Ford has unveiled an all-new version of the Tourneo Connect to replace its almost decade-old model. Underneath, the new passenger vehicle shares most of its components with the latest Volkswagen Caddy.
The new Tourneo Connect is the first product born from the Blue Oval’s commercial vehicle tie-in with Volkswagen that will soon be reciprocated by the next-generation Amarok pick-up, which will be based on the same underpinnings as the upcoming replacement for the Ford Ranger. There’s no word yet on a larger Ford Transit Connect version, although the arrival of a new Volkswagen T7 in late 2021 could tie in nicely for further platform sharing.
The all-new Ford Tourneo Connect will go on sale in early 2022, with first deliveries expected to arrive in spring. Prices are yet to be revealed, although Ford has confirmed that there’ll be a choice of four trim-levels, called Trend, Titanium, Sport and Active.
Each specification gets a range of model-specific styling tweaks, with the entry-level Trend equipped with a gloss black grille surround and plastic wheel trims. Titanium models feature satin chrome trim, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Ford’s Sport variant comes with bonnet stripes, a deep front splitter and 17-inch alloys, while the SUV-inspired Active specification gets a honeycomb radiator grille, a faux skid plate up front and extra cladding for the wheel arches, side skirts and bumpers. It also features a unique set of 17-inch wheels.
Buyers will also have a choice of both short and long-wheelbase variants. The former has a maximum carrying capacity of 2,600 litres, while the latter can swallow up to 3,100 litres (both with the rear seats removed). This pairing feature a folding front passenger seat, too, which allows items up to three metres long to be transported inside the vehicle.
Ford’s tie-in with Volkswagen means the new Tourneo inherits a host of modern technology seen in some of VW’s passenger cars. Trend variants come as standard with an 8.25-inch infotainment system, while Titanium models and up benefit from a 10-inch central screen. Sport models also get a 10.25-inch digital dash display.
There are also no less than 19 different driver assistance technologies available. Standard equipment includes cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking, while buyers can specify items such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and active park assist as optional extras.
Tourneo customers will have a choice of one petrol and two diesel powertrains, all of which are lifted from the Volkswagen stable. The petrol option is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit with 113bhp and 220Nm of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although a seven-speed automatic will be available as an optional extra.
Ford says the unit will return up to 44.8mpg on the WLTP cycle, while emissions stand at between 144 and 170g/km depending on the specification and gearbox.
The two diesel engines are based on the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit. The cheaper model has an output of 110bhp and 280Nm of torque, while the range-topping version has 120bhp and 320Nm of torque.
Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although the more powerful option can be specified with a seven-speed automatic. The 120bhp model can even be optionally equipped with four-wheel drive and a protective undertray.
Ford says both diesels will return up to 58.8mpg when fitted with the manual gearbox. On the 120bhp unit, this figure drops to a maximum of 55.3mpg when paired with the automatic, sliding to 53.2mpg when paired with the four-wheel drive system. Emissions range between 124 and 159g/km depending on the specification.
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Keyword: All-new 2022 Ford Tourneo Connect unveiled