FORD TOURNEO CONNECT ESTATE 1.5 EcoBoost Active 5dr Auto

Ford's Tourneo Connect offers MPV motoring in compact form with a distinctly Germanic flavour. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Most of us have squeezed children or pets into a car before, but Ford's rejuvenated Tourneo Connect compact MPV can comfortably take much more. From kite-surfing equipment to the school run, 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

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 brand version of the MPV model that VW markets to family passenger car customers as the Caddy - or Caddy Life. If you followed all of that, it'll explain why the Ford Tourneo Connect model line we examine here looks so similar to its Wolfsburg competitor, especially in profile - and beneath the bonnet. Let's take a look.

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 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-electrified 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 Grand Tourneo Connect L2 variant 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, 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 borrowed and re-skinned Volkswagen's infotainment technology, with the choice of a central SYNC screen in 8.25 or 10-inch sizes, depending on your choice of trim. Large sliding side doors on each side of the vehicle help children and elderly occupants move in and out in restricted spaces where conventional doors may not be able to open fully. Convenience is enhanced by plentiful cup holders, cubbies and charging ports, while the available panoramic glass roof and dual zone climate control help make the cabin airy and more comfortable on long road trips. With the second and third row seating removed, the Tourneo Connect offers up to 3.1m3 of load volume in L2 Grand Tourneo Connect models - and 2.6m3 in L1 models. Carrying longer items or bulky leisure equipment is facilitated by maximum load lengths of 2,265mm behind the first row of seats, 1,452mm behind the second, and 629mm behind the third for L2 Grand Tourneo Connect variants (it's 1,913mm, 1100mm and 317mm for L1 variants).

Market and Model

Tourneo Connect pricing sits in the £26,000 to £35,000 bracket, so 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, 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. Spec advice? Well it's worth finding the extra £800 Ford wants to progress from the L1 body shape to the longer Grand Tourneo L2 body style. 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 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 have here, 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

The engines are all Volkswagen-sourced, which means they're fundamentally efficient. Most customers will probably want the 122PS version of the 2.0 TDI diesel here, which in EcoBlue manual form manages up to 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions from 128g/km. It's 55.4mpg and 136g/km for the auto. For the 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol, the figures are 44.1mpg and 146g/km for the manual and 42.2mpg and 152g/km for the auto. Those are for the L1 body shape: think in terms of losing around 5% on those figures if you choose the slightly heavier Grand Tourneo L2 body shape. 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 the diesel engine features the VW Group-pioneered 'twin-dosing' system that injects AdBlue upstream of two selective catalytic converters to help reduce nitrogen oxides. 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. Service intervals are spread quite far apart - every 18,600 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Insurance groupings start from 11E for the petrol model; for the 2.0-litre 122PS diesel, it's from group 12E.

Summary

There's no doubt that this is a much more car-like compact People Carrier than the previous generation Tourneo Connect. Ford has taken what's good about Volkswagen engineering here - primarily the Caddy model's MQB platform - but added its own spin on it. And there should be more affordable pricing than you get with a Caddy MPV. If previously, you'd never even have considered a van-based People Carrier, this one's worth approaching with an open mind. Models of this sort have always specialised in offering everything you need and nothing you don't. This one though, sugars that concept a small but significant amount. And as a result, sense and sensibility just got that little more desirable.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear window wash/wipe

Electric rear window defroster

Dark tinted rear privacy glass

Intermittent variable windshield wiper

Fixed 3rd row LHS and RHS window

Electric windshield defroster

Standard green glass windscreen

Automatic windshield wiper

Fixed rear window

Brakes

4 wheel disc brakes

ESC with ABS

Post collision braking

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Brakes - (HLA)Hill launch assist/TC

Electronic emergency brake assist

Emergency brake light flashing

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet partial floor cover

Front throw in carpet floor mats

Carpet load floor cover

Communication

E-call

Mobile phone interface

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Driver impairment monitor

Speed control with ASLD

Driver Convenience

Stop/start system with regenerative braking

Analogue cluster

Driver Information

Trip computer

Embedded modem

Brake wear indicator

Driving Mirrors

Electrochromic inside mirror

Dual power fold heated mirrors

Black coloured exterior mirror finish

Engine

50 litre fuel tank

Standard duty battery

Standard duty alternator

Entertainment

Media hub 2x USB and rear USB Unit

Steering wheel mounted radio controls

Exterior Body Features

Dual sliding side load doors

Body coloured exterior door handles

Black wheel arch mouldings

Body coloured plastic rear bumper

Liftgate rear cargo door

Body coloured plastic front bumper and skid plates

Roof rack silver painted rails

Body coloured exterior tailgate handles

Weather protection seals

Black honeycomb grille with chrome surround

Exterior Lights

High mounted stop lamp

Daytime running lights

Follow me home headlamps

Adaptive cornering lamps includes fog lamp

Tail lamp - Level 1

Auto headlamps On/off

Rear registration plate light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

A/C Refrigerant - HF01234YF

Pollen filter without carbon filter

Recirculation heater

Interior Features

Reach + rake adjustable steering column

Overhead storage shelfs

B Pillar assist handle

Glovebox lid with light

2 front row cupholders

Front interior grab handles

Front door trim panel - Level 2

Front seat tray table

Center console level 4

Waste container

Storage in front cab doors with bottle holder

Storage in rear doors with bottle holder

Power point plug 2 off

Regular size washer tank

Large storage tool box

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

Glacier fabric upholstery

Sensico gearshift knob

Sensico steering wheel

Interior Lights

LED Load compartment light

Header courtesy light with maplight

2nd row rear overhead courtesy light with maplight

Packs

High acoustics package - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Restrain device pack 3 - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Ice feature pack 4 - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Seat pack 18 - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Driver assistance package - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Safety

Front side airbags

Black seat belts

Passenger airbag deactivation system

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

Rear removeable package tray

Isofix hard point attachment

Rear 2 way head restraints

Tire pressure sensors

Seats

Passenger lumbar support

Height adjustable headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver seat rotary recliner

Passenger seat rotary recliner

Second row 60/40 folding seats

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

Vanity Mirrors

Passenger sunvisor with mirror

Single driver sunvisor illuminated with mirror

Wheels

Less wheel cover

Wheels - Alloy

17" Premium painted alloy wheels with centre wheel hub cups and standard tread

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 154

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 161

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 129

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 151

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 196

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

CC: 1498

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Low: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 32.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.7

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

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 84

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 120

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 140000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 13E

Based On ID: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 69

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 114

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

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Special Edition: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Special Order: 0

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Coin Description: EcoBoost

Coin Series: Active

Performance

Engine Power - KW: 84

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 114

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 162

Engine Torque - NM: 220

Engine Torque - MKG: 22.4

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: PREMIUM PAINTED

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4515

Wheelbase: 2755

Width: 1855

Width (including mirrors): 2100

Height: 1817

Height (including roof rails): 1851

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Max. Loading Weight: 578

No. of Seats: 5

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2150

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Minimum Kerbweight: 1572

Body Glass

Flip open 2nd row RHS and LHS window

Exterior Body Features

Power close latch for liftgate with electrical tightening assistance

Special solid paint

Panoramic roof

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Steering wheel with mobility assistant

Heated steering wheel

Packs

RV pack A - Tourneo Connect/Grand Tourneo Connect

3rd row pre-equipment pack - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Marketing CV pack 9 - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Dusky silver

Metallic - Boundless blue

Metallic - Maple red

Metallic - Stardust silver

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Ink black

Metallic - Midnight blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Frozen white

Paint - Special

Special solid - Lava red

Special solid - Comet grey

Towing

Detachable trailer coupling

Trim - Cloth

Glacier fabric - Black with blue stitching