Ford Tourneo review
Ford’s Tourneo van can haul eight in comfort with impressive internal configuration options.
Flexibility is an ace up the sleeve of Ford’s Tourneo people-mover.
Apparently, there are more than 100 different configurations possible with the second and third rows.
At full capacity there’s room for eight, or remove both rows for a mini load lugger.
During our test we were kicking back at footy training with the laptop operational on one of the seats folded into a table. The second and third seat rows sit on rails and can be slid forward and back depending on space required, while the middle pew can be positioned backward for a conference-like design.
Türkiye-built, the Tourneo takes on the segment-leading Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria, Volkswagen Multivan and the higher-end Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
Two models are available, with the base Active model starting from about $71,700 drive-away, while the range-topper our family sampled is about $5000 more.
What do you get?
Sitting above the Active variant, Titanium X models gain key extras including man-made leather trim, 14-speaker stereo, panoramic glass roof, “premium” 17-inch alloy wheels and a 360-degree camera view which makes parking far simpler.
Other headline features include tri-zone aircon, keyless start, 13-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charger, satnav and heated front seats.
White is the only no cost external option, with silver, two shades of grey, black and blue all an additional $700.
Warranty coverage meets the industry baseline of five years and unlimited kilometres, while servicing costs are on the higher end of mid-range with five maintenance visits totalling $3240. But intervals are long, at 30,000km or annual.
How was the drive?
Sharing its platform with the Transit Custom, the Tourneo can’t escape its workmanlike foundation.
Under the skin is a four-cylinder turbo-diesel which is a strong little unit that offers steady pull off the line, but does its best work once under way and then offers solid mid-range acceleration.
Comfort is improved courtesy of independent rear suspension – many vans adopt a less sophisticated leaf design – but the Tourneo can feel unwieldy if carrying too much speed into bends and the front wheels can battle for traction if there is excessive enthusiasm from your right ankle. Sharp ruts and speed humps can reverberate through the cabin.
For those not used to being behind the wheel of a van the short front overhang can take some time in which to become accustomed, yet it has a compact turning circle which makes U-turns and parking simpler.
Given the 5m length it can often be easier to reverse into parks, with the 360-degree camera view vital to maintain position between the lines.
The oil-burner did prove efficient during our test, with average diesel consumption of 8.5L/100km. AdBlue fluid helps reduce the nasties from diesel engines, and is also required to be topped up regularly.
Would you buy one?
Kel: The driving experience grew on me throughout the week. Initially I struggled with all aspects, but once I got used to the short front overhang it became easier. The lack of a handle to climb in and out of the driver’s seat is an oversight, but the weight and size of the boot door meant the lack of electric operation made it challenging to shut. While I like the van as a concept, I found the Tourneo was too awkward for my daily needs.
Grant: Vans struggle to garner support as they aren’t sexy enough for most buyers. But they make so much sense once you weigh up the benefits. Down the track the Ford might bring the E-Tourneo here which will feature a 160kW/415Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels. Space and flexibility are impressive in the Tourneo but it falls short of the comfort and functionality of the class-leading Kia Carnival.
Originally published as Ford Tourneo review
