FAMILY CONNECTION

Ten Second Review

Most of us have squeezed children or pets into a car before, but Ford's rejuvenated Tourneo Connect compact MPV can comfortably take much more. From kite-surfing equipment to the school run, this is a car that aims to help families get a little more out of life. And in creating it, the Blue Oval brand has received more than a little help from Volkswagen.

Background

Ford has long ploughed its own furrow when it comes to its commercial vehicle range, but that's about to change. The company's partnership with Volkswagen will see all future Blue Oval brand van models paired with their VW counterparts. Which means that the next Ford Transit Connect will share all its engineering with the current fifth generation Volkswagen Caddy. Which in turn means that the People Carrier version of that Ford, the Tourneo Connect model, must be a Blue Oval version of the MPV model VW markets to family passenger car customers as the Caddy - or Caddy Life.

Driving Experience

Ford hasn't just borrowed a Volkswagen chassis here but also engines too, though to disguise the fact, the Blue Oval's given the units concerned its own 'EcoBoost' and 'EcoBlue' branding. Ultimately, what it all boils down to is that you get the same powerplant choice that would be available to you with a comparable Volkswagen Caddy MPV. This means Tourneo Connect customers get to choose from either a 1.5 litre EcoBoost turbo petrol unit (with 114PS) or the alternative 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel, available in 112PS or 122PS outputs. All models feature six-speed manual transmission as standard, with the alternative of a sevenspeed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles and a 'Sport' mode.

Volkswagen isn't offering 4WD on Caddy MPVs but Ford has decided to make it available here - for the first time in a Tourneo Connect. The system automatically distributes torque between the wheels depending on driving conditions and surfaces, helping drivers maintain progress in more challenging conditions. All-wheel drive is available on models fitted with the 2.0-litre 122PS EcoBlue diesel engine and sixspeed manual gearbox.

Design and Build

There's a choice of two body lengths here, a short wheelbase L1 model with the option of three seating rows and the long wheelbase L2 variant that features them standard and is obviously much better suited for the transport of seven folk. The previous version of this model looked very much like a van with windows, but this design has much more of a passenger car vibe, its more sculpted exterior offering a sportier, more lifestyle-orientated look.

Inside, there's Ford's latest infotainment technology, with the choice of a central SYNC screen in 8.25 or 10-inch sizes, depending on your choice of trim. 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 dual zone climate control help make the cabin airy and more comfortable on long road trips.

Market and Model

We don't yet have prices for this rejuvenated Tourneo Connect, but we can expect it to undercut its Volkswagen Caddy MPV cousin, which for guidance, starts at around £26,000 for a short wheelbase five-seat model, with prices stretching up to around the £30,000 mark. There are four trim levels available, starting with base 'Trend' spec, move up to 'Titanium' level and you get satin chrome detailing, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels. The 'Sport' model features bonnet stripes, a more dynamic lower front bumper and 17-inch dark alloy wheels. But the version you probably ideally want is the SUV-inspired 'Active', which gets crossover-style metallic-effect skid plates and additional body mouldings around the wheel arches, sills and bumpers, along with unique 17-inch wheels.

Inside, it's possible to specify a digital cluster instrument display in place of the usual traditional dials - that's standard on 'Sport' models and optional with 'Titanium' and 'Active' variants. Most derivatives will come with the larger 10-inch SYNC central touchscreen - apart from 'Trend' spec, which gets an 8.25-inch middle monitor. If you've got the bigger display, it'll feature a FordPass connect modem, and available Online Navigation, to offer live updates and details on alternative routes. There's also a FordPass smartphone app so you can remotely interact with your car.

Cost of Ownership

The EcoBoost petrol and EcoBlue diesel engines in use here have been optimised for fuel efficiency, the most economical 2.0 EcoBlue diesel 102PS manual model managing up to 58.8mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions from 126g/km. If you go for the 2.0-litre EcoBlue 122PS automatic, you're looking at up to 55.3mpg and up to 134g/km. That same top diesel engine with all-wheel drive returns up to 53.2mpg and up to 139g/km. As for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol model, well with that you're looking at up to 44.8mpg and up to 144g/km as a manual; or up to 42.8mpg and up to 150g/km as an automatic.

Both diesel engines feature the VW Group-pioneered '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. This Tourneo Connect comes with the usual Ford three year/60,000 mile warranty and a year of roadside assistance. You could pay more to extend this cover to either five years and 100,000 miles or eight years and 100,000 miles. Most owners will want to take out the 'Ford Protect Service Plan Plus' programme, which allows customers to spread the cost of routine maintenance.

Summary

There's no doubt that this is a much more car-like compact People Carrier than the previous generation Tourneo Connect. Ford has taken what's good about Volkswagen engineering here - primarily the Caddy model's MQB platform - but added its own spin on it. And there should be more affordable pricing than you get with a Caddy MPV. And as a result, sense and sensibility just got that little more desirable.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Ford Tourneo Connect

PRICES: £24,000-£30,000 {est} – on the road

CATEGORY: MPV MID-7-SEAT

INSURANCE GROUPS: TBC

CO2 EMISSIONS: {2.0 EcoBlue 102PS} 126g/km

PERFORMANCE: {2.0 EcoBlue 102PS} 0-62mph 13.5s / Max Speed 109mph {est}

FUEL CONSUMPTION: {2.0 EcoBlue 102PS} 58.8mpg {combined – WLTP}

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] {L2} 3.1m3 {with 2nd & 3rd row seating removed}

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: {L2} Length/Width mm 4954/1855/1800 mm {est}