Updated Ford van previews Transit Connect update with four-wheel-drive option and up-to-date interior technology.
Ford has revealed an updated version of its Tourneo Connect which is based on the Volkswagen Caddy. It brings improved digital technology and several design changes.
The Torneo Connect is only sold in Europe and the UK – so it does come in right-hand drive but is not offered in Australia. However, the van version without seven seats is sold here as the Transit Connect, meaning most of what is shown here is a good preview of the version arriving locally.
The van-based compact MPV gains a stronger, more sculpted exterior for a sportier look, with bespoke styling for each specification level. It remains a seven-seater, with the choice of short and long wheelbase options.
Four specification levels – Trend, Titanium, Active and Sport – are available, as is Ford’s 1.5-litre Ecoboost turbo petrol and 2.0-litre Ecoblue diesel engines, ranging from 75kW to 90kW.
“The all-new Tourneo Connect is the first of an exciting new generation of Tourneo vehicles from Ford,” said Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe. “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.
“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.”
The Active model offers the most significant design changes, with two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, a honeycomb grille, a metallic-effect skidplate and body mouldings around the wheel arches, bumpers and sills. It also gains Boundless Blue as a unique paint colour at launch.
Inside, the Tourneo receives an 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with the option to upgrade to a larger 10-inch display that’s standard on Titanium, Sport and Active trims.
Sport models gain a 10.25-inch digital instrument display as standard, which is able to connect to the FordPass app on mobile devices to display vehicle information.
All specification levels gain 19 driver assistance technologies as standard, including pre-collision assistance, lane-keeping assistance, driver awareness alert, cruise control, hill-start assistance and front and rear parking sensors. A Premium Parking pack and Towing Assist pack are also optionally available. The Sport model is also equipped with adaptive front lighting, automatic high beam and LED headlights.
A choice of petrol and diesel powertrains can be selected for the Tourneo, mated to either a manual gearbox as standard or an optional automatic. Four-wheel drive is also available for the model for the first time.
Jack Warrick