Ford Transit Custom MS-RT: A van with WRC genes

Admittedly, a transporter look like this is rarely seen-bumpers with large air intakes, muscularly shaped fenders, 19-inch rims with sporty tires, a attached diffuser in the rear bump catcher and last but not least the striking rear spoiler … The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT attaches more importance to its appearance than any other commercial vehicle on the market! Ford is known to offer an extensive range of variants and customization options for its commercial vehicles and the ranger pick-up-the latter even has its own performance version with the « Raptor ». In the present case, the van bears the badges MS-RT (as well as optional page stickers). MS-RT is less known as Ford Performance, but stands for a collaboration with M-Sport, the Ford motorsport partner, who is responsible, among other things, for the development of WRC-Pumas. MS-RT means « M-Sport Road Technology » and has been offering more dynamic versions of the American manufacturer’s commercial vehicles since 2020.

Leisure, work, family …

The striking look, which causes a sensation in many places, do not affect the practical properties: two lengths are available (5.05 or 5.45 meters), optionally with single cabin for 2 or 3 people or double cabin with five individual seats. The maximum loading volume is 4.3 m³, the payload is up to 1,124 kg. In addition, there are equipment features that should be particularly well received by traders-such as the double 2.3 kW socket in the hold or the lighting in the rear area.

But you don’t have to be a craftsman or entrepreneur to appreciate this van: Freizeut fans (e.g. mountain bike, sailing etc.) also get their money’s worth and, thanks to its versatility, can easily use it in everyday life and even as a family vehicle.

It is the look with which the MS-RT version stands out: The interior is reminiscent of a high-quality SUV and once again has numerous motorsport-inspired details-especially the fantastic sports seats at the front, which offer both comfort and lateral support at the highest level. The steering wheel flattened below carries a central marking strip in blue-the house color of MS-RT, which can also be found in all decorative stitching. As with the other transit custom versions, the processing quality is remarkable-and not just in comparison with other commercial vehicles. Nothing is missing when it comes to equipment: heated seats and steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, inductive charging, as well as numerous driver assistance systems. All of this is at the level of a modern car.

A pleasure on the street

Despite considerable progress, the seating position remains clearly “typical of commercial vehicle”, which is mainly due to the very high seat height. The advantage: excellent all -round view. And the central rear view mirror with camera image easily compensates for the lack of a rear window.

On the street, however, it turns out that the MS-RT version is primarily an optical statement. The motorizations come from the regular transit custom offer: there is a 170 hp diesel engine, two electrical versions with 216 or 286 hp and a plug-in hybrid. The latter provides 233 hp and proves to be very pleasant in everyday life – with a spontaneous reaction, linear start and overall good driving performance. Gentle electric driving over around 50 kilometers at full battery is particularly convincing. The combination of combustion and electric motor works almost imperceptibly and extremely efficient.

After a few days in the test and over 500 kilometers, we were able to determine an average consumption of only 4.4 l/100 km! For comparison: a diesel van of this size usually consumes around 8 l/100 km. Efficient – as I said! A small drop of bitterness: a sports mode or an acoustically sophisticated sound would have fit well with the sporty look.

The price remains: For the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT you have to dig deep into your pocket-from 68,884 euros including VAT for the diesel, and 69,819 euros for the plug-in hybrid.