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Work life balance in updated Tourneo Connect
Ford has revised its Tourneo Connect line-up to appeal to dual-use work and leisure users, with the option of all-wheel drive, automatic transmissions and a range of petrol and diesel engines. Offering up to seven seats in short L1 and longer L2 models, the second and third rows of seating can be folded or removed completely, to create a flat load space.
The front passenger seat can also be folded flat, to allow up to 3m of load length. With the seating removed, the L1 models offer 2.6m3 of load volume, while the longer L2 is capable of holding up to 3.1m3 of goods or materials.
The vans are the first sign of collaboration between Ford and Volkswagen, with the Tourneo owing much to VW’s latest Caddy. Under the bonnet you’ll find the choice of a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, with 114hp, or two versions of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel, with 102hp or 122hp. All are available with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the petrol engine and the 122hp diesel can both be ordered with a seven-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic (DSG in VW-speak). As with Caddy, you can also have the 122hp diesel with four-wheel drive running gear, though this is only offered with the manual gearbox.
The Tourneo Connect is offered in Trend, Titanium and Sport trims. It can also be ordered in the SUV-inspired Active specification, which includes 17” alloys, a honeycomb grille, metallic-effect skid plate and additional body mouldings around wheels arches, sills and bumpers. Sport models also get 17” alloys, a more dynamic front bumper and of course the stripes over the bonnet, while Titanium vans have 16” alloys and satin gloss detailing, along with privacy glass for rear side windows.
In the cab
The new dash and controls will again be slightly familiar to anyone that has experienced the latest VW compact van. There’s an 8.25” screen as standard, though Titanium, Sport and Active models get a 10” screen for navigation, audio and climate control. The larger screen is an option on Trend vans. Vans with the 10” touchscreen also feature a FordPass Connect modem.
Sport models also get a 10.25” digital cluster display in place of traditional dials. This is an option on Active and Titanium. Customers can remotely access vehicle information through the FordPass and FordPass Pro apps on a smartphone.
As with all new vans, the Tourneo Connect boasts a wide array of ADAS availability. The standard specification includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, a Lane-Keeping System, Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist and front and rear parking sensors. Optional systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign recognition, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert.
A Parking Pack includes Active Park Assist with Park Out Assist, which can automatically steer into and out of both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Customers can also specify a Towing Assist Pack, which includes Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Already seen on a number of VW vans, this system allows the driver to steer the vehicle while reversing using the wing mirror adjuster, instead of the steering wheel.
The new Tourneo Connect will be available to order early in 2022, with customer deliveries to start in the Spring.
