Ford Transit Custom Nugget gets four-wheel drive for proper go-anywhere camping capability

• New four-wheel drive option
• Long-wheelbase model with optional toilet
• Plug-in hybrid engine available

Ford’s factory-built camper van – the Transit Custom Nugget – only went on sale this year, but the range has already been expanded to include a new long-wheelbase model, as well as four-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid versions. A new Active trim level joins the lineup, too, bringing a rugged appearance to appeal to off-road enthusiasts.

The recent hot weather is clearly rubbing off on camper van makers, as Volkswagen and Citroen have just brought their latest models to UK dealerships – the Volkswagen California and the Citroen Holidays. They will serve as the Nugget’s key competitors in the factory-built camper van market, with VW’s effort also getting a plug-in hybrid engine for the first time.

What is the Ford Transit Custom Nugget?

Unfamiliar with the Nugget? Here’s what you need to know. It’s Ford’s official camper van offering, although the camper bit is actually built by conversion specialist Westfalia – the firm responsible for converting the first Volkswagen Type 2 vans in the 1950s.

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It’s based on the Transit Custom and gets a pop-up roof, an L-shaped kitchen and a rear-mounted shower. There’s sleeping space for up to four, with two in the roof and two in the cabin, while the front seats swivel 180-degrees to create a usable living space. There’s even a touchscreen control panel mounted in the wall for monitoring the Nugget’s battery and water levels and for adjusting the interior lighting.

What’s new for the Ford Transit Custom Nugget?

Ford announced a plug-in hybrid Nugget at launch, but only now is it available for customers to order. It’s a similar engine to that used in the Ford Kuga, pairing a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 11.8kWh battery. With 230bhp, it’s more powerful than the diesel engine, and can drive in a silent, electric-only mode – perfect for sneaking out of campsites before sunrise.

The 168bhp diesel engine is unchanged, but it can now be ordered with four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Not only can this model tow up to 2,300kg, it should have more traction across slippery terrain, making it the one to pick if you fancy some off-grid camping adventures.

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Ford has also introduced the Nugget Active, a new trim level to sit alongside the existing Titanium model. Like other Ford models to wear the Active badge, including the Focus Active, the Nugget Active gets a rugged exterior appearance package, with chunkier bumpers and cladding, plus water-resistant upholstery for the seats.

Lastly, all Transit Custom Nuggets can now be ordered in long-wheelbase specification. With additional space between the front and rear wheels, Ford has been able to squeeze in a larger kitchen area and more storage. If you don’t need the extra kitchen space, you can opt for an in-built toilet instead, if you fancy venturing into the wilderness for some serious off-grid camping.

Read all about the Ford Transit Custom Nugget’s key rival, the Volkswagen California…