Ford has revealed the new Tourneo Connect as its latest van-based people carrier.
Labelled as a ‘multi-activity vehicle’, the new Tourneo Connect is the first Ford model to be based on a Volkswagen commercial model – in this case the Caddy – as part of the brands’ collaboration to create vans, MPVs and pick-ups.
Available in a standard or long-wheelbase form, seven seats are available on both, with all rear seats able to fold, tumble or be removed entirely to free up space. A folding front passenger seat also allows for items up to three metres long to be transported in the model.
It’s the front end that’s the biggest difference to the Caddy, gaining a wide grille and sharp lighting, though the side profile and rear of the Tourneo Connect are very similar to the Volkswagen. Ford will also offer an ‘Active’ model that brings more rugged styling, while a ‘Sport’ version brings bonnet stripes, larger alloy wheels and sportier-looking bumpers. More affordable Trend and Titanium grades are also offered.
Like the Caddy, the new Tourneo Connect features a digitalised interior made up of very few buttons. An 8.25-inch touchscreen is standard, which is upgraded to a 10-inch unit on higher-spec models. A digital instrument cluster is also fitted to top-spec Sport models, though is available as an option elsewhere on the range. The screens themselves also adopt Ford’s own interface, rather than the Volkswagen system.
Up to 19 driver assistance features are also offered, including adaptive cruise control and a Towing Assist Pack that helps inexperienced drivers to take the hassle out of towing.
In terms of engines, the Tourneo Connect uses Volkswagen’s engines – a 112bhp 1.5-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre diesel with either 110bhp or 120bhp, with Ford promising up to 57.6mpg. Manual and automatic gearbox options are available across the range, while an all-wheel-drive Tourneo Connect is also offered for the first time on the more powerful diesel.
Pricing and full specifications are yet to be announced, with orders not opening until the start of 2022, with first deliveries expected in the spring.
Enquire on a new Ford Tourneo Connect