The next-generation Ford Transit will make its debut at the Birmingham CV Show next week ahead of going on sale in the UK later this year.

The new model marks a step forward in Ford’s plan to refresh its entire commercial vehicle line-up by 2014.

Jesus Alonso, director CV Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe, said: “The Transit Custom is a completely new kind of one-tonne vehicle from Ford.

“This is a stylish, modern van which customers will be proud to have on their driveway, while losing none of the hard-working attitude that they expect from a Transit.”

View all the pictures of the new Transit in the AM gallery.

From launch, the Transit Custom will offer a choice of short wheelbase (SWB - overall length 4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (LWB - overall length 5.34 metres) versions.

The latest Ford passenger car technology will be making its way onto the Transit with SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system, emergency assistance, rear-view camera, lane keeping alter and driver alert.

Ford has improved its 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine which is availble in 98bhp, 123bhp and 153bhp guises. Auto-Start-Stop is standard on Euro V vehicles, delivering fuel consumption of 42.8mpg and 174g/km CO2.

Ford will be presenting larger and higher payload Transits later in 2012.

These models will be extensively sold on a global basis, including North America, and will also feature rear-wheel-drive.