The Ford Tourneo Connect, a collaboration between Ford and VW, stands out as a unique offering in the lineup of Ford vehicles. Unlike its counterparts such as the Ranger pick-up, Explorer, and Capri, the Tourneo Connect bears a striking resemblance to a VW both inside and out.
From the door handles to the electric window switches to the column stalks, the interior of the Tourneo Connect exudes a Volkswagen aesthetic. The only giveaway that this is indeed a Ford is the badge on the steering wheel. Despite the lack of traditional Ford design cues, the Tourneo Connect boasts a high-quality feel with its fixtures and fittings. The cabin feels sturdy, well-secured, and durable, although some may find the abundance of shiny moldings around the dashboard to be a bit excessive.
The car is equipped with VW’s 10-inch multimedia touchscreen that runs Ford’s infotainment software. The interface is user-friendly, with a row of physical shortcut buttons below the screen for easy navigation. ADAS control toggles and powertrain mode selection are easily accessible, making for a seamless driving experience. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, with higher-grade Active models featuring a device charging pad.
The Tourneo Connect’s boxy profile and high roofline provide ample front headroom for drivers of all heights. The same spaciousness extends to the rear seats, making for a comfortable ride for passengers. The short-wheelbase five-seater model we tested featured second-row chairs that can be folded and flipped up against the front seatbacks to increase cargo capacity. While the seats are heavy and cumbersome to remove, their removal opens up over 2500 liters of cargo space, with a peak loading height of nearly 1.2 meters. Additionally, a folding front passenger seatback allows for the transportation of extra-long items.
Although the Tourneo Connect lacks sliding back seats and expandable storage features, its large, tall cargo bay offers exceptional practicality. With a huge, straight-sided cargo area, this compact car proves to be remarkably versatile for various hauling needs.
In conclusion, the Ford Tourneo Connect may deviate from the typical Ford aesthetic, but it makes up for it with its practicality and solid build quality. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family car or a reliable workhorse, the Tourneo Connect delivers on both fronts.
