Skip advert
Advertisement

New 2018 MS-RT Ford Transit Custom review

Welsh firm MS-RT works its rally car-inspired magic on the facelifted Transit Custom

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford Transit Custom
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The MS-RT Transit Custom certainly stands out from the crowd, and the hand-crafted interior brings sporty luxury to a van unlike anything else we've ever seen. It's a credit to the team at MS-RT that they have turned the Transit Custom from an everyday workhorse to a genuinely desirable vehicle that has a sporty edge that few SUVs, let alone MPVs, will be able to match. The chassis tweaks are well judged, too, boosting comfort a little over the standard model.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We're big fans of the Ford Transit Custom here at Auto Express, and while most companies that modify the UK's best-selling van do so for practical purposes, there's one firm which is aiming to make the Transit Custom a more attractive machine to buyers wanting a van that stands out from the crowd.

We've already experienced and been impressed by the work of MS-RT with its limited edition Transit Custom R Spec, but now with a facelifted Transit Custom in showrooms, MS-RT has created a new bodykit to complement the updated van. Even better is the fact that this special Transit Custom is now offered via selected official Transit Centres across the UK.

But there's a lot more to the MS-RT Transit Custom than just flashier looks. You do get that, with a front end design that takes its cues from the Ford Fiesta World Rally Car run by MS-RT's co-founder Malcolm Wilson and his M-Sport team, but the standard of finish for the in-house designed and manufactured bumpers, side skirts, rear wing and diffuser-style bumper is so good you'd think they were OEM parts.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Kona

2023 Hyundai

Kona

18,271 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,300
View Kona
Tiguan

2023 Volkswagen

Tiguan

48,560 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,600
View Tiguan
A-Class

2021 Mercedes

A-Class

32,462 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £18,300
View A-Class
X3

2021 BMW

X3

20,675 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £29,990
View X3

• Best medium panel vans

MS-RT has taken the opportunity of the updated Transit Custom to redesign the bodykit it offers, while the company's team of upholsterers have created a bespoke leather interior for the van, too. There's also a stainless steel exhaust system in development, while the same OZ wheels and Eibach suspension parts are used, which is another tie-in with the Fiesta WRCs run by M-Sport.

The result is a van that looks sporty, while the interior delivers a level of comfort that would've been unheard of in a Transit not even five years ago. There are a variety of seat finishes on offer, but the part-leather and Alcantara trim of our test van was faultless, which is full credit to the in-house MS-RT team and its hand-finishing process. Also included is a new flat-bottomed steering wheel that's hand-stitched and feels meaty to hold.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As the MS-RT model is based on Limited spec, it gets a decent amount of kit, and the upgrades that Ford has added as part of the Custom's facelift give this version an even more upmarket feeling. Adding the Sync3 sat-nav infotainment system only adds to the premium feel, while choosing the Double Cab In-Van version in MS-RT spec makes the Transit Custom an intriguing alternative to a family SUV or MPV.

On the road, the MS-RT upgrades help the Transit Custom feel better tied down when driving with the load area empty. There's less bounce from the rear end over bumps, while the combination of 18-inch wheels and standard Hankook Ventus S1 tyres means there's plenty of grip to spare, and it manages to emphasise the standard Transit Custom's existing sharp handling. The only downside on the van we tested was a slightly fidgety low-speed ride.

Prices for the MS-RT Transit Custom start from £32,995 for the Panel Van, which comes in short or long wheelbases and with either a tailgate or barn doors at the rear. Power for this model comes from Ford's 170PS Ecoblue diesel, while six-speed manual or Powershift auto boxes are available. The Double Cab In-Van version starts from £34,495 and comes with the same range of body and gearbox options.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025