Automotive

Ford starts selling adventurous, little Transit Custom Nugget camper van

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Ford Nugget camper van
Ford
Available bicycle carrier on the Ford Nugget camper van
Ford
Living those #vanlife moments with the Ford Nugget
Ford
The Transit Custom that serves as the base of the Nugget was updated last year and includes a Sync 3 infotainment system, a variety of driver-assistance features and an upgraded 2.0-liter EcoBlue engine
Ford
Ford and Westfalia have long teamed up on the Nugget camper van, and now Ford will be selling it directly through select dealerships around Europe
Ford
The pop-top Nugget camper van has a lower profile when on the road
Ford
Westfalia splits the Nugget interior more so than in other camper vans, creating a dedicated kitchen, convertible dining area/lounge/bed and upstairs bed
Ford
The Nugget is also available with a high roof (with bed), and the larger Nugget Plus comes exclusively with the high roof
Ford
On the road with the Ford Transit Custom Nugget camper van
Ford
The three-seat bench and swivel cab seats provide space for five around the table
Ford
The rear kitchen area features an L-shaped design
Ford
Both the pop-top and high-roof Nuggets offer sleeping space for four people
Ford
Popping the top on the Ford Nugget
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A look at the fold-out bed in the high-roof Nugget
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Fold-out bed in the Nugget van cabin
Ford
The kitchen includes a dual-burner stove, sink and 40-L fridge
Ford
Ford will start offering the Nugget campers in (Northern Hemisphere) spring 2019
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Ford Nugget camper van
Ford
Ford Nugget camper van
Ford
Those who want a more rugged 4x4 Nugget camper van can look for help from the experts at Extrem Fahrzeuge
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas
We spotted this Ford Nugget 4x4 at the recent CMT show in Stuttgart, Germany
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas
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The Westfalia-converted Ford Nugget camper van has gotten a fresh lease on life thanks to the recently updated Transit Custom van that serves as its base. At camp, the new Nugget series features the same space-maximizing four-sleeper design, but it gets to the campground with help from Ford's latest efficiency-boosting, driver-assisted technologies. Come spring, the Nugget will be offered directly through Ford dealerships in select European markets.

The Nugget isn't a new camper van, dating back more than three decades. Westfalia updated the Nugget lineup last year by squeezing a bathroom inside to create the Nugget Plus variant. As with any established camper van model, the base van below continues to evolve, offering key advantages for holiday escapees, as well as everyday drivers.

Ford launched the updated Transit Custom last year before adding a new plug-in hybrid variant at the IAA Hannover commercial vehicles show in the fall. There's no mention of the plug-in powertrain making it to the Nugget, but the improved 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine will serve as the camper van's drive muscle, available in both 128- and 168-hp forms. Nugget buyers will also have their choice of six-speed manual and six-speed SelectShift automatic transmissions, offering figures as good as 6.3 L/100 km (37.3 mpg) and 165 g/km of CO2 emissions.

On the road with the Ford Transit Custom Nugget camper van
Ford

The latest Transit Custom also rolls out with a variety of available driver-assistance technologies, including cross traffic alert, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, rear wide-view camera and adaptive cruise control, helping the Nugget keep pace with camper vans based on other new, tech-loaded van models, such as the Mercedes Sprinter and MAN TGE. The Transit Custom's cockpit area includes improved ergonomics and available Sync 3 infotainment with voice control and 8-in tablet-style touchscreen.

The Transit Custom that serves as the base of the Nugget was updated last year and includes a Sync 3 infotainment system, a variety of driver-assistance features and an upgraded 2.0-liter EcoBlue engine
Ford

Beyond those recent base van updates, the Nugget remains a small but highly livable little camper van thanks to its smart floor plan and choice of pop-up roof or fixed high roof. Either roof option offers a double bed, combining with the folding bed in the cabin to create a space fully suitable for a family of four. Alternatively, the #vanlife twosome can enjoy a dedicated dining/living area and upper-level bedroom without constantly converting the bed in the van cabin.

Unlike other campers of this size, which merge their kitchen, living and dining areas into one central space, the Nugget features separate kitchen and living/dining spaces. The L-shaped kitchen in the rear includes a dual-burner stove, sink and 40-L refrigerator box. Both the stove and refrigerator include flush tops that add to the countertop space when closed.

The kitchen includes a dual-burner stove, sink and 40-L fridge
Ford

Up ahead of this kitchen, the three-seat rear bench works with swivel driver cab seats and a removable table to create a comfy five-person lounge good for eating, chatting, playing games and just relaxing. An optional folding table and chair set provides for outdoor dining, with an available retractable awning offering shade and weather protection.

The Nugget includes an outdoor shower fed by the 42-liter fresh water tank, and those that prefer to roam with a more complete bathroom can opt for the longer Nugget Plus with standard high roof. This model packs a toilet, foldaway sink and privacy screen into the rear of the van.

Both the pop-top and high-roof Nuggets offer sleeping space for four people
Ford

Ford is showing the Nugget camper van line this week at the Brussels Motor Show. The vans will be available for order at select Ford dealerships starting this spring, and rollout will begin in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Ford's recent announcement doesn't include pricing information, but a pricing sheet published in August 2018 lists a €52,576 (approx. US$59,875) base price for the pop-top Nugget, €53,178 (US$60,550) for the high-roof Nugget and €58,963 (US$67,150) for the Nugget Plus.

Oh, and if you're looking for something a little more rugged, you might like this Nugget 4x4 conversion from Germany's Extrem Fahrzeuge we spotted just last week at CMT 2019. Looks quite top-heavy for off-roading, but it still exudes adventure.

We spotted this Ford Nugget 4x4 at the recent CMT show in Stuttgart, Germany
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas

Sources: Ford Europe, Westfalia

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4 comments
TomLeeM
I think that is really neat. Perhaps one could tow a small camper trailer / teardrop and use it as a spare room?
BJanks
Any idea when/if something like this is coming to the US market? Or why it hasn't been introduced already? Seems like this in an AWD version would sell like hotcakes here but I only ever see similar offerings in the EU...
Doodah
This is one of the great mysteries of the world that I'm still trying to figure out, why on earth these are only sold in Europe. There are oodles of companies and they all compete with eachother in Europe. Meanwhile in the US people are paying triple for old beat up VW vanagons so they can do something similar. Why doesn't at least one company open it up here in the US? Ford, for crying out loud! These would sell here!
windykites
As these sorts of vehicles go, it doesn't come any camper. Just my little joke!