Having the wrong vehicle for a road trip can be the difference between a nightmare of an adventure, or a stellar trip you’ll never forget. Ford knows this, and its Tourneo range of vans deliver shuttle or family-ready options that bring a lot of bang for your buck; but is it the right car for you?
From the get-go, the 2,0-litre diesel powered Ford Tourneo Custom delivers one thing in spades: space. With a family, pets, and all the gear that comes with any sizable South African family, you need a car that can handle it all.
The Tourneo doesn’t just offer space; it redefines it. Engineered for maximum versatility, this multi-activity vehicle boasts a generous cabin with a flexible track-mounted seating system that lets you arrange eight seats in endless configurations.
Space to lose a Great Dane in
The lower floor height makes loading and unloading the Tourneo a breeze, especially when you need to leave in a hurry and want to unpack swiftly. And with the overall height reduced to under two metres, you’ll never have to worry about squeezing into tight parking spots or navigating low-clearance areas, wherever you’re heading.
In terms of comfort, the seats are plush and supportive, perfect for those long stretches between towns. Additionally, the cabin is surprisingly quiet, too, which means passengers can chat, laugh, and even enjoy a few moments of peace depending on where in the vehicle you are.
Pet owner’s delight
For pet owners, the Tourneo is a dream. The spacious interior means there’s plenty of room for a pet carrier or a comfy spot for your furry friend to stretch out. Plus, the easy-to-clean surfaces are a lifesaver when you’re dealing with muddy paws or the inevitable spill from a juice box.
The Tourneo Custom also delivers on the tech front, and includes a 13-inch central touchscreen with SYNC 4 infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And, the multiple USB-C ports and 12V socket in the third row is a godsend for keeping devices charged and potential tantrums at bay.
One standout feature is the Rear View Camera, which made reversing and parking in tight spots effortless. After a long day of exploring, the last thing you want is to stress about reversing into a narrow space, the Tourneo’s tech takes care of that for you.
Plus, the minibus comes with an impressive list of standard safety equipment. This includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, as well as Hill Launch Assist.
Pricing and verdict
The Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0L LWB Bus Trend sells for R1 104 500. It scores 4 out of 5.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
