The Ford Tourneo Custom plays in the 7/8-seater space for those that have a larger-than-usual family or require a shuttle-type vehicle for transporting teams, guests or employees to and fro. With market competitors such as the Hyundai H1, KIA Grand Sedona, Volkswagen Kombi and even the Toyota Quantum, it's worth noting which model offers the best blend of practicality and price.
The Ford Tourneo Custom has been with us since the end of 2018 and while initially consisting of only two models, a third was later added in August 2019.
Related: Ford Tourneo enters the luxury class
The three models are as follows:
- Ford Tourneo Custom 2.2 TDCi LWB Ambiente
- Ford Tourneo Custom 2.2 TDCi LWB Trend
- Ford Tourneo Custom 2.2 TDCi SWB Limited
Here are how the trims compare:
Ford Tourneo Custom 2.2 TDCi LWB Ambiente
Retail price: R588 900
The Ambiente model may be powered by the same 2.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine as the other three but has to make do with 74 kW and 310 Nm torque. It uses a 6-speed manual gearbox and sends drive to the front wheels. It will return a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.3 l/100km.
It is equipped with ABS and EBD and has stability control as standard. You will get a total of 6 airbags in the Ambiente trim level and the Tourneo Custom Ambiente rides on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel trims.
Ford Tourneo Custom 2.2 TDCi LWB Trend
Retail price: R612 300
In the Trend spec, you will get same Duratorq engine but in this trim, it produces 92 kW and 350 Nm torque while fuel consumption is claimed to be the same 7.3 l/100km. It too is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox with power sent to the front wheels.
With the Trend model, you get all of the features of the above Ambiente model but it also sees the addition of the following extras: Leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel (Ambiente is multifunction only), 16-inch alloys wheels, a driver info display and electric, heated mirrors, and a reverse camera with park distance control.
Ford Tourneo Custom 2.2 TDCi SWB Limited
Retail price: R659 800
The Limited version is the highest spec available and it the only one to be crafted on a short-wheelbase chassis. It retains the usual number of seats but makes it more manoeuvrable in traffic situations. This model is also powered by the 2.2-litre Duratorq engine but in its highest trim of 114 kW and 385 Nm. As with the other two, the Limited powers the front wheel through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Limited builds on the Trend specification by adding in leather seats with electric adjustment and folding electric mirrors. The standard fare of 6 airbags applies as does the ABS, EBD and TCS but it sees the addition of Roll-Over Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control. The Limited also comes standard with a towbar and High Beam Assist lights.
Verdict
Unless you plan on towing a trailer (where the assistance systems help ensure your safety), we think that the Trend spec presents the best value for money with a saving of R47 500 over the Limited model. As it is based on the long-wheelbase chassis you will get more space but this comes at the cost of manoeuvrability. The convenience tech is largely the same and the power difference is negligible.
Recommended next:
Nissan NV350 vs Ford Tourneo Custom vs Hyundai H1: which one has the lowest running costs?
