By Otsile Kadiege

As promised, Ford South Africa is ready to introduce the new Tourneo eight-seater people-mover in Mzansi. The new Tourneo ushers in a sporty new look, new levels of capability and refinement, a comprehensive list of advanced driver assistance systems, and a turbocharged diesel engine.

Tourneo performance

The newcomer is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBlue diesel engine making a 100kW of power at 3 500 r/min, matched to 360Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min. It is exclusively available with an advanced new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The performance of the powertrain can be optimised using the Selectable Drive Modes, including Eco and Tow/Haul, to suit different operating requirements and driving conditions. All powertrain variants offer competitive towing capability, including a braked trailer weight of up to 2 500kg.

Versatile interior for eight people

Inside, thanks to an optimised vehicle platform, the new Tourneo ensures generous cabin space, with three rows of seating for up to eight occupants. The enhanced interior specification starts with a flexible new track-mounted seating system in the second- and third rows, which allows maximum adaptability when arranging the cabin for people and luggage. The tracked seating enables customers to slide seats forward or back along notched tracks set into the rear cabin floor, or to lift seats out completely. The three second-row seats can each be moved independently, while the third-row seats have a two seat/one seat split.

The new seats are lighter than those in the outgoing model and the second-row features integrated seatbelts, so reconfiguring the cabin – including into a useful six-person conference layout – can be done more quickly and easily. With the second- and third-row seats removed, a massive 6.8m3 of loading volume is unleashed, along with the ability to carry three standard Euro pallets. ISOFIX points are available on all three seats in the second-row as well as the two outboard seats in the third row.

For maximum comfort on the move, the Tourneo’s cabin offers high-end features such as tri-zone electronic climate control and heated driver and front passenger seats.

The optimised platform has also enabled a reduced overall height of under two metres, which enables access to garages and multi-storey car parks that are often inaccessible to vehicles in the Tourneo segment, as well as contributing to optimised efficiency and refinement through improved aerodynamics.

Safety and assistance systems

The new Tourneo features a comprehensive suite of Ford’s latest advanced driver assistance systems, including a number of features available on the model for the first time: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid, Evasive Steering Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Reverse Brake Assist, Driver Alert with Driver Impairment Monitor, ABS brakes with Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and a 180-degree camera system with front and rear parking sensors.

 A total of six airbags are provided, comprising dual front, side and curtain airbags. In terms of vehicle security, shielded power door deadlocks are fitted, along with a two-step door unlocking system as part of the keyless entry and push-button start. A Thatcham Category 1-specification alarm and immobiliser system is available as an option.

Pricing and warranty

Tourneo Trend LWB Bus 2.0L 8AT – R999,200

Additional models will follow later this year.

Included as standard is a four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first. Customers have the option of purchasing a service or maintenance plan, up to eight years or 165 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.