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All-new Ford Tourneo Connect revealed with Volkswagen hardware
Based on the new Caddy, the Tourneo Connect is the second Ford-Volkswagen joint venture model after the Ranger and Amarok.
New Tourneo Custom has been redesigned at the front to distinguish it from the Caddy.
In an extension of its partnership with Volkswagen that will soon produce the all-new Amarok based on the Ranger, Ford has revealed the all-new fourth generation Tourneo Connect that shares its foundations with the new Caddy.
The first all-new model for close to a decade, the Tourneo, which will later spawn the Transit Connect panel van, mainly differs from its new sibling in the shape of a Ford specific front facia, as well as the eschewing the VW badge in favour of the Blue Oval on the tailgate.
Unlike the Amarok, which will be based on the Ranger’s modified T6.2 platform, the Tourneo makes use of Wolfsburg’s MQB A0 also used by the Polo, T-Cross and incoming Taigo, with buyers set to have a choice of two bodystyles; the short wheelbase L1 that provides seating for five, and the seven-seat long wheelbase L2.
In terms of practicality, the L1 sports a loading volume 2.6 m3 with up to 1 913 mm of space available with the rear seats down, while the L2’s cargo area can swallow 3.2 m3 with volume increasing to 2 265 mm.
Inside, and bar the steering wheel taken from the Fiesta, the Tourneo’s interior is otherwise identical to that of the Caddy in look and design.
A big departure from the current model though, it comes as standard with an 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, or from the options list, the bigger ten-inch display that adds embedded satellite navigation. Also optional is the 10.25-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster.
ALSO READ: Ford/Volkswagen partnership won’t be limited to next Ranger/Amarok
On the model front, the Tourneo will have a choice of four trim levels; Trend, Titanium, Sport and the crossover inspired Active that receives black cladding around wheel arches, at the base of the doors and on the bumpers, machined metal 17-inch alloy wheels, satin silver front and rear skidplates, a model specific honeycomb pattern grille plus a new colour option called Boundless Blue.
Unique to the Sport are dual racing stripes on the bonnet, dark 17-inch alloy wheels and revised bumpers, with the Titanium boasting satin chrome exterior detailing as well as 16-inch alloys.
Depending on the trim level, safety and driver assistance systems have been stepped-up to include, either optional or standard, Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and forward lighting, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Hill Start Assist, front and rear parking sensors, Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert and Lane Centring.
Up front, the Tourneo drops the previous Ford made engines for a pair of Volkswagen units, though still with the EcoBoost and EcoBlue monikers despite neither having any association with any other Blue Oval powertrain.
Displacing 1.5-litre, the petrol produces 85 kW and the 2.0-litre oil-burner either 75 kW or 90 kW. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with the petrol and higher powered diesel boasting the option of a seven-speed DSG reclassified under Ford’s Powershift designation. As before, drive is routed to the front wheels with the 90 kW having the option of the all-wheel-drive in combination with the manual ‘box only.
Going on sale from early next year in both the UK and Europe, the Tourneo Connect could well become available in South Africa soon after given that the Caddy has been confirmed for arrival next month. At present though, an official announcement is still outstanding
