.thumb.jpeg.a8d2b8ca85355f8cd7a5cd6ae4d7c29c.jpeg)
Steve aims to find out whether the Ford Tourneo Connect is a good used MPV purchase by driving a 2017 1.5TDCI Zetec model.
The Tourneo connect is technically the passenger carrying version of the second generation transit connect and deputed in the UK in 2014. The Tourneo connect shares its underpinnings with the Ford Focus and is aimed at competing against rivals such as the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Rift and other similar sized vans.
Exterior
Compared to its predecessor and current rivals Ford have tried to make the Tourneo look less boxy by having long headlights, a large raked windscreen and a short bonnet which is set low which helps with the vehicles aerodynamics. The bumpers and side cladding on the Zetec trim is bare plastic which will help protect the Tourneo from inevitable bumps and scrapes. Furthermore, the Tourneo connect is fitted with sliding passenger doors on both sides which make climbing in a doddle. The second row seats fold and slide allowing access to the 3rd row of seating. Climbing in can be interesting, and even though a 6 foot adult can do it, it is reminiscent of climbing into the back of a three door car. The boot is a conventional hatchback type, and naturally large which will require space when opening.
Interior
Being based on a van, you can guarantee there is plenty of head and leg space both for front and 2nd row seat passengers, however 3rd row space is more limited and long legged passengers may find it not as comfortable. The boot is a reasonable size too when the 3rd row seats are in use and can take a weekly shop or pushchair - just. This limited space is no different to other MPVs such as the Citroen C4 grand Picasso and Renault Grand Scenic. With the 3rd row folded the boot size is carnivorous and can accommodate large cargo with ease as well as an array of storage compartments including under the floor, above the drivers head and in the side panels. The interior is mainly made of hard plastics, which will be hardwearing and ideal for family abuse and overall fit and finish is better than most of its rivals. Despite the Tourneo's versatility a key drawback I have found is the lack of support in the seat, especially for longer drives, the 2nd row bench seat can take 3 adults comfortably and the 3rd row seats are two separate items where again two adults can sit side by side. one thing to watch is the 2nd row seatbelts retracting, as they have been known to not retract properly and getting caught in the sliding door mechanisms. Over time this damages the seatbelt and looks similar to a dog chewing them. if you find the Tourneo Connect you are looking at then get this replaced by the seller as its a £500 job at Ford. The equipment level is decent too with Bluetooth, DAB radio, CD player, aux connection, electric front windows and electric mirrors as standard on the entry level Style model. Air conditioning is standard on Zetec models, Titanium models can also benefit from a panoramic sunroof.
On the road
The 1.5TDCI in this Tourneo is the more common engine choice but there is also a 1.0 litre ecoboost petrol if you prefer. This 1.5TDCI engine is very economical with an official figure of 61.4mpg and 120g/km CO2 and is mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. as you can probably predict the Tourneo isn't designed to be quick but acceleration is acceptable. It will sit on the motorway at 70-80 comfortably but could benefit from a 6th gear to reduce the engine noise. on country roads there is some body roll which is inevitable with a tall vehicle such as this. Also on rough roads the Tourneo Connect has a tendency to fidget and over certain large bumps it crashes over them rather than absorbing the bumps. Despite its size the wind and road noise was less than I anticipated but not as reduced as some other MPVs. Thanks to large windows and mirrors the Tourneo Connect is easy to drive and park which is also helped by light steering. The brakes are very sharp which is great on a vehicle of this size when bringing it to a stop, but I found at low speeds the brakes could be a little snatchy.
Overview
Overall, I feel the Toureno Connect is an MPV which offers plenty of space, economy and versatility at reasonable price, however being van based it is less refined then other conventional MPVs but if you can overlook this then you will find it to be adequate for family transport, or taxi use.
