ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE FORD TOURNEO CUSTOM
When a Ford Tourneo Custom arrived in my driveway, my thoughts were mixed. First who would buy such a vehicle?
Ford describe it as a people mover, in my book I would say MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle). However as the week progressed, I could see this vehicle having appeal to a wider audience than I first imagined. It would be ideal for a motor racing team to transport personnel and for large famlies it would also really fit the bill.
The completely renewed line-up of Tourneo people movers made their first public appearance at the Brussels Motor Show, a line-up of three versatile and spacious new models offering enhanced style, sophisticated interior technologies and advanced engines.
The eight/nine-seat Custom tops the range and is easily distinguished by its bold new front-end design, and it offers an all-new premium cabin interior which features unique-in-segment rear seating with six individual seats that can be arranged in conference format. One of the appeal factors of this Ford is with the manner in which you can decide on the seating style and the added bonus lots of boot space, so a large family could happily take all of their trappings when they set off on holiday. A degree of thought when it comes to parking as many of our town and city car parks are just too tight, even for a conventional saloon, hatchback or compact SUV.
On the road it was like being in charge of an executive car; vision was superb from the elevated seating position and I journeyed through counties Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh and on one occasion an outing to Bundoran in County Donegal. No, I was not going to the seaside with my bucket and spade, but in search of a tasty ice cream. All onboard fully appreciated the grandstand view of the countryside and the much appreciated roominess of the vehicle.
According to one study, business people rate face to face meetings to be worth five video conferences, ten telephone calls or 20 emails. And with many business travellers expecting to make more trips in the coming year, there is a clear benefit to ensuring time on the move is not wasted.
The Tourneo Custom is the only people mover in its segment to offer six individual seats that can face each other, conference style, each with its own USB charging point. From brainstorming with colleagues to a one-on-one catch-up, seating can be quickly configured to provide a flexible, interactive workspace. For families, you can keep the children easily occupied with their various game handsets etc. This well styled new people mover was developed following detailed research into how customers use their vehicles, and the seating features they value most. First introduced in 2013, the Tourneo Custom the latest version has a bold new front-end design, a completely new premium interior, and delivers superior levels of refinement and sophistication. Providing the power a range of efficient diesel engines, all two litre capacity with power outputs of 105,130 and 170PS and a super slick six speed manual or automatic transmission, my test vehicle had the manual.
My test vehicle had the 130PS engine giving a top speed of 164kph and on the combined fuel economy cycle according to Ford figures, 6.4lpk. The emissions figure for this particular vehicle-178g/km. Long or short wheelbase and access is easy via dual sliding rear doors and a very large tailgate which is quite heavy to operate. My test vehicle was a Zetec LWB and one plus point that I must highlight connecting my mobile phone was lightning fast, one which the business user will fully appreciate.
Ian Lynas
Tweet to @IanLynas
Categories