FORD TOURNEO COURIER ESTATE 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr Auto

Ford's Tourneo Courier MPV reinvents itself in this new generation form. Jonathan Crouch reports

Ten Second Review

Ford re-invents it's Tourneo Courier small van-based MPV for a new era. But still offers it with the more affordable option of mild hybrid petrol combustion power, as well as in full-EV form. Either way, it's practical, affordable to run and surprisingly stylish.

Background

What will the affordable end of Ford's passenger car range look like after the era of Fiesta and Focus? Well here's one answer to that question, the Tourneo Courier which, as its name suggests, is a passenger-carrying version of the latest generation Transit Courier van. It's made in Craiova, Romania alongside the brand's Puma small SUV and will effectively become the company's entry-level passenger car. It'll be at its most affordable in 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol form, but a full-EV E-Tourneo Courier version also features. Ford wants us to see this new model line as 'fun and fuelled by a restless need for adventure'. You might merely see it as an alternative to the small van-based MPVs produced by Stellantis Group brands like Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot.

Engines and Tech Spec

Even though this Tourneo Courier is based on an all-electric platform, its sales prospects were going to be pretty limited if Ford had only offered it in full-EV form. If the car's intended outdoorsy lifestyle vibe is to be realised in ownership, customers are going to need to be able to travel decent distances. Potentially, longer than the ones they can comfortably travel using the current public charging infrastructure. Which is why the DNA of the Fiesta this model basically replaced lives on in the engine most initial Tourneo Courier customers will choose; the 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild hybrid petrol engine we've been familiar with in various Ford models since the beginning of this decade, here provided in 123bhp form. It's not a proper self-charging Hybrid (the tiny battery can never solely drive the car); but it can be had with either 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual clutch auto. Obviously you'll have to have an auto (the usual EV 1-speeder) if you choose the E-Tourneo Courier. This has a 134bhp electric motor mounted on the front axle. There's no dual motor AWD version. Expect a battery size around 54kWh and a range of around 200 miles - about 37 miles more than rival Citroen e-Berlingo or Peugeot e-Rifter competitors. Top speed is 90mph and there's 290Nm of pulling power.

Design and Build

Though the Tourneo Courier is a van-based compact MPV, Ford hopes you'll view this model as more than just a van with windows. Hence all the outdoorsy-style dressing that the brand thinks will see it appeal to folk who might otherwise be considering a small SUV. Which is why the car features big wheels in black plastic-clad arches, rails framing a contrast-coloured roof and faux skid plates. It's much more practical than a small SUV though, aided this time round not only by the squarical profile but also by exterior dimensional increases in every direction. You immediately get a feel for this behind the wheel, where a glance at the centre console reveals an enormous storage bin big enough to hold a laptop bag or a handbag. Passengers bound for the rear aren't offered the option of a third seating row (unlike with some Stellantis Group competitors). But there's more shoulder room in this new generation model for those on the back seat. And a huge boot with a conventional tailgate (so owners have something to shelter under in the rain). The trunk is now 570-litres in size (175-litres bigger than before). The boot trims feature a fold-out storage bin (for muddy shoes), an area also offering enclosed shelves for smaller items. The E-Tourneo Courier also gets a 44-litre storage area beneath the bonnet, ideal for holding charging cables.

Market and Model

Prices for this car in petrol form start from around £26,000. there are two trim levels - base 'Titanium' and lifestyle-orientated 'Active'. You'll need around £1,200 more if you want automatic transmission. Expect to need upwards of £30,000 for the E-Tourneo Courier. Obvious rivals to that BEV include the Vauxhall Combo Electric, the Peugeot e-Rifter and the Citroen e-Berlingo. Across the range, the so-called 'onboard digital experience' is centred around the striking 'digiboard' instrument panel that features a full digital instrument cluster and SYNC 4 infotainment controlled via a large 12inch touchscreen. The fully-connected cabin features wireless 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' integration, as well as a phone charging pad to stay connected on the go. Over-the-air updates can improve functionality over time without the need to visit a dealership. Air conditioning and a heated windscreen will also be standard-fit. The Tourneo Courier is available with a range of stylish series choices, including the distinctive 'Active' model with contrast roof colour, wheel arch mouldings, roof bars and unique seat fabrics.

Cost of Ownership

If you choose the 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol version, the official stat is around 50mpg on the combined cycle and well over 40mpg should be easily achievable on a regular basis. Expect a CO2 official reading of around 120g/km.The way mild hybrid tech works is pretty universal but we'll recap on it here. The 1.0-litre three cylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol engine - already pretty efficient thanks to its use of cylinder deactivation at medium-to-low throttle speeds - is embellished with a belt-driven integrated starter/generator (the 'BISG'), this one of 11.5kW in output. This replaces the standard alternator and enables the recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a tiny 48volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack secreted beneath the rear seat. The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy it harvests to provide extra pulling power during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle's electrical ancillaries. The belt-driven integrated starter/generator is also able to aid the powerplant's stop/start system in urban traffic, restarting the engine in approximately 300 milliseconds - about the same as the blink of an eye. And the 'BISG' also enables the Tourneo Courier EcoBoost Hybrid's Auto Start-Stop technology to operate in a wider range of scenarios for even greater fuel savings, including when coasting to a stop below 10mph - and even when the vehicle is in gear with the clutch pedal depressed. As for the E-Tourneo Courier EV, well as we told you in our 'Driving' section, its 54kWh battery offers a range of around 230 miles. The car can DC charge at up to 100kW, which will give you a 10-80% battery replenishment time of under 35 minutes - and 54 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes. Connected up to your 7kW garage wall box at home, you should easily be able to completely recharge the car overnight.

Summary

This revitalised Tourneo Courier certainly offers a more energetic take on the usual van-based compact MPV formula. Whether it's actually as 'fun' as Ford believes is another question. It's interesting that the brand is offering it with the Fiesta's old 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild hybrid petrol engine as well as in full-EV form: clearly, Ford thinks we're still some way off a full- electric future. When that finally arrives, this car will be ready for it. As you'd expect, this design feels the generation on from its Stellantis Group brand competitors that it is. And there are some clever interior touches and personalisation features that the target parental market will like. These people may, quite rightly, see this Ford as an ideal second family car. Just as it was designed to be.

Body Glass

Fixed 3rd row LHS and RHS window

Rear wiper

Rear window defroster

Complete tinted glass

Power up/down 2nd row RHS and LHS window

Automatic windshield wiper

Power front windows with 1 touch up/down

Brakes

Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes

ESC with ABS

Mechanical parking brake

Brakes - (HLA)Hill launch assist/TC

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet load floor cover

Front carpet floor mats

Front carpet floor cover

Communication

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wireless charging pad

E-call

Driver Aids

Cruise control

Intelligent speed assist

Digital rear view camera

Lane keeping assist (LKA)

Traffic sign recognition

Driver alert system

Front parking aid

Reverse parking aid

Electric power steering

Pre-Collision Assist 1.5 with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection

Driver Convenience

Stop/start system

Easy fuel capless refuelling system

Driver Information

Trip computer

Ford SYNC 4 with Bluetooth

8" Touchscreen display

Ford pass connect embedded modem

Driving Mirrors

Heated door mirrors painted

Power adjustable door mirrors

Engine

H6 70 AH EFB CCA 700 Alternator

Entertainment

4 front speakers

Steering wheel mounted radio controls

2 x rear USB ports

2 rear speakers

2x Front USB port

Exterior Body Features

Diversity antenna

Body colour door handles

Self coloured rear bumper

Liftgate rear cargo door

Dual sliding side load doors

Chrome spear front grille

Side load door track cover

Silver roof rails

Rear bumper end caps in self coloured

Front bumper - upper body colour/lower self colour

Exterior Lights

Halogen headlamps

High mounted stop lamp

Halogen tail lamps

Auto high beam

Front light tinted with Rear privacy glass

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

EATC - Electronic Auto Temperature control

Interior Features

Barlo pin hex cloth upholstery

Cargo area storage drawer

Premium sensico wrapped steering wheel

Floor mounted console

Rear grab handles

12V power point in luggage area

Front interior grab handles

Glove box lid

Map pockets on front seats

12V power point front

Overhead console

Silver interior door handles

Tilt/telescopic steering column

Interior Lights

Header mounted courtesy with 2 map light

Packs

Winter Pack 2 - Tourneo Courier

Safety

Airbags - driver and front passenger

Occupant detection sensor - 2nd row

Inner driver seat side airbag

Driver and front passenger side airbags

Tyre pressure monitor

Passenger airbag deactivation system

Rear removeable package tray

Child locks on rear doors

Front/rear seatbelt pre-tensioners

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Rear 2 way head restraints

Curtain airbags

Seat belt reminder for front and rear seats

Front 2 way head restraints

Seats

2nd row seats fold and tumble

Driver's seat armrest and lumbar support

3 seat bench in 2nd row

ISOFIX attachment on outer rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Volumetric alarm Thatcham category 1 with Power door dead locks, Tilt sensors, Perimeter alarm and Front fog lights

Keyless Start

2 x remote key fobs

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with mirror

Wheels

Any vendor tyre - Eco tread

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

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

Engine and Drive Train

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Gears: 7 SPEED

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

CC: 998

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 82

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 71.9

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 37.2

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.8

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.6

General

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 78

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

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 13E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 78

NCAP Safety Assist %: 66

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 125

Badge Engine CC: 1.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: Titanium

Coin Description: EcoBoost

Performance

Engine Power - BHP: 125

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.4

Engine Torque - NM: 200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 148

Engine Power - KW: 92

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.1

Top Speed: 109

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 205/65 R16

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 205/65 R16

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1817

Width (including mirrors): 2076

Width: 1800

Length: 4337

Wheelbase: 2692

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2025

Minimum Kerbweight: 1400

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 45

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000

Max. Loading Weight: 625

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1002

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1429

Max. Roof Load: 75

Engine

70mph engine governor

56mph engine governor

75mph engine governor

62mph engine governor

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special solid paint

Front and rear mud flaps

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Digital aqua blue

Metallic - Bursting green

Metallic - Fantastic red

Metallic - Solar silver

Metallic - Agate black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Frozen white

Paint - Special

Special solid - Cactus gray

Towing

Fixed towbar

Trim - Cloth

Barlo pin hex cloth - Medium urban grey/Bolster Eton in Black Onyx

Wheels - Alloy

17" 5X2 spoke magnetic/bright machined finish alloy wheels with center hub and locking wheel nut

Wheels - Spare

16" mini steel spare wheel