Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 2013 review
The Ford Grand Tourneo Connect offers no-nonsense practicality with room for seven adults
If your concerns centre around space, low costs and durability, then the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect makes sense over more stylish large MPVs out there. It will seat seven adults in comfort and the flexible seating arrangement is excellent. The looks won’t be to everyone’s taste, but with prices are around £1,250 less than the Grand C-MAX, it certainly makes financial sense.
The Ford Grand Tourneo Connect offers the same rugged, no-frills practicality as the standard Tourneo Connect - but with space for seven.
Unlike the five-seat model, the Grand Tourneo Connect is only offered with a choice of two diesel engines. This higher-powered 113bhp version is the best fit for this larger seven-seat model. With 285Nm of torque it feels punchy with just a driver on board, and will cope better with carrying seven people, plus all their bags.
This higher-powered version also comes with a six-speed gearbox (the 94bhp engine only get a five-speed ‘box), which makes cruising at motorway speeds a far more pleasant experience. The cabin is relatively quiet, too, with only the slight rumble of the diesel engine audible in the background.
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There is little to split between the five- and seven-seat models on the road, though the added weight of the larger model can be felt in the corners. But what it loses in responsiveness, it makes up for in practicality.
The rearmost seats can slide back and forth, to offer more legroom or greater luggage space depending on what you need. Push them back as far as possible and there’s enough space for two full-grown adults. Fold both rows of seats, or take them out, and there’s a massive 2,620 litres of space to use.
The Ford Grand Tourneo Connect is also available with a number of different safety systems – including Ford Active City Stop, which uses sensors to avoid accidents up to 18mph.
In the small section of the market it competes in, the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect could quickly become the top choice. It feels tough as a van, but ditches the look and feel of the more sombre commercial vehicle it’s based on.
