Ford Tourneo Custom – business "stagecoach"

The new Tourneo Custom is proof that even a minibus that seats up to nine people can look great and elegant. In the tested version of Sport and navy blue with glued "fast stripes" even really sporty. From the front, we find a bold new look with a distinctive grille, known from the latest passenger cars of the Ford brand. While in the side view, the distinctive line that stretches along the lower edge of the windows attracts attention, in the front part, the dynamic headlights are also of interest. Daytime lighting is provided by an LED tube with a typical Ford design, and xenon headlights provide road lighting. Consecration into turns is also a matter of course here. The rear part is distinguished by a pair of vertical lights that stretch up to the roof. Between them is a huge, upward-tilting tailgate. When parking, you must leave enough space behind to open them at all.

The Tourneo Custom is available in an eight-seat or nine-seat configuration. The customer can also choose from two wheelbase lengths. The extended wheelbase model then offers even more storage space behind the third row of seats. Also, thanks to its height below two meters, it meets the typical restrictions for entry into underground or covered garages.

The tested L1 version offers a wheelbase of 2933 mm, a total length of 4970 mm and seating for 8 passengers. If you remove all the passenger seats, you get a cargo space of 6.0 m3. If all the seats are in place, the length of the space behind the third row of seats is 665 mm. For the L2 version, it is up to 6.8 m3 and 1032 mm.

The Tourneo Custom is equipped as standard with a pair of side sliding doors with footrests for easy entry into the vehicle. The rear platform facilitates access to the rear luggage compartment.

Comfortably equipped vans are mainly expected to be versatile and multifunctional today. Therefore, in addition to three rows of seats in the traditional arrangement (2 + 3 +3), Tourneo Custom also offers the so-called conference seating with the second row facing the direction of travel. Manipulating the seats is not difficult at all, but it takes a little practice and more strength, because the individual seats are quite heavy due to the robust anchoring mechanism. The flexible rear seats allow for up to 30 different configurations. For example, a seat that is not occupied can be folded down and moved forward, thereby gaining additional space for luggage. Or if passengers need a table, any seat can be folded down to create a horizontal surface. And finally, if you need maximum cargo space, you can remove the rear seats completely. The seats offer passengers maximum comfort, especially with optional equipment such as folding seats, armrests or leather covers. The seats are also equipped with ISOFIX child seat holders.

The driver's seat is fully adjustable, as is the steering wheel, so you can easily find the optimal position here. An adjustable armrest is available for both the driver and front passenger, as well as an adjustable lumbar support and heated seats. The seating level here is almost like in a better passenger car, and even after a long journey you will not get out of the seats tired.

The dashboard is tuned to the style of passenger cars and you will find classic Ford controls and their layout here. There are plenty of storage spaces and you always have all your things at hand even while driving. Nothing falls out of the cup holders or shelves and they are easy to maintain. There is also a 150W/240V socket, which is mounted between the front seats. The seating position and the feeling of driving a class smaller car are also excellent. I only have a small complaint about the weaker booster and the left leg rest, which is recessed, so I always automatically put my leg on the plastic fender cover.

Technological and multimedia equipment did not bypass the innovations either. Its center is, as in new models of passenger vehicles from Ford, an 8-inch touch screen, which you can control with voice commands or gestures – the same as you control your smartphone. The improved SYNC 3 system is also faster and more intuitive to use. The equipment also includes 10 speakers for sounding the entire vehicle, sun blinds for rear passengers (even those in the third row), air conditioning vents in the ceiling along with individual temperature settings for the second and third rows and much more.

The Tourneo Custom is the first vehicle in its category to be equipped with an intelligent speed limiter. With this function, you will no longer accidentally exceed the maximum permitted speed. The system notices the surrounding traffic signs, from which it can read the speed limits on specific sections. The intelligent speed limiter comes in combination with adaptive cruise control.

The safety equipment also includes a blind spot monitoring system, which actively monitors the situation behind you and warns you with a light signal in the rearview mirror on a specific side.

The tested 2.0TDCi EcoBlue engine with an output of 125kW (170k) and 405Nm is completely sufficient and does not detract from the dynamics even when the vehicle is fully loaded. The engine makes a little more noise in the cabin, but only during start-up and sharp acceleration. During normal driving, it is exemplary quiet and you can't tell about it. Not even the typical diesel rumble can be felt here. Newer versions that can be ordered already have a power of 136kW (185k) with the same torque of 405Nm and the option of a version with the MildHybrid system, which helps when starting and when acceleration is needed.

The engine was coupled with a 6-speed Poweshift automatic transmission. The transmission understands the engine and is tuned for short, so 1-2-3-4-5 is there immediately and the 6th gear is a highway "puller". Downshifting when overtaking is a minor problem. Here, as if she was deciding for a long time whether or not to subordinate her. And finally he does it in the middle of an overtaking maneuver. The choice of gearbox also affects consumption. With an automatic you will not look below 10L/100km and if you do, you will have to drive very defensively and forget about dynamic overtaking.

So if you're looking for a practical and large car for a large family, like to travel in full on holidays or simply need a highway "coach" for business… the Tourneo Custom is here. The price of the tested model is €36,680 without VAT, and if you add extensive safety equipment supported by a whole range of intelligent assistance technologies, you will find that the competition with a similar price tag will not easily offer you such a flexible and spacious small van.

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