If you had told me in my younger days that I would be eager to own a minibus in the future, I would have recommended you for a psychiatric evaluation. But life has its way of changing perspectives. After spending a week behind the wheel of the new Ford Tourneo Trend LWB, I found myself seriously considering it as the ultimate family and adventure companion.
Our review of the new Ford Tourneo Custom comes after I missed the official launch due to a family emergency, but I made up for it by spending seven days with Ford’s acclaimed people mover. Interestingly, the keys to this MPV came just days after I handed back the keys to the new Mercedes-Benz V300d. Now, while the comfort levels of these two vehicles are worlds apart, my wife, in particular, preferred her shotgun drives in the Tourneo over the V-Class. This clearly illustrates how personal preferences play a role in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment, with each brand catering to different tastes.
A NEW STANDARD
Ford South Africa has indeed raised the bar with the new Tourneo, delivering a multi-activity vehicle that is versatile and luxurious. It is initially available in the Trend specification and a long-wheelbase configuration, powered by a 2.0-litre single turbo diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Right off the bat, the Tourneo impresses with its enhanced comfort and convenience, which are made possible by its optimised chassis architecture with independent rear suspension.
Thanks to its flexible seating system, the Tourneo feels like a modern living room on wheels. It offers three rows of seating for up to eight occupants, with the second and third rows mounted on tracks that allow you to slide them forward or back or even remove them entirely. This adaptability proved invaluable during our week with the vehicle, significantly when reconfiguring the cabin for a weekend family outing.
DAILY DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Considering its size, navigating the urban jungle in the Tourneo is surprisingly easy. The commanding driving position gives you a panoramic view of the road. For our needs, the Ranger-derived turbodiesel is fuel-efficient and powerful, delivering 100 kW at 3,500 rpm and 360 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Paired with the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, it provides a relaxed and comfortable driving experience, whether running errands or heading out on a long-distance journey.
The independent rear suspension, which effortlessly absorbs bumps, stood out the most during my daily commutes, making for a plush and stable ride. The vehicle’s low floor height and integrated sidestep make getting in and out easy, a feature that my kids particularly appreciated. Speaking of kids, the ISOFIX points on all three second-row seats and the two outboard seats in the third row ensure that child safety is well-catered for.
TECH AND CONVENIENCE
Ford has ensured that the Tourneo is no slouch when it comes to technology. The front cabin features a 13″ touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC®4 infotainment system, which is compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The wireless charging pad was a blessing throughout the week, as I never had to worry about tangled cables cluttering the centre console.
Additionally, the Tourneo is packed with driver-assistance features like Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid, and even a 180-degree camera system with front and rear parking sensors, making navigating tight parking spots a breeze.
Space and Practicality
One of the Tourneo’s standout features is its configurable space. With all seats in place, it comfortably accommodates eight passengers, but remove the second and third-row seats, and you get a cavernous 6.8m³ of cargo space. We carried bicycles, sports gear, and even a few bulky DIY items with room to spare. The track-mounted seating system is brilliantly designed, allowing you to easily switch between people-carrying and cargo-hauling modes.
COMFORT VS LUXURY
Now, back to the comparison between the Tourneo and the V-Class. While the V300d undeniably offers a more luxurious feel with its premium finishes and quiet cabin, the Tourneo holds its ground with superior practicality and overall comfort. My wife’s preference for the Tourneo’s shotgun seat revealed a vital point: luxury isn’t always about plush materials but the overall comfort and driving experience.
EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE
Under the hood, the lone turbo mill with AdBlue delivers both efficiency and impressively low emissions. Ford’s advanced eight-speed automatic transmission made city driving smooth and effortless, while the selectable Drive Modes, including Eco and Tow/Haul, allowed me to optimise performance based on driving conditions. The Tourneo is also quite the workhorse, offering a braked trailer weight capacity of up to 2,500 kg, making it an ideal choice for those family getaways that require towing a trailer or boat.
LAST WORD
Spending a week with the new Ford Tourneo Trend LWB was an eye-opener. Ford has reimagined what a people mover can be by focusing on comfort, versatility, and practicality without sacrificing performance. It’s a vehicle designed to make life easier, whether shuttling the family around town, heading off on a road trip, or even using it for business purposes. For someone like me who’s always on the go, the Tourneo proved to be a reliable and comfortable companion.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © FORD SOUTH AFRICA
