Ford Tourneo turns window-vans segment on its head
Ford Motor Company seldom worries about market position in the UK, because its products gravitate invariably into big volume positions, even though Iain Robertson admits that innate corporate arrogance could also become the major player’s big downfall!
Yet, the ‘vans-with-windows’ segment could scarcely be further away from major sales impetuses than it is at present. Vehicle manufacturers have been tinkering with people-moving modes of transport for donkey’s years…we are talking about the multi-seat, multi-purpose, multi-load class of modestly flexible motor vehicles here and not the conventional family saloon, or estate car. Long before the wooden benched Bedford Dormobile of the late-1950s, charabancs of various descripts populated the back streets of Great Britain, perfect for whisking a big family to church on the sabbath, or the soccer match on a Thursday night.
It was Citroen that coined the ‘MAC’ designation (Multi Activity Car) with the first generation Berlingo. A compact van providing bags of space and colourful billowy upholstery, in a plastique-fantastique cabin, albeit for just five people (seven seaters came later) but with a big sunroof and great outward visibility. It was genuinely a fun machine that, in its latest iteration, still enjoys a healthy slice of a slow growing window-van market. Joined by (inevitably) sister brand Peugeot, then Vauxhall, Fiat, Volkswagen and peppered occasionally by Japanese and South Korean alternatives, Ford kept its Tourneo branding for the upmarket Transit van conversions.
It is no surprise that they have all taken a while to attempt to shake off their light commercial leanings, after all, vans are their production platforms…largely. However, Ford, with its latest Tourneo, may have succeeded in breaking the mould. Apart from looking truly sharp outside, thanks to a generous greenhouse and a more road hugging stance, Ford has cast a magic wand around the cockpit and cabin, where van aspirations have been ditched in favour of the sometime more favourable MPV build and style quality. Remember MPVs? There are very few new versions left in carmakers’ latest model ranges, ever since the world went SUV crazy.
The point is, have we changed enough to welcome Tourneo? Have the pandemic and increased home-working and more ‘staycationing’ given us the incentive to entertain a flexible, multi-purpose car? In some respects, the relative ugliness and lack of style of BEVs might lead some potential Tourneo buyers down a non-electric road to iniquity, after all, just look at the vast numbers of diesel-powered, full-size, £80k caravanettes that have hit our roads in the past 12 months…they are unstoppable! Ford may have hit the zeitgeist more appositely with Tourneo than it did with the XR3. Just await the rush; it is sure to happen.
The new brand offers the ideal solution for busy lifestyles, with a comfortable and highly flexible interior, full seven-seat capability and a choice of two chassis lengths to suit almost every need. It is perfectly suited to handle everything from transporting camping gear and sports equipment to providing a practical partner for small businesses. Its smart, connected cabin introduces the latest digital cockpit technologies, while a comprehensive suite of up-to-date driver assistance systems makes the all‑new Tourneo Connect comfortable and easy to drive, once you learn which of them can be cancelled to avoid the annoyance factor. The reactive headlamps are super-efficient. New features include assisted driving to reduce stress and Pro Trailer Backup Assist to simplify manoeuvres when towing. The combo is all very alluring and carlike.
Intriguingly, where Stellantis (PSA Group’s new name) relies on electronic means to enhance traction and provide a modicum of ‘all-wheel-drive’ (that isn’t), making its Tourneo debut is a confidence‑boosting 4×4 system, along with a new automatic transmission option for petrol-powered variants, both part of an expanded range of new petrol and diesel powertrains that offer class-leading efficiency. The petrol is Ford’s 1.5-litre ‘turbo-four’ developing a modest 111bhp, while the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel produces an equally modest 119bhp, neither of which outputs seem especially punchy these days, leading me to hope that Ford might add some spice to the mix in the not too distant future.
As a result, while the performance envelope can be described as ‘adequate’, it does appear to be more emissions conscious than energetic. In some ways, it is a pity, as the Tourneo’s handling envelope is another of its more beneficial and considerate offerings. Where van conversions tend to fall down lies with their van-like dynamics. No such issues exist with Tourneo, its steering being deliciously weighted and precise, while the suspension provides a firm (verging on sporty) ride quality allied to excellent bump absorption and a decent range of travel to avoid lumpiness. Progressive brakes, a swift 6-speed manual gearbox (equally impressive, optional 7-speed twin-clutch automated transmission, with paddles) and a really good driving position are all impressive factors.
Immediately ahead of the driver is a switchable touchscreen that places key vehicle information at the driver’s fingertips. An 8.25-inch screen is standard but customers can also specify a 10.0-inch alternative that is standard on Titanium, Sport and Active series in right-hand drive models. The touchscreen provides controls for sat-nav, stereo system and climate control, while other features, such as telephone connection, vehicle information and audio configuration are grouped in sub-menus to be as unobtrusive as possible while motoring.
Buyers can also specify an advanced digital cluster display in place of the traditional dials, which is standard on Sport models but available on Titanium and Active versions. The digital cluster has a 10.25-inch screen in the instrument binnacle that can work alongside the central infotainment system to offer drivers greater information and control access. It puts vehicle alerts, signed speed limits and current gear selection at the top of the screen for easier reading, above a multi-way configurable display.
The reality of current life at Ford means that the US giant needs something to halt its present market slide. While Tourneo is not the means, it is enticing enough to create a strong diversion and good enough to become a genuine market leader, without Ford having to ‘buy share’. Prices will be announced soon.