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The Ford Tourneo competes in a niche market segment where comfort and convenience take centre stage. These multi-purpose crew bus-type vehicles serve well within large families, small transport businesses, tour companies and even the funeral industry. With models like the Hyundai Staria, VW Caravelle and Mercedes Benz Vito taking the bulk of sales, Ford has timed the release of a new Tourneo well.
Related: Ford Transit Custom (2024) - First Drive Review
The new Tourneo has been completely refreshed and is set to offer buyers a whole new range of options for multi-seating option buses. We set out on the roads of the Western Cape on a long-distance test drive at the launch of the new model.
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A whole new approach
Originating from the Ford Gölchük plant in Turkiye, the new Toruneo is completely refreshed from the ground up and is built on a platform that has seen several revisions to the suspension and suspension mounting points front and rear. This results in shorter overhangs and a lower floor height, which improves cabin space and promotes better handling and a car-like driving experience.
The interior has also received a massive revamp with new seats, seating systems and feature tech to improve the overall driving experience.
Uprated interior
One of the biggest changes that Ford has made with the Tourneo is the interior appointment. The interior panelling has been revamped and now features even more storage space in cubbies and hidey-holes. The electronics have also received a major update. The infotainment system now features a 13.0-inch touchscreen, a new 8.0-inch digital screen for the driver, and a refreshed interface with new animations for the 4 different drive modes.
Safety systems
The Tourneo is incredibly safe for family use and features a host of 5-star features such as Ford's Adaptive Front Lighting, 6 airbags (Driver and passenger, rear curtain), Isofix in second and third rows, ABS, EBD, TSC, TPMS, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Fatigue warning, Parking sensors and rear camera as well as Collision Mitigation.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Tourneo is powered by Ford's bulletproof 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine mated to their smooth 8-speed auto transmission. the combo makes 100kW and 360Nm. This means that the Tourneo will comfortably cruise at 120 km/h all day and can easily overtake with few gear downs.
Lounge act
The seats have been redesigned and are now much more supportive and are covered in a new design material. The driver and passenger get armrests for comfort while the rear compartment sees a new track and rail system for easier customization of the 6 rear seats. The hallmark of the Tourneo was the ability to custom appoint the rear seats as needed and one of the bigger problems for the outgoing model was the weight of the seats which often required two people to pick up and refit the seats.
The new seats are lighter, and the rail system is simpler, making the setup much easier. The Tourneo offers over 15 different seat configurations for the ultimate versatility for an active family.
Pricing
| Tourneo Trend LWB Bus 2.0L 8AT | R1 070 000 |
*The above price of Ford Tourneo Trend is inclusive of the Ford Protect Optional Service Plan of 6 year/90 000km.
**The price includes a 4-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5 year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first
Verdict
Driving the Torneo is no more difficult than piloting a double cab and is, in fact, rather more comfortable. It wafts along the road without a care in the world. It becomes very apparent just how versatile the Tourneo can be when taking on a long road trip and how easily you can set up the 6.8 cubic metres of cabin space to whatever you may need.
Ford has not yet released pricing on the new Tourneo as it seems there are a number of other models under consideration for our market and it may just be that Ford is going to make the family bus cool again because, lets face it, a multi-seat bus isn't exactly oozing cool dad vibes.
The Tourneo also has a few touches that we really liked such a the column-mounted shifter and the 4 drive modes with their accompanying animations. We really looking forward to getting this family van for a full test and to see what Ford is planning in terms of the coming derivatives and models.
