Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT SWB Limited (2021) Review - Van with a plan
Transporter vans make up a massive sales segment here in SA but these types of luxury vans appeal to a smaller part of that segment. Hotels, tour companies, and individuals with large families could benefit from the Tourneo. We test the 2021 offering from the blue oval.
Van with a plan
The Ford Tourneo competes in a segment that doesn't have too many options that arent overly luxurious and hit close to the million rand mark. Its closest competitor is the Hyundai H1 transporter in terms of price and offering. there are other vans out there such as the Mercedes Benz Vito, Volkswagen Caravelle, Toyota Quantum, and new Hyundai Staria that can all do the same job but at a premium.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Ford Tourneo Custom
It is fair to say that the design aesthetic of the Tourneo has become somewhat dated but it still serves its purpose. With a new line of Ford vehicles expected in 2022, it is only a matter of time before a new Tourneo is inbound but in the meantime, we took the 2021 SWB Custom for a week of testing.
Styling
The slightly more compact short wheelbase version of the Tourneo is quite easy on the eye. Like most transporter vans it is quite a slab side but unlike many of its compatriots looks to have more rounded edges and a smoother overall appeal. Our test unit was equipped with optional HID headlights framed by LED DRL's. and down the side, 17" black outed wheels and optional shortened running boards.
The Drive
Comfort is the name of the game with transporter busses and the Tourneo has this in spades. From the elevated driving position with its super comfortable front seats equipped with armrests for those long journeys, the drive is not sporty in any way but it is rather like driving your favorite couch around town. The suspension is not harsh or heavily sprung but absorbs all the undulations on the road evening out even the roughest of roads, making for a very smooth and compliant drive.
Performance
The Tourneo is powered by a 2.0l in line 4 cylinder, turbo diesel engine mated to 6 speed automatic transmission. The combo is good for 136kW and 415Nm and is more than enough to power this large van around town with no effort at all. Ford doesn't supply a top speed but even if they did it's something of a pointless exercise as this van is not made for speed but for the comfort of those inside it.
Space and Comfort
The Tourneo bus is built for comfort and convenience and as such can seat 8 adults comfortably and you have the ability to remove the second row of seats and flip them around, as well as drop the center seats, turning them into small end tables. This makes for a number of iterations that can accommodate even the roughest of bachelor parties. There are USB outlets and a 220v socket for charging purposes and climate control keeps things even keel even on the hottest of days. For entertainment, you get Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment and a 10 speaker audio system to keep everyone jamming.
Safety
The Tourneo takes the safety of its passengers very seriously. The vehicle is packed with an impressive list of features such as 6 airbags, a Rear View Camera, PDCs front and rear, 3 ISOFix attachment points, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, ABS ESP. Emergency Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Roll Over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring. You will also get Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Trailer Coverage as well as Collision mitigation.
Fuel Consumption
Ford claims that the Tourneo will return 6.7l / 100km on the combined cycle. Our testing returned 7.8l with mixed driving conditions. You can expect roughly 950Km on a single tank of diesel.
Price
The Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT SWB Limited retails for R 740 900 and is sold with a 4 year / 120 000km warranty and an optional 6 year / 90 000km service plan. With your purchase, you also get a 3 year / Unlimited Km Roadside Assistance and 5 Year / Unlimted Km Corrosion Warranty
Verdict
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Tourneo. The space and convenience were enjoyed beyond measure by the family and friends that we ended driving around. It is plain to see that transporter vans are now being tailored towards a more discerning market that values luxury fitment in their transport vehicles. If you are looking to get a van that balances a family and business then go look at a Tourneo. Cheaper van options will soon be gone, replaced by million rand plus luxury hotel transfers.
