Remember the Ford Transit van? Many of us have been driven to school in one. Over the years, the Ford Transit sort of disappeared from the Malaysian van segment and the Japanese vans took over the segment with smaller sized vans. Now, in recent years large luxury vans/MPVs have come into fashion in Malaysia with MPVs like the Stavic and Starex. Now comes a possible contender for a slice of the pie. Here is Ford’s Tourneo Custom Concept which debuted at the recent Geneva Motor Show. It is a revival of sorts for the Transit nameplate. The Tourneo is based on a new Ford global platform which has been engineered to deliver car-like dynamics and agile, responsive handling, plus improved comfort and noise-levels. The styling is based on the same “Kinetic Design language” used in the latest passenger cars, while the driving experience of the new van has been described by Ford as “car-like.” The cavernous space in the rear of the vehicle in the concept has been trimmed in leather and has the ambiance of a luxury passenger saloon, only with a lot more room.
Even in the concept car though, despite the rear of the eight-seater being trimmed in leather with sumptuous multi-adjustable leather seats, the seats can be easily reconfigured into different arrangements and they have also been designed so they can be easily removed for special purposes then replaced quickly.
The Tourneo’s technology toolbox includes a SYNC voice-activated connectivity system that allows control of both phone and tablet with voice, a rear-view camera, and a system which detects and alerts the driver if it notices signs of drowsiness or if the vehicle is drifting out of the lane. The engine is a 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine and will be available in 100 PS, 125 PS and 155 PS versions with a six-speed manual transmission. All models will be available as short or long wheelbase and an extensive array of body styles will also be available, as you’d expect. Ford has plans for the vehicle in most international markets including Malaysia.
