Ford is one of many vehicle manufacturers that build van-derived cars. Its latest incarnation is the Tourneo Connect. The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted that it’s a passenger car based on the Transit Connect panel van.
Once upon a time, cars that looked like vans felt like vans. The good news is that, in 2015, they feel like cars. They no longer feel like cavernous empty shells on wheels with mediocre equipment.
Are you thinking of buying a practical people carrier? Do you want something that doesn’t behave like its commercial vehicle counterpart? If so, here’s why you might wish to consider the Ford Tourneo Connect:
Useful engine choices
When we first wrote about the Tourneo Connect we mentioned that there are four power plants available for the model. But which ones might suit you the most?
The two petrol engines are small yet good on power and fuel economy. That’s because they make use of Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology. The first is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit that offers 98 brake horsepower and combined fuel economy of 50 mpg.
I took one out for a test drive from TC Harrison Ford last week, and it’s surprisingly responsive on the road! Even in the heavier Ford Focus the 1.0 EcoBoost is a brilliant performer. The second is a 1.6-litre engine with lower fuel economy (35 mpg) but higher performance at 147 brake horsepower.
The 1.6 is only available on the top-spec Titanium model. It’s also the only engine available with an automatic transmission. There are two turbodiesel engines on offer too. They are both 1.6-litre TDCi units. The first offers 93 brake horsepower and fuel economy of 56 mpg. While the other is 115 brake horsepower and slightly higher fuel economy of 57 mpg.
Choice of practicality
The Ford Tourneo Connect is available in two sizes. The standard wheelbase seats up to four passengers plus the driver. While the Grand Tourneo Connect can seat an extra two people. One thing I love about the Tourneo Connect is the high roofline.
If you’re a tall person, you’ll not have to worry about bashing your head against the door frame or the roof of this vehicle! Another thing I like about the current generation Tourneo Connect is it looks very little like a van. Ford have taken steps to make this model stylish and appealing.
Ride Quality
Take a Tourneo Connect out for a test drive, and I can guarantee you that it will offer you a comfortable and stable ride. It doesn’t matter how fast you go; the car grips to the road in all conditions – even when cornering.
One thing that will shock first-time drivers of the Tourneo Connect is how it feels just like a car to drive. Of course, that’s because it is a car and not a van! I found it a pleasure to drive on the road. So if you’re worried that it’ll feel like driving a van, you need not worry.
If you’re after a capable people carrier, you should add this vehicle to your shortlist. In fact, I think you’ll find it a delight to drive and end up buying one!
