Product line details of what is the first new product from the much heralded collaborative project between Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been revealed by Ford as the all-new Tourneo Connect multi-activity vehicle. The panel van version will follow later next year.
Based on the fifth generation Volkswagen Caddy, the all-new Tourneo offers the ideal solution for busy lifestyles with a comfortable and highly flexible interior, full seven-seat capability and a choice of two lengths to suit every need. It is perfectly suited to handle everything from transporting camping gear and sports equipment to providing a practical partner for small businesses.
The smart, connected cabin introduces the latest digital cockpit technologies, while a comprehensive suite of sophisticated driver assistance systems helps make the allnew Tourneo Connect comfortable and easy to drive. New features include assisted driving to reduce stress and Pro Trailer Backup Assist to simplify manoeuvres when towing.
Also making their Tourneo Connect debuts are a confidenceenhancing all-wheel drive system, and a new automatic transmission option for petrol-powered models, both part of an expanded range of new petrol and diesel powertrains anticipated to offer class-leading efficiency.
“The all-new Tourneo Connect is the first of an exciting new generation of Tourneo vehicles from Ford. Its fresh new design, seven-seat versatility and new all-wheel drive technology plus its all-important connectivity features offer a winning combination for our customers,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “We’ve taken the qualities that customers value and have raised them to another level, creating a new Tourneo Connect that’s ready for any challenge – whether it’s work or play.”
Flexible, practical cabin
The all-new Tourneo Connect offers seven-seat capability on both shortwheelbase L1 and longwheelbase L2 models for more practicality and convenience. When not in use, the second and third seat rows can be folded, tumbled or removed to create a spacious load area for work or sports equipment. The front passenger seat folds flat to allow items up to 3 metres long such as kayaks, flat-pack furniture or timber to be safely transported within the vehicle.
The new interior elevates cabin comfort without compromising the practicality that Tourneo Connect customers love. 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 dualzone climate control help make the cabin airy and more comfortable on long road trips. Durable, easy-to-clean rubber floor mats are available as an accessory for enhanced practicality and protection.
Trend, Titanium and Active customers can also specify ergonomic seats with extended leg supports and four-way electric lumbar adjustment certified by Germany’s independent Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR), the Campaign for Healthier Backs.
With the second and third row seating removed, Tourneo Connect offers up to 3.1 m3 of load volume in L2 models and 2.6 m3 in L1 models. Carrying longer items or bulky leisure equipment is facilitated by maximum load lengths of 2,265 mm behind the first row of seats, 1,452 mm behind the second, and 629 mm behind the third for L2 variants (1,913 mm, 1100 mm and 317 mm for L1 variants).
The carefully selected materials and finishes used in Tourneo Connect’s cabin create a comfortable, premium feeling across the range, with unique treatments for each of the series variants, such as the Active model with its stylish blue graphics and contrast stitching.
All-new digital cockpit technologies
All Tourneo Connect models feature a large user-friendly touchscreen on the dashboard that puts key vehicle systems at the driver’s fingertips. An 8.25-inch screen comes as standard, and customers able to specify a 10-inch screen on all series if desired. The 10-inch screen is standard on Titanium, Sport and Active series in right-hand drive vehicles. The touchscreen provides controls for navigation, audio and cabin climate, while other features such as telephone connection, vehicle information and audio configuration are grouped in sub-menus to be unobtrusive while driving.
Customers can also specify an advanced digital cluster display in place of the traditional dials – a feature that is standard on Sport models and available on Titanium and Active models. The digital cluster has a 10.25-inch screen in the instrument binnacle that can work alongside the central infotainment system to offer drivers more information and control. The display puts vehicle alerts, signed speed limits and current gear at the top of the screen for easier reading, above a multi-way configurable display showing:
- Summary – for information about the current journey
- Classic – for a simulated traditional speedometer and tachometer
- Navigation – for a route map and information for additional guidance
- Driver Assist – for the status of the vehicle’s active driver assistance systems
Class-leading efficiency
The comprehensive powertrain line-up of petrol and diesel engines is expected to deliver classleading efficiency for the new Tourneo Connect, with anticipated fuel consumption from 4.9 l/100km and CO2 emissions from 127 g/km. As well as bringing all-wheel drive to the multiactivity vehicle for the first time, the powertrain range also features an automatic transmission option for both petrol and diesel engines available on all length variants.
The line-up of four-cylinder turbocharged engines includes a 1.5litre EcoBoost petrol engine producing 114 PS and 220 Nm of torque, and two EcoBlue diesels developing 122 PS and 320 Nm of torque, or 112 PS and 280 Nm of torque. Auto Start-Stop technology is standard across the range for optimised efficiency. Both diesel engines feature an innovative “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.
