FORD GRAND TOURNEO CONNECT 1.5 EcoBoost 115 Titanium 5dr Auto

Ford's Grand Tourneo Connect offers seven-seat MPV motoring in compact form with a distinctly Germanic flavour. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

The second generation seven-seat Ford Grand Tourneo Connect is a rugged but cleverly-engineered people mover that's sourced from commercial vehicle roots but offers enough sophistication to suit the needs of many growing families. This is a car that aims to help families get a little more out of life. And in creating it, the Blue Oval brand has received more than a little help from Volkswagen.

Background

Shared design with family MPVs is nothing new. And it's very much in evidence with this one, Ford's second generation Grand Tourneo Connect. The Blue Oval brand has long ploughed its own furrow when it comes to its commercial vehicle range, but that's changed with a more recent partnership with Volkswagen that will see all future Blue Oval brand van models paired with their VW counterparts. Which means that the third generation Ford Transit Connect has been designed to share all its engineering with the current fifth generation Volkswagen Caddy. Which in turn also means that the People Carrier version of that Ford, this Tourneo Connect model, had to be a Blue Oval version of the MPV model that VW markets to family passenger car customers as the Caddy - or Caddy Life. If you've followed all of that, it'll explain why the Ford Tourneo Connect model line we examine here, launched in late 2021 and on sale here from Summer 2022, looks so similar to its Wolfsburg competitor, especially in profile - and beneath the bonnet. Want to find out more? We drove the lengthened L2 Grand Tourneo Connect version of this design to bring you this Review.

Driving Experience

Ford hasn't just borrowed a Volkswagen chassis here but also engines too, though to disguise the fact, the Blue Oval's given the units concerned its own 'EcoBoost' and 'EcoBlue' branding. Ultimately, what it all boils down to is that you get the same powerplant choice that would be available to you with a comparable Volkswagen Caddy MPV. This means Grand Tourneo Connect customers get to choose from either a 1.5 litre EcoBoost turbo petrol unit (with 114PS) or the alternative 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel, available in 112PS or 122PS outputs. All models feature six-speed manual transmission as standard, with the alternative of a seven speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles and a 'Sport' mode. Choose that auto and your car can also be specified with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring, which provides assisted driving for accelerator, braking and steering functions to reduce stress on highways or in stop and start traffic. The powertrain alternative is a Plug-In Hybrid variant which integrates a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, a high-voltage battery and an electric motor to deliver 150PS via a six-speed dual clutch auto transmission. EV range is quoted at up to 68 miles. Volkswagen isn't (currently) offering 4WD on Caddy MPVs but Ford has decided to make it available on the non-electried versions - for the first time in a Tourneo Connect. The system automatically distributes torque between the wheels depending on driving conditions and surfaces, helping drivers maintain progress in more challenging conditions. All-wheel drive is available on models fitted with the 2.0-litre 122PS EcoBlue diesel engine and the six-speed manual gearbox and don't compromise interior space or loading height. Engine under-shield protection is available to support customers who frequently drive on rough surfaces.

Design and Build

There's a choice of two body lengths here, a short wheelbase L1 model with the option of three seating rows and the long wheelbase L2 Grand Tourneo Connect variant we're looking at here that features them standard and is obviously much better suited for the transport of seven folk. The previous version of this model looked very much like a van with windows, but this design has much more of a passenger car vibe, its more sculpted exterior offering a sportier, more lifestyle-orientated look. Particularly if you go for the crossover-style 'Active' version we tried, which gets two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, a silvered skid plate, a honeycomb-style front grille and body mouldings around the bumpers, wheel arches and door sills. Inside, Ford has added its badge to the steering wheel and re-branded the glass-fronted central infotainment screen, but otherwise, the cabin's straight from a Volkswagen Caddy. Overall though, it's all a big step forward from this model's predecessor and there's certainly more of a solid, quality feel than you'd normally expect from a family Ford. Avoid base trim and you'll get a centre infotainment screen of 10-inch inches in size. The top configurable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster though, is reserved for the priciest 'Sport' models. Whatever the layout, your main area of focus curves around your sight line, the section for the central monitor flowing into the instrument binnacle layout, which you view through the spokes of a smart three-spoke capacitive steering wheel. This adjusts widely, like the supportive seats. As you'd want, there's lots of cabin storage space - notably at the base of the centre stack and between the seats - plus both the door bins and the glovebox are of a very decent size. In the second row, it's comfortable for two - but might be a bit of a squash for three because you don't get three individual chairs. In the third row, there's much more space for knees and heads than would usually be the case with any seven-seater SUV that isn't ridiculously large. Provided you've chosen this Grand Tourneo variant, even adults could fit without too many complaints. What about luggage space? Well in this L2 model in five-seat format, you're looking at 1,720-litres of space thanks to an extra 353mm of body length over the standard body style. Fold the second row seats and it really does get van-like, with 3,105-litres of space in the Grand Tourneo L2 model.

Market and Model

You need to think in terms of pricing for this Grand Tourneo Connect starting from just under the £27,000 mark: there's an £800 premium over the shorter L1 body shape. You can get the L1 version with optional third row seating, but we can't really see why you ever would because you'd be paying Grand Tourneo Connect money and getting less space. There's a premium of around £800 to go from the 114PS 1.5-litre petrol engine to the 122PS 2.0-litre diesel and both engines can be had with 7-speed auto transmission for around £900 more. 4WD's an option on the top diesel unit too. There are four trim levels, starting with base 'Trend', but most customers choose between 'Titanium' and 'Active' variants. There's a 'Sport' model at the top of the range for conventional combustion customers. It all means there's a really useful saving here against the identically-engineered Volkswagen version of this model, even if you compare against the more basic Caddy rather than the more MPV-like Caddy Life, both models that roll down the same Polish VW production line as this Ford. Combustion-engined van-based compact MPV competitors are thin on the ground since the Stellantis Group models in this segment went all-electric. There's really only the pricier Mercedes T-Class. There are four trim levels available, starting with base 'Trend' spec, identifiable by a gloss black grille surround and wheel trims. Move up to 'Titanium' level and you get satin chrome detailing, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels. The 'Sport' model features bonnet stripes, a more dynamic lower front bumper and 17-inch dark alloy wheels. But the version you probably ideally want is the SUV-inspired 'Active' model we tried, which gets crossover-style metallic-effect skid plates and additional body mouldings around the wheel arches, sills and bumpers, along with unique 17-inch wheels.

Cost of Ownership

You'll lose about 5% in terms of efficiency by opting for this heavier Grand Tourneo Connect body shape, but the figures are still pretty good. The EcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel engines in use here have been optimised for fuel efficiency, the most economical 2.0 EcoBlue diesel 122PS manual L2 model managing up to 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions from 131g/km (or 53.3mpg and 139g/km as an auto). As for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol L2 model, well with that you're looking at up to 42.8mpg and up to 150g/km as a manual; or up to 41.5mpg and up to 155g/km as an automatic. If you want to do better, you'll need the petrol Plug-In Hybrid model. Auto Start-Stop technology is standard across the range as you'd expect. And both diesel engines feature the VW Group-pioneered 'twin-dosing' system that injects AdBlue upstream of two selective catalytic converters to help reduce nitrogen oxides, and are also compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Gas to Liquids (GTL) alternative fuels. This Tourneo Connect comes with the usual Ford three year/60,000 mile warranty and a year of roadside assistance. You could pay more to extend this cover to either five years and 100,000 miles or eight years and 100,000 miles. Most owners will want to take out the 'Ford Protect Service Plan Plus' programme, which allows customers to spread the cost of routine maintenance.

Summary

This second generation Grand Tourneo Connect is a car that has been launched with a minimum of fanfare. In fact, we'd even go as far as to say that Ford might well have shot itself in the foot in not making greater play here. Buyers looking for a rugged vehicle that doesn't cost the earth and which can seat seven aren't particularly well served at the moment. Full-sized MPVs and seven-seater SUVs aren't cheap and if you already have that many mouths to feed, splashing out around thirty grand for a car might not be top of the family priority list. As an exercise in making the right calls between sophistication and simplicity though, Ford has got this one spot on, even if it has had to borrow heavily from Volkswagen to do it. Even if you don't need to seat seven, it's still a better buy than the five-seater purely because of all the luggage space you get when five-up. If you want to get one over on most MPV (and many SUV) buyers with family space and practicality, the Grand Tourneo Connect looks like the inside tip.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear window wash/wipe

Electric rear window defroster

Dark tinted rear privacy glass

Power front windows with 1 touch up/down

Intermittent variable windshield wiper

Fixed 3rd row LHS and RHS window

Standard green glass windscreen

Automatic windshield wiper

Flip open 2nd row RHS and LHS window

Fixed rear window

Quickclear electric windshield defroster

Brakes

4 wheel disc brakes

Hill start assist

Traction Control System

ESC with ABS

Post collision braking

Electric parking brake

Pre collision assist system

Electronic emergency brake assist

Emergency brake light flashing

Carpets/Rugs

Front floor mats

Carpet floor covering

Communication

E-call

Mobile phone interface

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with USB or Wireless Connectivity

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Rear view camera

Front and rear parking sensors

Blind spot assist

Lane keeping aid

Driver impairment monitor

Speed control with ASLD

Cross traffic alert

Driver Convenience

Stop/start system

Front Camera for assistance systems

10inch touchscreen infotainment display with volume and temperature slider controls

Driver Information

Trip computer

Brake wear indicator

Enhanced digital cluster with navigation integration

FordPass Connect Embedded Modem

Driving Mirrors

Electrochromic inside mirror

Dual power fold heated mirrors

Black coloured exterior mirror finish

Engine

Heavy duty battery

50 litre fuel tank

Standard duty alternator

Entertainment

6 speakers

Steering wheel mounted radio controls

2 USB 45W Type C front power and data points and 2 USB 45W Type C rear power points

DAB Radio with Bluetooth, voice control and Navigation

Exterior Body Features

Dual sliding side load doors

Body coloured exterior door handles

Front bumper with chrome insert

Body coloured plastic front bumper

Body coloured plastic rear bumper

Liftgate rear cargo door

Roof rack silver painted rails

Body coloured exterior tailgate handles

Weather protection seals

Chrome grille and fog lamp surround

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

High mounted stop lamp

Daytime running lights

Follow me home headlamps

Auto headlamps On/off

Rear registration plate light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

A/C Refrigerant - HF01234YF

Pollen filter without carbon filter

Recirculation heater

Dual electronic air conditioning

Interior Features

Reach + rake adjustable steering column

12V socket in luggage compartment

Overhead storage shelfs

Glovebox lid with light

2 front row cupholders

Front interior grab handles

Front door trim panel - Level 2

Front seat tray table

Storage in front cab doors with bottle holder

Storage in rear doors with bottle holder

Power point plug 2 off

Regular size washer tank

Air register Chrome

IP open storage above driver area

3x hooks on trim panel storage

Painted instrument panel

Base luggage compartment trim

Standard design foot pedal

Misfuel protection cap

Rear luggage compartment bag hook

4 tie down hooks

Side/rear door trim panel - Level 1

6 Tie down hooks

Molded package tray

Sensico gearshift knob

Sensico steering wheel

Fabric door armrest and silver painted door handle

Centre console with closed stowage and extendable armrest

2nd row tray table

2nd/3rd row and luggage area moulded trim

Interior Lights

LED Load compartment light

Header courtesy light with maplight

2nd & 3rd row LED reading lamps with LED tailgate downlights

Packs

Delete pack category A 1 - Grand Tourneo Connect

Safety

Front side airbags

Black seat belts

Passenger airbag deactivation system

Exit warning

Driver, passenger and 2nd row rear seat belt reminder

Front active seat belts and manual adjuster seat belts

2nd row rear seat belts

Front 2 way head restraints

Isofix hard point attachment

Rear 2 way head restraints

Tire pressure sensors

1st row seat and centre interaction airbags and curtain airbags for all rows

Seats

Fold flat passenger seat

Height adjustable headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Manual 4-way driver seat adjust

Driver seat rotary recliner

Passenger seat rotary recliner

Second row 60/40 folding seats

Manual 4-way passenger seat adjust

Single front passenger seat

Security

Engine immobilizer - Securilock

Power door dead locks and enabled door automatic relocking

Child proof rear door locks

Configurable Unlocking 2

Locking wheel lug nuts

2 remote flip keys

Keyless entry and start with double locking

Thatcham category 1 alarm B

Ford keyfree system with ford power starter button

Vanity Mirrors

Passenger sunvisor with mirror

Single driver sunvisor illuminated with mirror

Vehicle Charging

Less battery charger

Wheels

Less wheel cover

Wheels - Alloy

17" silver alloy wheels with blue centre caps

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 156

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 7 SPEED

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: AUTO

CC: 1498

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 41.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 48

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 32.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.7

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 9E

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 115

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Description: EcoBoost

Coin Series: Titanium

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Engine Power - BHP: 115

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - KW: 85

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2970

Width (including mirrors): 2100

Height: 1835

Height (including roof rails): 1856

Width: 1855

Length: 4853

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2220

Minimum Kerbweight: 1647

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 573

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1720

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 3105

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special solid paint

Exterior Lights

LED rear tail lamp

LED headlamps with auto high beam

Interior Features

Moveable grille partition

Taxi interface module

Interface module

Perforated Sensico seat upholstery

Moveable net partition

Packs

Ford pro trailer backup assist pack with detachable tow bar -Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Ford pro trailer backup assist pack - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Driver assistance pack - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Heated pack - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

WAV Prep pack - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Tourneo comfort pack - Tourneo Connect/Grand Tourneo Connect

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Midnight blue

Metallic - Boundless blue

Metallic - Dusky silver

Metallic - Maple red

Metallic - Stardust silver

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Ink black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Frozen white

Paint - Special

Special solid - Comet grey

Special solid - Lava red

Towing

Detachable trailer coupling

Fixed trailer coupling

Trim - Cloth

Bubble fabric - Black with grey stitching

Preforated Sensico seats - Diamond balck with grey stitching

Wheels - Spare

Conventional steel spare wheel with standard mechanical jack