The first derivative of the box-fresh Ford Tourneo has landed on South African shores, with the local arm of the Blue Oval brand saying the latest iteration is a “compelling” choice in the van segment, thanks to style, comfort, refinement, and more, such as its “advanced” connectivity and new luxury features.
But just what can you expect from the latest version? Well, for starters, at first, it will be exclusively available in long-wheelbase format (which comes with eight seats, no less) and in Trend level of specification. Ford SA has, however, confirmed that additional variants will be introduced to our market later in 2024.
But back to the the model opening the innings for the local Tourneo portfolio…
This eight-seater variant sits on an “optimised” platform, which, Ford says, ensures “generous” interior space. The middle and aft pews, the latter of which incorporates ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, are mounted to a “flexible” track set-up, allowing you to slide the seats forward and back to provide sufficient space for passengers.
However, for the lifestyle- and leisure-orientated, this system also allows you to remove the seats, which, Ford says, are lighter than before, for when you are loading larger items, such as bicycles or your camping equipment. Removing the middle and rear pews enhances load capacity to 6.8 m3. As such, there’s also space for a trio of Euro pallets.
Loading items into the Tourneo has also been made easier, Ford says, with the latest model features a larger aperture for the sliding doors, lower floor height, and an integrated side step.
In addition, as a result of its design, the new Tourneo’s height comes in at under two metres. As such, it enables easier access to garages and underground car parks.
Now, on to the features. The Tourneo Trend is equipped with a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The SYNC 4 unit comes with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-inch instrument cluster, which includes a 7.0-inch configurable digital display is also present. Three-zone climate control is included.
The Tourney Trend LWB is powered by the firm’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which, here is fitted with a single turbocharger. The powertrain produces 100 kW and 360 Nm of torque, the latter of which is available from 1 750 r/min. The oil-burner is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers power to the front axle.
The Tourneo LWB Trend is priced at R999 200. The latter includes a four-year/120 000 km warranty. Service and maintenance plans are optional.