Test Car Specifications
Model: 2022 Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Active 2.0 EcoBlue Powershift (standard length pictured)
Price: £29,350
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 122hp
Torque: 320Nm
Emissions: 140g/km
Economy/Range: 52.9mpg
0-62mph: 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 116mph
Boot space: 1,720 litres (in five-seat configuration)
Styling
The new Tourneo Connect is part of Ford's fresh partnership with arch rivals Volkswagen, and it sees the new MPV share much with the VW Caddy MPV and the Caddy Cargo van. That's apparent in the rear door, tail lights and the overall silhouette, but there are some obvious Ford modifications. Not least the massive grille, which gives it a bit more presence, and the slightly taller stance of the Active version, which sits on big wheels and offers some chunky body cladding.
Interior
Understandably, the Tourneo Connect's cabin looks much the same as that of the Caddy. There's the same dashboard layout, the same centre console and even the same gear selector with a kind of toggle arrangement. The touchscreen is the same, too, although Ford has tried to hide that with its own fonts and colour schemes, but there's no getting away from it. That's a shame, because it means the Tourneo Connect makes do with the VW infotainment system, which leaves something to be desired. It's mostly fine, but the integration of the air conditioning is clunky and the insistence on using touch-sensitive switches is irritating to say the least. Still, the quality is good and materials aren't bad either. If you didn't know the Tourneo was based on a van, you probably wouldn't guess from the dash.
Practicality
Naturally, practicality is the name of the game with this car, so it's no surprise to see the Tourneo Connect excel in this area. Customers get a choice of two lengths, and you can choose whether or not to have seven seats. That means there's lots of flexibility, and boot space depends largely on which layout you select. The longer Grand Tourneo Connect we tested could accommodate 1,720 litres of luggage while still providing seating for five. And there's more than just a big boot. With plenty of stowage including a shelf above the windscreen, the Tourneo is a hugely practical family car.
Performance
Tourneo Connect customers can choose one of two engines, both of which drive the front wheels alone and are available with manual or automatic gearboxes. Our test car came with the 2.0-litre diesel engine, which churns out 122hp. That's sufficient, but the seven-speed automatic gearbox is occasionally sluggish, and that means performance is no better than adequate, while using that performance gets noisy at times. But economy is much more important, and there the diesel excels, returning over 50mpg on a long run despite the boxy shape. You won't get that from the less powerful 1.5-litre petrol engine that represents the sole alternative.
Ride & Handling
Comfort and visibility are the most important factors in the Tourneo Connect's driving experience, and again it performs well in those areas. You sit high, and the huge amount of glass around you means seeing out is easy enough, but the suspension is less of a triumph. Designed to accommodate a range of payloads, it's a little firm when the car is empty, although it isn't too bad for a van-derived MPV. The steering is light, which helps with manoeuvrability, but there's little in the way of off-road capability, even with the Active models and their elevated height. There's no all-wheel-drive option and while winter tyres will help in the snow, the Tourneo isn't really designed for any proper off-roading.
Value
With prices starting at well below £30,000, the Tourneo Connect is competitively priced. Admittedly, our test car came with a few choice options, but the price was still sensible for the amount of space on offer. Standard kit is reasonable, too, although we'd like to see climate control offered as standard on this high-end Active version, rather than the bargain basement manual air conditioning. As a result, there isn't all that much going for the Active model, particularly when you could have a lowlier version with similar kit for less money.
Verdict
If you're coming to the Tourneo Connect from an S-Max, you can't expect the same level of refinement or handling. But the Tourneo scores highly in terms of space and practicality, which is surely among the key attributes of any family car. Living with one of these may require a change in attitude and expectations, but it's surprisingly easy to do.
