Ford has launched its latest addition to the MPV market with the all-new Tourneo Connect range. It’s the van-derived family car that offers low running costs and robust build quality all for a reasonable price, making it the perfect everyday people-carrier for larger, active families. Sophie Williamson-Stothert takes it for a spin to see if it’s any good…
What is it?
It’s the ultimate MPV designed to suit the needs of its driver and their lifestyle by combining Ford’s stylish MPV looks with its quality reputation in robust commercial vehicles – offering buyers an alternative to the people-carrier, without sacrificing its car-like features.
The Tourneo range consists of the standard five-seat Tourneo Connect and its larger and more spacious sibling, the seven-seat Grand Tourneo Connect, which is approximately 40cm longer.
It’s affordable to run and roughly £2,000 cheaper than the five-seat C-Max starting from £14,245. It’s significantly larger, too making it the perfect vehicle for customers looking for a chunkier alternative to the ‘Max’ range.
What is it like to drive?
Although the Tourneo is a rather large MPV and certainly looks bigger than a number of its rivals, it’s actually surprisingly easy to maneuver, especially when driving on the tighter roads through town. The steering is impressively firm and feels planted on any road, so trekking along country lanes doesn’t prove to be much of a problem. Running everyday errands is made satisfyingly simple thanks to its fully reclining rear-seats, easy access side sliding doors and masses of luggage space, giving you plenty of room to fit two bicycles, a pushchair or a full weekly shop.
When it comes to running costs and practicality, the more refined diesel engine is arguably the better option and has the extra torque to pull the additional weight of more passengers and on-board supplies. Drivers won’t find themselves stood at the fuel pumps too often either, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 55.7mpg.
What is it like inside?
Ford has kept the Tourneo Connect as simple as possible in order to free up space and offer a more robust proposition. The Zetec trim is expected to be the most popular specification, which comes equipped with air-conditioning, automatic headlights and window wipers, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB Radio – well armed for a van-based people-carrier but don’t expect German levels of luxury inside this workhorse.
Is it practical?
Its class-leading legroom and sturdy build quality makes it the ideal people-carrier for young families, especially those who enjoy filling up the boot for a mini getaway or wheeling out the wellies for a day in the woods. The fact that it’s based on the Transit Connect van means it comes with rugged child-safe interior, while its built-in storage compartments and seat-back tray tables make it the perfect multi-functional car for the whole family.
Should I buy one?
Definitely. It’s not the best looker, but it’s cheaper than its French rival, the Berlingo and the Italian’s Fiat Doblo. If there are more than three of you in the family and you require a safe, multi-purpose car for your busy lifestyle, then the Tourneo people movers are definitely the answer.
Don’t want to buy new? You can browse for a used Tourneo Connect in our classifieds here.
The facts
Model: Ford Tourneo Connect
List price: £17,395
Engine: 1.6-litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 113bhp
Top speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 14.7 seconds
Fuel economy: 48.7mpg (urban), 60.1mpg (extra-urban) 55.7mpg (combined)
Emissions: 116g/km CO2
Euro NCAP rating: Not yet tested
