Well it didn’t take long for Ford to drop the act and announce officially the Tourneo Custom people carrier – shown as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show – is not a concept. It is a full production model, going on sale later this year in Europe and other major markets around the world. The final version will debut at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in UK in April.
The Toureno is the first car in Ford’s new range of commercial vehicles set to replace the current range by 2014. Not sure if you can call a people carrier sporty, but it kinda is. Based on the Kinetic design language Ford uses for its hatchbacks and sedans, the Tourneo Custom is probably the best-looking in its class.
The car is also massively practical. Available in eight or nine seat configurations, Tourneo Custom offers a choice of short wheelbase (4.97 metres) and long wheelbase (5.34 metres) versions, both of which provide generous space for people and luggage. The rear seats have a clever design that fold flat into the floor, turning it into a van for moving stuff around.
The Toureno will launch with Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with three power ratings: 100 PS, 125 PS and 155 PS. They will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox and standard Auto-Start-Stop.
The high level of technology offered by Tourneo Custom includes the following features:
* ECOnetic Technologies – Ford’s advanced low-CO2 features including standard Auto-Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging on all Stage V emission vehicles
* SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system – enables mobile phones and music players to be connected to the vehicle, and operated by voice control
* Emergency Assistance – enabled by SYNC, this award-winning new feature is designed to assist occupants to contact the Emergency Services in the event of an accident, providing vehicle location information
* Advanced restraint system – includes driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
* Rear-view camera – integrated into the rear view mirror
* Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert – latest driver assistance features alert the driver if the system detects the vehicle is inadvertently drifting out of the lane, or the driver is becoming tired behind the wheel
