Once again, the Blue Oval brand has unveiled the facelift of one of its most popular leisure/multi-activity vehicles, the Tourneo. Currently available in the entry-level derivative, Trend, we took it for a spin along the scenic roads of the West Coast, covering approximately 500km to fully experience what it had to offer
.Built on a completely new platform, this new Tourneo has undergone a much-needed revamp from the ground up, including a refreshed front end, improved transmission, weight reduction, tech-filled interior, and more.
For the 2024 Tourneo, the exterior now exudes a stylish and minimalist look, featuring a wider blacked-out radiator grill and slimmer headlights that blend seamlessly. Additionally, 18-inch alloy wheels now come as standard, giving it a premium appearance.
Interior, tech, and practicality
Inside, the Tourneo features a modern interior space filled with usable storage compartments. The standout feature is the 13-inch touchscreen infotainment screen boasting Ford’s Sync 4 technology, compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto wirelessly. The cabin is also equipped with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 4 USB ports, 2 12V power sockets, a wireless phone charging pad, and a 10-speaker sound system.
The seating position behind the wheel felt on point, with great road visibility and a nicely weighted steering wheel. The Tourneo Custom can accommodate a total of seven passengers, with the freedom to arrange or detach the rear seats in different configurations. The seats are cloth upholstery and quite comfortable, with a heating function available for both front seats.
Safety
In terms of safety, the Ford Tourneo in the Trend derivative comes equipped with six airbags, a reverse-view camera with front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, and driver’s assistance features like lane-keep assist and hill-start assist.
Powertrain and Drive
The new Tourneo Custom is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering 100kW and 360Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The combination of this powertrain proved to work in perfect sync, providing adequate performance. The handling felt composed even in challenging conditions, with the refined suspension absorbing road imperfections smoothly.
Driving modes include Eco, Normal, Slippery, and Towing.
With Pricing yet to be confirmed, here are some rivals worth mentioning
Opel Zafira, VW Transporter, Mercedes Vito, and Hyundai Staria.
Verdict:
The new Tourneo Custom is a significant improvement over its predecessor, even in the entry-level Trend derivative. It offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, a range of tech and safety features, and a more refined driving experience.
