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Review Of The Ford Tourneo Connect MPV
The new Ford Tourneo Connect MPV is smaller than the Grand version but bigger than the C-MAX. It’s cheaper than the C-MAX, and represents huge value for money. Visibility is great, head and legroom are fantastic, and running costs are low. It’s also one of the safest MPV’s around.
It’s also not that bad looking, even if you can see its van-based origins. That’s partly to be expected, however, as the Ford Transit is a distant relation. Other van-like aspects include uncomfortable seats and rather noisy engines.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Ford Tourneo Connect MPV review.
On The Road
You can’t really expect scintillating performance from a people carrier that looks like a van. Happily, though, it drives more like a car. The steering is reasonably engaging and not overly light or heavy. However, the suspension would have benefited from being softer. It’s quite firm, and comfort is definitely not a selling point.
In terms of the engines, there are petrols available. However, we’d find it hard to make a case for them when the diesels suit the Tourneo Connect so much better. Both diesels are sized 1.5-litres, with the least powerful developing 94bhp. That’s enough to haul the car from rest to 62mph in 15.0 seconds, it comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox.[vc_single_image image=”55837″ img_size=”article-image”]The bigger engine develops 113bhp, and fits the car better. It takes 14.0 seconds to do the 0-62 sprint, which isn’t electrifying but should be enough for most buyers.
The engines are at their best when they’re pottering about in the town. Take them onto the motorway, and they might feel a tad overwhelmed. However, the 113bhp variant is at least quiet and relaxed. It’s also helped by being paired up with a 6-speed manual transmission.
There is the option of a 1.0-litre 99bhp turbocharged petrol. It’s the most affordable to buy outright, but even with five passengers, it feels breathless. With seven passengers, it really will struggle.
If you want a petrol model, the more expensive 1.6-litre engine is a better bet. With 148bhp, it’s got more power than any other engine in the range. However, despite being quicker than all other models, its automatic transmission will impact the economy. It’s all about what your priorities are.
Ford Tourneo Connect MPV Interior, Design & Build
[vc_single_image image=”55838″ img_size=”article-image”]Ford have been good enough to grace this boxy MPV with the kind of neat interior touches you’ll find in a lot of their other models. The design is smart on the whole, there are harder plastics here and there. In fact, you won’t have to look hard to find them, and they’re not nice to touch.
The entry-level model is a bit basic, and its driver’s seat doesn’t have as much adjustability as the other trims. And while the seats look comfy enough, looks are deceiving.The cabin isn’t very well insulated, and exterior noise will get in. This is especially true on the motorway, where wind whistle will be an issue at speed. Like its Grand sibling, it doesn’t have top quality soundproofing.
But while its boxy shape makes insulation even worse, it does mean you get lots of interior space. Without a sloping roofline, headroom is excellent. Tall drivers up front can easily get comfortable, thanks to plenty of seat adjustment. Three adults, meanwhile, can stretch out in the rear as much as they want.
The car comes with removable rear seats, which let you turn the Tourneo Connect into a two-seater. The transformation is easy to do, too. In standard form with all the seats up, the boot measures 1,029-litres, which is seriously impressive.
But while visibility is excellent, the car isn’t the easiest to park without rear parking sensors. These are available as an optional extra, which could set you back as much as £1,000.
Equipment & Safety Of The Ford Tourneo Connect MPV
The entry level model is the Zetec, which means standard kit is guaranteed to be good. Among the Zetec’s standard equipment are air conditioning and rear and front electric windows. The Zetec also gets washer jets, a heated windscreen, and electric door mirrors.
The Titanium model tops the range. It comes complete with cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, automatic headlights, and electric folding mirrors
In terms of safety, we can only lavish praise on it. Its safety levels are class-leading, and it scored 5/5 on its Euro NCAP crash test. Child passenger safety, in particular, is outstanding. Its standard safety kit includes electronic skid control, and rear and front airbags.
Costs Of The Ford Tourneo Connect MPV
Prices for the new car start out from £17,000 and rise to £24,000. For more information on our leasing deals, check out our page here.
In terms of its running costs, the Tourneo is a tad more expensive than competitors. However, the difference shouldn’t be enough to be a deal-breaker.
The diesel engines, in particular, are pretty frugal. The 98bhp model is good for a 61.4mpg economy, and costs £30 a year to tax.
The state-of-the-art 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is impressively economical. However, it can return fuel economy higher than 50mpg, and won’t make much sense to high-mileage drivers.
If you really like the look of the 1.6-litre 148bhp petrol engine, you’ll need a bigger budget. Thanks to its size and the automatic transmission, road tax is £225 each year.
Pros and Cons Of The Honda Civic Tourer
Pros:
Superb Practicality
Smart storage solutions, and a row of extra seats add up to strong practicality.
Feels Built To Last
Ford are good at building commercial vehicles that last. The Tourneo Connect is both reliable and durable.
Surprisingly Refined
You don’t always look out for refinement from a car like this. But despite being such a hard worker, refinement is good. This is helped by modern engines, and the fact that the car isn’t s boxy as it used to be.
Cons:
Polarising Looks
Some won’t mind its functional looks and friendly face. But its van-based origins might be too dour for others.
Big TailGate
It makes loading bigger items awkward.
Ford Tourneo Connect MPV vs Peugeot Partner Tepee MPV vs Volkswagen Caddy Life MPV
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2017 Ford Tourneo Connect MPV review.
Ford Tourneo Connect MPV vs Peugeot Partner Tepee MPV
The new Peugeot Partner Tepee looks more like a van than a people carrier. But families have warmed to its versatility and affordability.
Some of these van-based cars manage to drive like cars. This one doesn’t. It’s unashamedly van-like on the road. This means it will lean in bends, and it comes with heavy steering. It’s not exactly the kind of car you dreamt of when you passed your driving test.[vc_single_image image=”55839″ img_size=”article-image”]However, what matters is that it’s capable – and it is, both on the motorway and in the town.
There are a handful of solid engines to choose from. A 1.6-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol are our top picks. Both are reasonably quick, with the diesel taking 13.1 seconds to get you from rest to 62mph. The petrol covers the same distance in 12.2 seconds.
Unsurprisingly, the diesel engines are the cheapest to run. What is surprising, however, is just how cheap the BlueHDi 100 is. Fuel economy returns of 67.3mpg are very good for a car of this size. CCO2O2 emissions, meanwhile, are at 112g/km.
Insurance cover should be low, while residual values are good. They’re helped by an impressive standard kit, which includes LED daytime running lights and air conditioning. The Tepee also gets cruise control, a DAB radio, and alloys as standard.
Servicing the Tepee also won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Inside, the cabin is smart, spacious and comfortable. The front seats are easy to adjust for space, and it’s easy enough to remove the back seats. The layout of the cabin is sensible and family friendly, and there are lots of storage spaces. It might not be a top quality interior, but Peugeot has made it as inviting as possible.
And while its boxy shape isn’t very attractive to look at, it does boost practicality. The boot measures a vast 675-litres when all seats are up. Remove the back seats, and you can extend this to 3,000-litres.
Sliding doors are a useful feature, and will prove their worth in tight car parks. Roof rails are standard, and you can add a handy overhead storage system if you want.
Price:
Ford – £17,000 – £24,000
Peugeot – £16,200 – £20,400
Ford Tourneo Connect MPV vs Volkswagen Caddy Life MPV
[vc_single_image image=”55840″ img_size=”article-image”]The new Volkswagen Caddy Life MPV is, like the Ford, based on a van. It doesn’t hide its van-based origins very well, but it’s practical, dependable and a solid family car.
If you’re looking for an MPV with good driving dynamics, you won’t find them here. The VW Caddy Life is a car very much built for comfort, as opposed to thrills. It’s not very quick, but its suspension does a fine job of acting like a sponge. It can absorb lumps and bumps well.
The steering isn’t too bad, either. It’s accurate enough, and feels mostly solid. However, on twisting roads, the car will lean pretty excessively.In terms of the engines, a 1.2-litre 83bhp petrol engine is at home in the town. It does 0-62 in 14.7 seconds, but has to be worked hard on a full load. If you want more speed, a 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel engine does 0-62 in 9.8 seconds. However, it’s an expensive engine.
The 101bhp variant of the same-sized diesel is a good choice. It does 0-62 in under 13.0 seconds, and has a good amount of pulling power. Even better, it makes for a pretty relaxed cruiser on the motorway.
And this is the crucial bit: On the motorway, the diesels are more useful than the petrol engine. Moreover, wind noise is not as much an issue as it is in the Ford. As such, the VW gets big thumbs up from us if you need a long-distance workhorse.
No model is dirt cheap to run, largely thanks to the cars boxy shape. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is well-suited to low mileage drivers, though, and returns a respectable 51.4mpg. Emissions are high, with this petrol emitting 131g/km of CO2.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine is affordable in each of its power guises. The 102bhp variant is good for a 60.1mpg economy, while the 148bhp returns 55.4mpg. Its emissions are higher than the aforementioned petrol, and it emits 134g/km of CO2.
Inside, the Volkswagen Caddy Life betrays its van origins. It’s a sturdy, utilitarian cabin that’s more practical than plush. Despite this, you get a well-built dashboard, comfortable seats, and a fairly quiet interior.
If you look hard enough, though, you will spot scratchy plastics.
It’s a very practical interior. Head and legroom are excellent, and there are plenty of storage spaces dotted around the place. The sliding doors make it easy to access the back seats, and the boot measures 2,850-litres. This is when the rear seats have been folded, and it’s not quite as big as the Ford’s.
Price:
Volkswagen – £20,000 – £27,500
Verdict Of Our 2017 Ford Tourneo Connect MPV Review
The new car is like the Ford Transit van in many ways. It’s a hard worker, it’s practical, and it’s not the prettiest in the land. But it drives more like a car, is refined, and has a smart interior.
On the whole, it’s a reliable and usable MPV that won’t let you down. The new Ford Tourneo Connect MPV won’t wow your neighbours, but for young families, it ticks all the boxes.JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDJTIxLS1IdWJTcG90JTIwQ2FsbC10by1BY3Rpb24lMjBDb2RlJTIwLS0lM0UlM0NzcGFuJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJocy1jdGEtd3JhcHBlciUyMiUyMGlkJTNEJTIyaHMtY3RhLXdyYXBwZXItZGJkMWQ0ZDAtOTg2ZS00ZjViLThjNDItM2I2OWUwNjJhZmRmJTIyJTNFJTNDc3BhbiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaHMtY3RhLW5vZGUlMjBocy1jdGEtZGJkMWQ0ZDAtOTg2ZS00ZjViLThjNDItM2I2OWUwNjJhZmRmJTIyJTIwaWQlM0QlMjJocy1jdGEtZGJkMWQ0ZDAtOTg2ZS00ZjViLThjNDItM2I2OWUwNjJhZmRmJTIyJTNFJTNDJTIxLS0lNUJpZiUyMGx0ZSUyMElFJTIwOCU1RCUzRSUzQ2RpdiUyMGlkJTNEJTIyaHMtY3RhLWllLWVsZW1lbnQlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlM0MlMjElNUJlbmRpZiU1RC0tJTNFJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmN0YS1yZWRpcmVjdC5odWJzcG90LmNvbSUyRmN0YSUyRnJlZGlyZWN0JTJGMjM4MTQ5MiUyRmRiZDFkNGQwLTk4NmUtNGY1Yi04YzQyLTNiNjllMDYyYWZkZiUyMiUyMCUyMHRhcmdldCUzRCUyMl9ibGFuayUyMiUyMCUzRSUzQ2ltZyUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaHMtY3RhLWltZyUyMiUyMGlkJTNEJTIyaHMtY3RhLWltZy1kYmQxZDRkMC05ODZlLTRmNWItOGM0Mi0zYjY5ZTA2MmFmZGYlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmJvcmRlci13aWR0aCUzQTBweCUzQiUyMiUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGbm8tY2FjaGUuaHVic3BvdC5jb20lMkZjdGElMkZkZWZhdWx0JTJGMjM4MTQ5MiUyRmRiZDFkNGQwLTk4NmUtNGY1Yi04YzQyLTNiNjllMDYyYWZkZi5wbmclMjIlMjAlMjBhbHQlM0QlMjJXaGF0JTIwbWFrZXMlMjBhJTIwY2FyJTIwcmVsaWFibGUlM0YlMjBXZSUyMHRha2UlMjBhJTIwbG9vayUyMGF0JTIwd2hhdCUyMG1ha2VzJTIwYSUyMGNhciUyMHJlbGlhYmxlJTIwYW5kJTIwdGhlJTIwbW9zdCUyMHJlbGlhYmxlJTIwY2FycyUyMG9uJTIwdGhlJTIwJTIwbWFya2V0JTIwdG9kYXklMjIlMkYlM0UlM0MlMkZhJTNFJTNDJTJGc3BhbiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGanMuaHNjdGEubmV0JTJGY3RhJTJGY3VycmVudC5qcyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUzRSUyMGhic3B0LmN0YS5sb2FkJTI4MjM4MTQ5MiUyQyUyMCUyN2RiZDFkNGQwLTk4NmUtNGY1Yi04YzQyLTNiNjllMDYyYWZkZiUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiU3RCUyOSUzQiUyMCUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRSUzQyUyRnNwYW4lM0UlM0MlMjEtLSUyMGVuZCUyMEh1YlNwb3QlMjBDYWxsLXRvLUFjdGlvbiUyMENvZGUlMjAtLSUzRSUzQ2NlbnRlciUyRiUzRQ==[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]
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