The bus is back.

    After a short absence, the Ford Transit Bus has returned to Australia – and it now features an automatic transmission as standard.

    Originally set for a late 2020 introduction, the 12-seater van has only just started to arrive in local dealerships with deliveries ramping up next month.

    Pricing starts at $63,690 before on-road costs for the Mid Roof, with the High Roof option costing $2500.

    It’s available only in rear-wheel drive 410L form, using a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with 125kW of power and 390Nm of torque.

    Unlike past Transit Bus models, it’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. No manual is available.

    A power left-hand sliding door is standard, while the optional High Roof adds overhead storage and LED reading lights for passengers.

    As on most other Fords, there’s standard FordPass Connect which allows you to, among other things, remotely start the vehicle using your mobile phone.

    Pricing

    • 2021 Ford Transit Bus 410L: $63,690

    Price excludes on-road costs.

    Engines

    The 2021 Ford Transit Bus is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 125kW of power and 390Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

    The Transit Bus is rear-wheel drive.

    Fuel Economy

    Ford Australia has yet to confirm combined fuel economy for the Transit Bus. It has a 95L fuel tank.

    Dimensions

    The 2021 Ford Transit Bus measures 5981mm long, 2474mm wide including the mirrors (2112mm without) and 2528mm with the standard roof height. It has a 3750mm wheelbase.

    Gross vehicle mass is 4100kg and gross combined mass is 6100kg, while kerb weight is 2844kg. Maximum payload is 1256kg.

    Braked towing capacity is 2500kg while unbraked is 750kg.

    Servicing and Warranty

    Servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first.

    In addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, Ford offers four years of capped-price servicing. Each service costs $399.

    Safety

    The current generation of Ford Transit has yet to be tested by ANCAP.

    The Transit Bus comes standard with the following safety features:

    • Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Lane-keeping assist
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Traffic sign recognition
    • Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
    • Front, front-side and front curtain airbags

    Standard Equipment

    The Transit Bus comes standard with the following features:

    • 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • DAB+ digital radio
    • Six-speaker sound system
    • Power sliding door
    • FordPass Connect
    • Automatic headlights
    • Automatic high-beam
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Automatic stop/start
    • Heated front seats
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Single-zone manual air-conditioning
    • 16-inch steel wheels

    Options include:

    • High Roof body with overhead stowage shelves: $2500
    • Prestige paint: $650
    • Satellite navigation with voice control: $600

    MORE: Ford Transit news and reviews

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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