Reviews - Ford

Overall Rating

The Tourneo is the minibus version of the Transit Connect available with either 5 seats or 9 seats plus lots of boot space. Targeted towards taxi and executive people transportation as well as an alternative people carrier option.

• Comfortable cabin
• Good quality 1.8TDCi engine
• Adaptable for conversions

• More expensive than competitors
• Low spec as standard
• Have to fold down seats to get storage area

Externally the Tourneo looks like the Transit Connect with additional windows along the sides. Available in a variety of colours and metallic paint for LX models. High roof and square the Tourneo is comfortable to drive and feels stable but with car like qualities. Sitting up high visibility is good with large side mirrors, surprisingly small turning circle this van is as good in town as on the motorway. Driver's airbag is standard but that is all you are getting. The structure is very strong and rigid, and there are three three-point rear seat belts and ISOFIX child seat mounting points. Security measures include shielded wiring, a lock-in-latch system, a key-operated bonnet lock, double door locking, an immobiliser and visible VIN. For used Tourneo buyers check for worn suspension for heavy load-carrying, high-mileage ex-delivery vans and damaged seats from taxi use. The Tourneo does fit into a specialised market but it is poorly specified in standard form and although you can opt for a better specification, it's all a bit sparse inside. Bare metal, grey plastics, cheap-looking finishes and the boxy structure remind you that you're in a van with the lack of even front electric windows and air conditioning in the standard version drive the point home. To buy it is generally higher in cost than a much plusher MPV. The seats are also flat and uncomfortable for long-distance driving. For music to entertain your passengers a two-speaker radio/cassette is standard with a six-CD player offered on LX models. Don't get lost though because there is no sat nav. The rear seats split 60:40 with roll-fold to reveal the load area. Third-row seats if fitted can also fold forwards or be stowed vertically. A fold flat front passenger seat can be specified to increase load length. 4.2 cu.m load space with 2nd row seat and optional front passenger seat folded. 3.07 cu.m load space with2nd row seat folded and 1.83 cu.m load space with2nd row seat up. 800 kg gross payload. With just one engine available; the TDCi diesel with 90 bhp. The Tourneo Connect should be reasonably economical to run with fuel economy averaging 43.5 mpg which is not bad for such a big and heavy van and Ford claim insurance grouping is low. The biggest cost will be the amount in depreciation as the Tourneo is not holding its money very well. It can be taxed as a passenger car rather than a commercial vehicle. The Tourneo does ride quite well, engine noise is low and there is plenty of room. Conversions can be made for wheelchair users. Access is available by twin sliding side load doors and the rear load area has two hinged doors that can be fixed open at 90° or 172°. 11.9m turning circle.

Expensive people carrier with no plush MPV refinements. Acceptable load space but involves folding down seat to get it. Good engine and comfortable ride.