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

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

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

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

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

Type 2 mode 3 cable for EV home or public chargers

Wheels

Less wheel cover

Wheels - Alloy

17" silver alloy wheels with blue centre caps

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 119

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Capacity in kWh: 25.7

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 230

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 40

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 140

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 26

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 40

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 5-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 74

Usable Battery Capacity: 19.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.3

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 11

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1498

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

Gears: 6 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.48

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 590

General

Coin Description: EcoBoost PHEV

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Generation Mark: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Coin Series: Titanium

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Badge Power: 150

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 69

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 84

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

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

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 15E

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 35.7

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Torque - RPM: 4000

Engine Torque - NM: 350

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 258

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Power - KW: 110

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1833

Length: 4500

Width: 1855

Wheelbase: 2755

Width (including mirrors): 2100

Height (including roof rails): 1851

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1213

Max. Loading Weight: 619

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

No. of Seats: 5

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2556

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2425

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Minimum Kerbweight: 1806

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 - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Driver assistance pack - Tourneo Connect/ Grand Tourneo Connect

Heated 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

Fixed trailer coupling

Trim - Cloth

Bubble fabric - Black with grey stitching

Preforated Sensico seats - Diamond balck with grey stitching