FORD is aiming to appeal to Britain's sporty white van men with a new higher-performance version of the Transit Custom Sport - the most powerful-ever version of the iconic load-lugger.

As well as the now familiar twin sports stripes adorning the bodywork, this new range-topping model comes with a new 185PS version of Ford's twoâlitreEcoBlue diesel engine which is nine per cent more powerful than before and can be ordered with either six speed manual or automatic transmissions.

"Not everyone is satisfied with a standard white van: Ford's Sport series vans appeal to customers who want to make a statement, while still delivering the tough, capable character that has made the Transit family best sellers," says Hans Schep, Ford of Europe's general manager for commercial vehicles. "As well offering eye-catching style, the upgraded Sport vans are responsive and well-equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies."

Shown for the first time at the commercial motor show, the new Custom Sport is the GT of the van world and comes with a muscular body kit including wheel arch extensions, body side mouldings, alloy wheels and body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles.

Inside there are part leather seats and on-board modem technology creating a WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices while under the skin an upgraded chassis specification provides enhanced driving dynamics and improved ride and handling.

There's a wide choice of body styles including van, kombi and double-cab models in both short- and long-wheelbase versions with prices starting from £32,270.

For lighter loads, there's also a new Transit Connect Sport, priced from £20,405, which comes with an exterior styling kit, matt black sports stripes with silver or orange accents and 16-inch, five spoke alloy wheels. The cabin features partial-leather heated driver's and single passenger seats and standard specification includes dual-zone automatic temperature control and cruise control with adjustable speed limiter.