Ford has unveiled the eagerly anticipated camper version of its Ford Transit Custom with the next generation Ford Transit Custom Nugget Camper van.
Designed in collaboration with camper converter Westfalia, the Nugget offers a mix of new tech and interior innovations with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant scheduled to join the range and a new zonal interior layout.
The Nugget gets Westfalia's multi-zone interior layout, with sleeping, seating and cooking areas in the camper. It also has several new advanced driving systems, premium materials and even an optional solar roof.
Hans Schep, Ford Pro general manager said: “The leisure market is really really important. The product has gone from strength to strength and production is at around 30,000 units. Since expanding into other markets outside of Germany, it’s been really successful.
[Ford is] reinventing the Nugget for a digital age, an opportunity to electrify it – and its obviously connected.”
The launch of the next-generation Nugget will be a phased process, beginning with the introduction of the Nugget Titanium series featuring a tilt roof and 170PS EcoBlue engine. It will also be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Orders via Ford dealers will start from 25 August 2023 with deliveries expected to commence in spring 2024. Additional models, including the anticipated PHEV variant, are scheduled to be introduced within the next year.
The PHEV powertrain will use the drivetrain from Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid, combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an 11.8kWh battery and electric motor. Together they will have a combined output of 229hp, including the ability for pure-electric driving.
The all-new Nugget showcases improvements not only in its powertrain but also in its chassis design, featuring independent rear suspension and an all-wheel drive variant will also cater to customers wanting to explore rugged terrains.
The camper's interior get a large 13-inch touchscreen with Ford's SYNC 4 software for navigation, entertainment and communication. There’s also wireless smartphone mirroring with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
Safety and convenience systems in the Nugget include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, Reverse Brake Assist and a 360-degree camera system.
The dedicated zones for cooking, living, and sleeping including an optimised kitchen layout, heated rotating captain's chairs, expanding roof and even an outdoor shower system.
“Nugget is about helping owners discover new places – and with the extra comfort, connectivity and PHEV option of the new model, they can go further than ever. Customers tell us they use their Nuggets as family cars, to get friends and bikes to the next trail, or as a more exciting kind of retirement plan, so we designed our latest Nugget to do it all,” added Schep.
