Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Published: 16 December 2022 Updated: 16 December 2022

Overview

Whenever you’re building something, it always pays to start with a solid base. Given that the Ford Transit Nugget is based on the best-selling and award-winning Transit Custom, it would appear the blue oval’s entrant into the camper class has foundations hewn from granite.

Their orientation is a little different to the norm, with a kitchen at the rear instead of down the side of the van. This means twin sliding doors and a standard three-seater bench to give greater accessibility than rivals such as the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo, Volkswagen California and Volkswagen Caddy California. There are disadvantages to the Nugget’s setup though, something we’ll cover in more detail below.

The Nugget is available in two lengths, with the larger model adding a toilet compartment next to the kitchen in the rear. The aforementioned rivals don’t get that option, although the much larger VW Grand California does. Unlike that and the regular California the Nugget doesn’t get the option of four-wheel drive, while only the most potent diesel engine gets the option of an automatic gearbox.

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What’s it like inside?

Open one of the front doors, and the view will be familiar to anyone that’s spent some time in a regular Transit Custom. The good news is that you’ll find plenty of useful storage areas, with loads of easily accessed cubbies and shelves, big cupholders and USB sockets in places you’re likely to leave your phone. Compared to the Volkswagen California, it’s a bit too utilitarian and is starting to feel its age in places.

Where the California is available with fully digital instruments and gets a touchscreen infotainment system as standard, the Nugget makes do with analogue dials and an optional infotainment system. We found the Transit’s dials to be easy to read while the Nugget’s touchscreen is easy enough to navigate, but looks basic.

We’d recommend the 8.0 touchscreen that oddly also includes adaptive cruise control. It’s not the flashiest looking system, but the menus are clear and it’s easy to use. That’s thanks in part to a number of physical controls beneath the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as is sat nav, something that’s an option on lesser versions of the California.

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There’s no doubt the Nugget’s interior will be hardwearing, but it doesn’t feel as upmarket as the California’s. The seat fabrics, leather on the steering wheel and materials used don’t feel as nice to the touch, while it’s more obviously a van, too. You certainly sit high with a commanding view past the truncated nose and big mirrors to help rearward visibility.

A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are optional and well worth having. The high-set but well equipped kitchen at the back and a cupboard block much of your view making parking tricky. It should also be pointed out that the Nugget feels wider than the California and Marco Polo, making it harder to squeeze into a regular parking bay.

As with most direct rivals, the Transit Nugget’s front seats swivel to face the rear bench. Unfortunately, the table doesn’t just slide and fold into position, requiring you to attach the base to the floor so it’s freestanding. Similarly, it requires plenty of physical effort to shift the rear bench into position to create the lower bed while the roof is manually operated, not electric like some versions of the California. You’ll need to stand at the kitchen to use it, meaning the roof needs to be raised if you don’t want to crouch.

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We found the top bed to be the most comfortable, although a California is even better. To read a comparison between the two campers and for far more interior detail, have a look at our twin test review.

Comfort

The Nugget’s front seats are supportive and have lots of adjustment, although the upholstery isn’t as plush as what’s available in a Volkswagen California. At least you can have heated front seats while the rear bench is much wider than the one that’s standard in higher spec Californias.

It’s not as comfortable as a proper passenger vehicle’s seats, and you’ll notice plenty of engine, road and especially wind noise, too. The latter is partially down to the large door mirrors but mainly because of the fold out awning bolted to the side.

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Safety

Euro NCAP crash tested the Transit Custom all the way back in 2012, with it getting the top five-star rating. Standards have got tougher since then, although Ford has updated the van over the years to improve safety tech.

For example, in addition to load-adaptive electronic stability control (ESC), the Transit Custom gets crosswind assistance technology (what Ford calls Side Wind Stabilisation) as standard. All models also get a Roll Stability Control system and Trailer Sway Stabilisation.

Optional extras include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a forward distance monitoring system that alerts you to dangers ahead, handy should your attention start to wander at the end of a long day.

The 2018 facelift added further safety options, including Intelligent Speed Assist – which can automatically adjust the speed limiter to make sure you stay legal (protecting your livelihood in the process) – and a new Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert.

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What’s it like to drive?

So far, we’ve only sampled the top spec 185hp automatic, although a six-speed manual and lesser 130hp engine is available. Both are 2.0-litre diesels with the most potent version giving respectable performance given the size and weight of the Nugget. Even so, you’ll find punchier versions of the California should you want a bit more performance.

The automatic gearbox is a little dim-witted, with slower changes than the California’s dual-clutch auto and less keenness to kick down. Our experiences with the manual suggest this should arguably be even better, with a satisfying shift action and well-chosen gear ratios.

We’re big fans of the Transit’s reassuringly weighted and precise steering, and the motorway ride is good, too. Things fall apart somewhat if you try to drive briskly, the rear end of the Nugget getting quite bouncy over undulations. It’s bad enough when you’re travelling in a straight line, but add some cornering forces and it starts to feel quite wayward.

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You’ll have to hammer along to to trouble the crockery, but the California is significantly better in the bends. That said, it does have a firmer ride because of it.

Ownership costs and maintenance

A claimed fuel economy figure of up to 36.2mpg wasn’t achieved during our time with the van, with high 20s/low 30s more realistic. You can expect it to be a little less efficient than the California overall, even though it’s less powerful. CO2 emissions of 230g/km just trail the California, too.

What models and trims are available?

Once you’ve picked your engine and gearbox, there are two main types of Nugget to pick from. L1 is the shorter of the pair, but it’s still a five-seat four-berth camper with a fitted kitchen. The L2 has more distance between its front and rear wheels, providing space for a small toilet at the very end of the van.