Heading to market only in long-wheelbase guise with a choice of two trim levels; Ambiente and Trend, the Custom again offers seating for eight that can be arranged in a number of ways and configurations, with exterior revisions consisting of new headlights with integrated daytime running LEDs and a redesigned grille.
Inside, the Custom gains upgraded materials, new seats, better sound insulation and a more effective air-conditioning unit, but loses out on the redesigned centre console, the freestanding touchscreen infotainment system and the newly designed steering wheel offered in Europe.
More extensive however is the new array of safety systems, namely Hill Launch Assist, Roll-Over Mitigation, Load Adaptive Control, ESP and the optional Trailer Sway Control.
Despite being offered with the Blue Oval’s new 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesel engine in various states of tune on the Old Continent, local models are again outfitted with the same 2.2 TDCi Duratorq oil-burner found in the Ranger, which produces 74kW/310Nm in the Ambiente and 96kW/350Nm in the Trend.
Also absent is the six-speed automatic gearbox available as option in both Europe and Australia, with the six-speed manual remaining the sole option. In both cases, Ford claims a payload of 915kg with a tow rating of 750kg for an unbraked trailer and 1 400kg for a braked trailer.
A four-year/120 000km warranty and six-year/90 000km service plan is standard on both models with the Ambiente retailing from R546 000, and the Trend from R567 300.
