Ford Tourneo and Transit
Ford have had two really great years. They have launched the best bakkie in South Africa, the Ranger, the best affordable small car the Figo based on the previous Fiesta and the new Focus and Fiesta.
The recently launched Ford range of vans are big medium sized vehicles.
The Tourneo which is a 8 seater luxury people mover and its cargo sister the Transit.
They both use the brilliant 2.2 litre turbodiesel engine made in Port Elizabeth and also fitted to the Ranger bakkies. These Duratorq TDCi 2.2 engines come in two versions of which the more powerful produces 92kW at 3 500 and 350Nm from 1 450 rpm. A lot of power with which to work.
Ford Tourneo
They are fitted with 6 forward gears so fuel consumption is excellent. The sixth gear is almost like a long overdrive, helping to give impressive highway consumption figures of under 6litre/100km. Ford claims 6.5litre/100km for general driving. I think you will get around 7litre/100km based on my experience and closer to 7.5 when fully laden. Still an awesome figure. Top speed is over 150km/h. Acceleration is car like. With the smooth gearbox and easy clutch, changing gears becomes second nature the first time you drive these vans.
You are helped by the hill launch assist function which holds the van for a moment when you take your foot off the brake to pull away without effort even on a hill. The turning circle is around 12m.
The vans come fitted with all the important safety features including ABS with EBD, stability control, and rear solid disks at the back. Airbags are standard for both driver and front passenger, side airbags and in the Tourneo includes curtain airbags as well. These vans are as safe as is practical with today’s technology and is class leading.
Interior
Interior
The interior of especially the Tourneo is well designed and is fully equipped. The front windows are powered.
Fitted as standard is air conditioning with filter-air pollen purifier, heated fully adjustable front seats, carpets throughout, courtesy lights and all the normal bottle holders and pouches.
The middle and rear seats fold completely and can be relatively easily removed to make a huge cargo space. The Tourneo has more space behind the rear seats than any of its competition.
There are 3 power points, a good sound system with USB, Bluetooth, aux connections, arm rests and 8 coat hooks.
The cabin is very pleasant and will make a great tourer.
A very big boot
Driving impressions
The Tourneo is effortless to drive. Much like a big car. Even reversing is easy thanks to the park distance sensors and split rear view mirrors which have normal and wide angle mirrors. Visibility is excellent.
Acceleration is good, especially when overtaking. You just need to drop a gear and away she goes. It cruises at 120km/h with ease.
Cornering is impressive for such a tall vehicle (2m high) and you always feel confident. Both handling and road holding set new standards for medium sized vans.
Conclusion
Ford spares are generally very affordable and available so keeping your vehicle on the road should be easy. The new Fords all drive well, have good road holding and appear to really well built.
The Tourneo is the perfect shuttle or courtesy bus. Take the seats out and you have a cargo van.
A vehicle, which although slightly smaller, should be looked at when considering the Fords is the Hyundai H1 range. The diesel H1s are very good.
All Ford vans come with a 4 yr/120 000km warranty and 5 yr/unlimited km corrosion guarantee. Service intervals are 15 000km.
Ford Tourneo
Pricing
Ford Tourneo passenger busses
Model Excl. Vat Incl. Vat
Ambiente SWB – LP R 338,246 R385,600
Trend SWB – MP R 358,070 R408,200
Ambiente LWB – LP R 344,386 R392,600
Ambiente LWB – LP R 364,123 R415,100
Ford Transit cargo vans
Model Excl. Vat Incl. Vat
2.2 Ambiente SWB – LP R 265,877 R303,100
2.2 Ambiente LWB – LP R 272,018 R310,100
2.2 Ambiente SWB – MP R 269,123 R306,800
2.2 Ambiente LWB – MP R 278,772 R317,800
2.2 Sport HP R 320,175 R365,000
