Ford's new MPV ticks all boxes

Published Jul 28, 2015

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ROAD TEST

Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 TDCI Titanium auto

Johannesburg - Following the introduction of its full-sized Tourneo Custom MPV here a couple of years ago, Ford recently launched a smaller and cheaper people-mover to sell alongside it.

It’s called the Tourneo Connect and offers a substantial price saving over its super-sized cousin while still maintaining lots of family-and cargo-schlepping practicality.

Tested here is the flagship version, the long-wheelbase Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 TDCI TItanium selling for R367 900.

The vehicle is also available in short-wheelbase derivatives starting at R269 900.

All Tourneo Connect derivatives come standard with five seats, but spending R1820 on an optional third row of seats turns the long-wheelbase Grand version into a seven-seater family hauler with more practicality.

PROPER SEVEN SEATER

It has a versatile, flexible cabin that allows the second and third rows of seats to be folded flat to increase cargo space to a massive 2761 litres, which allows this van to easily swallow bulky objects like mountain bikes. With all seven seats occupied there isn’t much luggage space, but with the back row folded down the Grand Tourneo becomes a roomy five-seater with a huge boot.

Unlike some seven seaters that will accommodate only a pair of toddlers at the back, the Grand Tourneo’s two rearmost seats are spacious enough for adults and they can be slid back to extend legroom. However, they’re mounted quite low to the floor which forces longer-legged folk to sit with their knees at about chest level, which could become uncomfortable over a long distance.

The adult-sized middle seats are much comfier, and access is easy by a sliding door on each side.

Oddments space inside this family Ford is plentiful, including a large binnacle between the front seats, and in the second row a storage nook with cupholders that folds into the middle backrest.

There are also tray tables for the middle-row passengers to enjoy a mobile picnic.

NEAT, WELL APPOINTED

The look and feel inside this family shuttle is car-like. The seats are cloth-covered and the dashboard’s made of hard plastic instead of the more opulent-feeling squishy stuff, but it’s all neatly fitted and ergonomically efficient.

Comfort and spec levels are plentiful in this range-topping Titanium guise, and include items like cruise control, auto headlamps and wipers, a panorama roof, and a six-speaker audio system with USB inputs.

Supplementary controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering for easy reach.There’s also dual-zone climate control but it irritated me that I wasn’t able to synch the driver and passenger temperature settings, and had to do them separately.

The generous safety setup comprises front and side airbags, ABS brakes, stability control and torque vectoring control, along with a convenient hill-holder feature that prevents rolling back when pulling off up gradients.

PUNCHY DIESEL MOTOR

We haven’t yet tested the petrol versions of the Tourneo Connect (1-litre and 1.6-litre turbo versions are available) but this 1.6-litre TDCI turbodiesel, which sends 85kW and 285Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed manual, makes a happy partnership with this people-hauler.

The power output doesn’t sound like much but that 285Nm torque figure gives this large Ford punchy commuting pace and easy cruising legs. It’s a pretty smooth engine too, and hums along without any tractor-like characteristics.

Our test car averaged a reasonably economical 9.8 litres per 100km, though Ford claims 8 litres is possible.

Being smaller than full-sized MPVs like the VW Kombi and Ford Tourneo, the Tourneo Connect feels more car-like to drive. It’s nimbler in traffic and also easier to park, with a rear-park sensor lending some audible object-avoiding assistance.

The ride quality of this long-wheelbase car is pretty good, and the high-profile 16” tyres along with an elevated 163mm ground clearance give this family vehicle better-than-average pothole-soaking abilities. For a large people-hauler the handling’s relatively neat too, and it doesn’t feel overtly top-heavy when taking sharp turns.

The price includes a four-year/120 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km service plan, along with three-years/unlimited kilometres roadside assistance.

VERDICT

With the full-sized Ford Tourneo Custom selling for between R438 000 and R505 000, the smaller Tourneo Connect offers a practical but much better priced alternative with its R273 000 to R367 900 price range.

The only drawback is that you get either seven seats or loads of luggage space, not both at the same time like in its full-sized cousin.

The Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 TDCI Titanium auto tested here delivers a winning mix of practicality, honest performance and fuel economy, but those seeking more vooma and aren’t necessarily frightened by higher fuel bills might consider the 1.6-litre turbopetrol version with its livelier 110kW power output.

FACTS

Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 TDCI Titanium

Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel

Gearbox: 6-speed manual

Power: 85kW @ 3600rpm

Torque: 285Nm @ 1750rpm

Top speed (claimed): 165km/h

Consumption (claimed): 4.9 litres per 100km

Price: R367 900 (five seater price)

Warranty: 4-year/120 000km

Service plan: 4-year/60 000km

FORD VS THE RIVALS

Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 TDCI Titanium

85kW/285Nm, length 4818mm - R367 900 (five seater price)

VW Caddy Maxi 2.0 TDI Trendline auto:

81kW/250Nm, length 4876mm - R340 200

Fiat Doblo Panorama 1.6 TDI:

77kW/290Nm, length 4390mm - R323 490

Opel Vivaro 1.9 CDTi Enjoy:

74kW/240Nm, length 4782mm - R419 000

Story: Star Motoring

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