brand into any market requires strategic planning. Jetour, the new SUV brand that entered the South African market in September last year, has done something very right – given its retail sales of over 2 000 units within only three months. Considering the somewhat challenging new vehicle market locally and consumers being under increased financial pressure, just how did this new automotive player achieve such early success?

“Bringing in a new vehicle is one thing, but how you treat your customers is how you will differentiate from the rest,” says Jetour South Africa Vice President, Nic Campbell. “It’s not about doing things differently, it’s about doing things better”.

Market research and consumer insight

Prior to launching, Campbell says that the company did extensive research amongst consumers locally, with 60% of those surveyed saying that they would be willing to look at new brands.

No longer merely a mode of transport from point A to point B, a car has become an essential part of our everyday lifestyle. For those fortunate enough to own one, it serves as a tool for earning an income, safely transporting families, and providing freedom and flexibility to navigate daily life.

“Loyalty to traditional automakers is a significant challenge for new brands. Building trust in such an environment requires a clear, consistent message and a unique value proposition, especially when competing against well-established brands with strong followings,” says Campbell.

He adds that Jetour South Africa works closely with global headquarters and other markets, to leverage synergies and understand what’s working in terms of specifications. “Currently, Jetour is collaborating globally to enter other right hand drive markets, working closely with the factory to ensure our vehicles meet both international standards and local specifications and requirements,” Campbell says.

“When collaborating with markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia, we’re working with some of the largest and most dynamic regions.

This ensures that we can deliver the best possible vehicles, tailored to meet the highest standards and expectations, benefiting from global insights and local expertise,” he says.

Given these international insights, extensive testing and local research, the brand brought in two models at launch to suit the current needs and wants of the South African consumer – the 7-seater Jetour X70 Plus and the 5-seater Jetour Dashing.

Value proposition

“Jetour is not about being cheaper, it’s about bringing cars in at right point for South African consumer and making it more affordable,” Campbell says, with the brand’s mantra of affordable luxury encompassing quality vehicles with attention to detail in design, technology, performance and comfort.

The evolution of technology has seen Chinese brands leading the way, particularly when it comes to offering competitive pricing. This success is largely driven by high volumes, allowing them to deliver cutting-edge technology at a price point that’s hard to match in other markets around the world.

“Let’s not underestimate the fact that South African consumers have a deep appreciation for a stylish, good-looking car,” Campbell says.  Along with cutting-edge technology, spacious interiors, top safety features and an innovative driving experience, both models feature a sleek design that seamlessly blends elegance with modern appeal. Hakan Saracoglu, a distinguished automotive designer, has significantly influenced Jetour’s distinctive look and design, having spent 15 years at Porsche prior to joining Jetour where he contributed to many of this German brand’s iconic models.

Customer Experience and After-Sales Service

Jetour’s local research found that concerns about parts availability and after-sales service were key factors causing hesitation among potential customers when considering a new brand, criteria that the brand has taken seriously.

With a state-of-the-art parts warehouse at the South African headquarters in Midrand, Johannesburg, Campbell personally oversees and tracks operations on a daily basis. Currently, there is R75 million worth of stock in the warehouse and R25 million on order, to cater for the two models currently available, ensuring that dealers and customers have timely access to parts whenever needed.

With 47 dealerships nationwide and the number steadily growing, Jetour has strategically partnered with top industry players in prime locations to ensure widespread accessibility and excellent customer service.

Jetour offers a 10-year, 1 million km engine warranty, a testament to the exceptional quality that comes straight from the factory. “Our engines are rigorously tested for strength and durability, and we stand behind our products 100%, ensuring peace of mind for our customers,” Campbell says.

The Jetour X70 Plus, a 7-seater SUV, is priced at R454,900 for the Momentum and R484,900 for the Deluxe. The 5-seater Jetour Dashing starts at R439,900 for the Momentum and R469,900 for the Deluxe.

Jetour’s arrival in South Africa marks an exciting new chapter in the local automotive landscape, offering customers a fresh, affordable, and stylish alternative in a competitive yet crowded market. With their sleek designs, trusted offering and competitive pricing, Jetour is poised to continue making a significant impact, with even more exciting models and innovations on the horizon.

Have you seen it? The crimson red Jetour Dashing parading around Jozi on the back of a truck, with the words “a million times over, I will aways choose you”?

This isn’t any normal road show, this is a declaration of love by African Movie Academy Awards nominee, actor Oros Mampofu to his longtime girlfriend, Bianca Carmichael.

Best known for his role in SABC 1 drama series Skeem Saam, today sees Mampofu gift Carmichael with this stylish Jetour Dashing for Valentine’s Day. This new SUV brand was launched into the country four months ago, and has already gained significant traction locally, with over 2 000 units sold.

Boasting powerful performance, modern infotainment system, advanced safety features, premium interior and sleek exterior design, this gift is the perfect match for Carmichael, known for her bold style and energetic approach to life.

Mampofu and Carmichael have been together since 2018, and their family grew with the arrival of two beautiful daughters since they first met. Their love story has captured the hearts of many, gaining significant attention from fans, who frequently see glimpses of their family moments on social media.

Mampofu has taken his Valentine’s gift to the streets of Johannesburg this week. From Woodmead to Waterfall,  Sandton to Sunninghill and many places in-between, the Jetour Dashing has been on its own journey of love, before Carmichael gets the keys tomorrow and drives off her new sleek, stylish ride.

Talk about driving home just how much love you have to give! The love doesn’t end there. Jetour is running a promotion to win a share of R200 000, simply by test driving the Jetour Dashing or X70. For more information, or to find a dealer near you, go to www.jetour.co.za. You may well find your perfect match too!