More and more van drivers are asking themselves if they really need to go LARGE - because small and medium-sized vans are growing in popularity.
And when it comes to more compact vans, the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Courier should be high on your list of vehicles to consider.
The downsizing trend is one we’ve seen first hand at Select Van Leasing, and it’s driven by a couple of key factors.
Firstly, the cost of living crisis means more and businesses are trying to reduce their van fleet costs, and small or medium-sized vans equal lower monthly lease payments and reduced CO2 emissions, which can have a positive effect on a company’s tax bill.
The other reason is a behavioural one.
In the building trade, for example, construction materials are being delivered directly to work sites by the company supplying them, rather than a business’s van driver having to hurry between depots and warehouses. With less load-lugging to do, a firm can get away with a smaller LCV.
And that’s where these super-popular Fords are coming into their own. Right now we’ve got both vans on special offer at Select, with prices for the Ford Transit Courier beginning at £196 per month*, ex VAT, and lease fees beginning at £288 per month*, ex VAT, for the Ford Transit Custom.
To give you the lowdown on payloads, load areas, engine choices and rivals, here’s a rough guide:
Ford Transit Courier
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The Transit Courier is the more compact of the two vans being featured here, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that small can’t be mighty.
The first thing to note is that the latest Ford Transit Courier, revealed earlier this year, has grown in size compared with previous versions, making it even more versatile.
In the past, the Transit Courier had a load area of 2.3 cubic metres. That has now increased to 2.9 m3 with the newest model.
You can also expect a payload of up to 675 kg, though that’ll change next year - rising to 845 kg - when the fully-electric E-Transit Courier arrives in 2024.
When it comes to your wheelbase and height options, the choice is simple - as there’s just one!
But you can lease your Ford Transit Courier in a variety of different trim levels.
The entry-level ‘Leader’ versions get 15-inch steel wheels, black bumpers, an 8-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, and a full steel bulkhead.
Yet the most affordable trim to lease right now - because of the way that leasing favours vehicles with a higher residual value - is actually the ‘Limited’ variant, which sits just one rung down from the top of the tree.
Here you can expect a 631 kg payload, 16-inch alloys, chrome flourishes on the front grille, a rear-view camera, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad. That’s a whole lot of kit for not a lot of dosh.
You’ve got a choice of engines with the Ford Transit Courier. A 1.0-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel unit both have power of 100 PS. But a 1.0-litre ‘EcoBoost’ engine ups the ante with power of 125 PS.
As for the Transit Courier’s rivals, you’re looking at the Nissan Townstar, Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Fiorino, Volkswagen Caddy, and Vauxhall Combo.
Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom might be the smaller sibling to the full fat Transit van, but the Custom is still top dog - not in terms of its size, but in just how many are on the road.
According to the latest stats from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Ford Puma is the best-selling car of the year so far, with 42,136 new registrations.
The Ford Transit Custom, on the other hand, has notched up 34,301 registrations - which puts it 4th in the overall vehicle leaderboard, ahead of the Kia Sportage and Tesla Model Y.
So, you can see just how popular it is. And for good reason.
Updated and facelifted earlier this year, the Ford Transit Custom has a max. 6.8 m3 load area and a payload of up to 1,406 kg when you opt for the ‘320 L1’ wheelbase.
The most affordable Transit Custom to lease with Select is for a range-topping ‘Limited’ model with a ‘280 L1’ wheelbase. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with power of 136 PS, and you get 5.8 m3 of load space.
Looking to keep your fuel costs down? There’s a plug-in hybrid Transit Custom that combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a battery and electric motor to provide a range of up to 26 miles using electricity alone.
What’s more, there’s even a ‘performance’ model - the Sport Dciv - which adds aggressive exterior flourishes to the mix, such as stripes on the bonnet and matte black alloy wheels.
The fully-electric Ford E-Transit Custom also recently entered production, so you can expect those vans to start becoming available for lease in the coming weeks. Watch this space.
And when it comes to rivals to the Ford Transit Custom, the Vauxhall Vivaro has long provided stiff competition, as does the Nissan Primastar, Volkswagen Transporter, and Mercedes-Benz Vito.
If you need expert advice on choosing the right van for you - particularly when it comes to wheelbase sizes and roof heights - have a chat with one of the experts in our Select Van Leasing team, who live and breathe LCVs. Hit the ‘Enquire’ button on a deal, or call 0118 338 3799.
*Prices exclude VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 14/11/23.
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