ALL-NEW FORD TOURNEO CONNECT - OFFERS
UNIQUE OPTIONS FOR BUSINESS AND LEISURE
· All-new, purpose-built, dual use vehicle for business and leisure.
· Split-folding and independently removable 60/40 split rear seats, for
unparalleled interior versatility and enhanced load carrying.
· Designed and engineered to deliver outstanding levels of durability,
security and interior flexibility.
· Car-like comfort and driving quality.
· Ford Tourneo Connect will go on sale in the UK in August 2002.
Ford Motor Company Limited has revealed the latest addition to the new Transit Connect range with the introduction of Tourneo Connect. The all-new, dual use vehicle provides a class-leading combination of seating flexibility, security and low cost of ownership. This durable and highly versatile vehicle is the ideal solution for people who need a vehicle for both business and leisure.
The Ford Tourneo Connect is the only vehicle of its kind to offer split-folding and independently removable 60/40 split rear seats, to provide not only unparalleled interior versatility, but also enhanced load carrying capabilities.
"Tourneo Connect is a highly practical and cost-effective solution for people who need a single vehicle to satisfy all their commercial and domestic requirements. It will meet all the day-to-day demands of a busy work schedule, as well as family activities," said Steve Parker, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain. Continued
Unparalleled durability, car-like comfort and handling
Ford Tourneo Connect has been constructed to be exceptionally rugged yet provide
car-like comfort and driving characteristics.
Ford Tourneo Connect is built on a unique platform shared with the Transit Connect,
that makes industrial strength accessible to the dual-use customer for the first
time. Although Tourneo Connect is built as a tough commercial vehicle, it is
fun-to-drive, with true car-like driving characteristics.
Tourneo Connect's toughened bodyshell makes extensive use of high-strength steel,
including partially double skin body sides, and incorporates two side cross
members and a Boron-steel front cross member for added rigidity. The vehicle's
strengthened underbody is built with extensive use of high strength steel and
heavy-duty components. The vehicle comes complete with 15" five stud wheels
and reinforced tyres. Suspension systems and components are designed to meet
commercial vehicle durability requirements, and tuned to provide passenger car
levels of comfort and refinement.
Front and rear anti-roll bars enhance vehicle stability and handling and the
driving experience is further honed by specially tuned and developed power steering
and brake systems.
Versatile Interior
In a market with Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Expert, combi and window van models,
the five seat Tourneo Connect will be the only vehicle to offer all of the following
features:
· Optional fold-flat front passenger seat for maximum load length and
additional cube, or four-way adjustable seat with underseat stowage for improved
comfort and security.
· Rear passenger seat flexibility - as well as being fully removable,
the comfortable rear seat backrests fold flat, and the seat folds fully forward
and stows vertically.
· Rear seat (cushion & backrest) splits 60/40, offering maximum possible
configurations from one to three seats.
· Comprehensive door availability including standard twin side load doors,
and rear doors or tailgate options.
Outstanding security
The Ford Tourneo Connect will be among the most secure vehicle of its kind on
the market. A potential thief would be faced by an array of outstanding security
features. These include a 'lock-in-latch' system, first used on the full-size
Ford Transit. This system encases the door lock and latch in the same protective
steel box, thus eliminating connecting cables and rods that a thief might otherwise
be able to manipulate to gain entry to the vehicle.
The vehicle is also equipped with security-shielded wiring, key-operated bonnet
lock and the latest generation of Ford's advanced Passive Anti-Theft System
(PATS). This high-security engine immobiliser employs an electronic security
code, which means that not even 'hot wiring' will work. Continued
Safe
Ford Tourneo Connect will offer extensive safety systems, including driver,
passenger and side airbags, and anti-lock brakes. In addition, the vehicle's
bodyshell confers a high degree of structural integrity.
Comfort & Convenience
In keeping with Ford's policy of enhanced driving quality, Tourneo Connect delivers
car-like comfort levels and handling characteristics. All-round visibility is
excellent, for driver and passengers alike, and the cabin is extremely spacious.
Within its bold, distinctive body design, Tourneo Connect will also provide
excellent cab ergonomics. Driver comfort is further enhanced by a six-way adjustable
drivers seat; a rake and reach adjustable steering column; and it is available
with a wide range of comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning,
power windows and mirrors, CD auto-changer, alloy wheels, privacy glass and
remote central double locking.
Low cost of ownership
Tourneo Connect is engineered and built to provide low cost of ownership. Available
security systems are expected to contribute to competitive insurance ratings,
and cost of ownership will be further reduced through extended service intervals.
In addition, thanks to Tourneo Connect's exceptionally durable design and construction,
repair and maintenance bills will be kept to a minimum and residual values are
also expected to be high. Competitive parts and labour pricing coupled with
good fuel economy complete the picture. Tourneo Connect will also benefit from
the support of Ford's extensive Transit Specialist Dealer network.
Continued
State-of-the-art assembly
Tourneo Connect will be assembled at Ford's new, state-of-the-art Kocaeli plant
near Izmit, Turkey, along with the full-size Transit van and new Transit Connect.