New Ford Tourneo range unveiled

Ford has taken the wraps off its new Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Connect, both of which are van-based MPVs. The Custom is available to order now for mid-2018 delivery, while Connect sales will start in mid-2018.

The Custom is based on the Ford Transit van and can be had with five, seven, eight or nine seats. The Connect shares its platform with the smaller Transit Connect and can seat five or seven depending on configuration.

The largest Tourneo uses its boxy dimensions to offer plenty of options when it comes to seating arrangements. The interior incorporates six individual rear seats that can be arranged in ‘conference format’; that is, with one row of passengers facing the other. The new Tourneo Custom gets a more luxurious interior and smart new exterior styling that suit its most likely role as a premium private-hire car.

The smaller Tourneo Connect will be available in either five or seven-seat versions. The biggest updates are under the bonnet, where the option of an all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine has been added, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Connect will also benefit from the option of a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with cylinder-deactivation technology to help lower emissions and cut fuel costs. As with the Tourneo Custom, the Connect gets refreshed front-end styling, too.

Both cars feature Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system with a ‘floating’ six-inch tablet-style screen on higher-spec models. A range of driver-assistance and active safety systems are set to be either fitted as standard or available as options, including Ford’s Intelligent Speed Assist, Side Wind Stabilisation and Active Park Assist systems.