Ford Tourneo Connect (2013 - 2022) 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5d Owner Review

We went to buy a secondhand Fiesta as a second car and we liked the Tourneo so much, we ended up with it as a replacement ‘first’ car, . The two sliding doors are great for easy access, especially for aging parents or baby seats, and driving position is excellent. If I’d bought new, would have gone for the more powerful diesel. Ours is the least powerful one, and truly not nippy, but it pays off in amazing fuel economy. It’s quite quiet and relaxed on long motorway runs: pop on the cruise control and listen to podcasts via Bluetooth. The interior is a bit plasticky and van-like, but easy to clean. The handling and ride are quite like a firm Focus, and better with some weight on board. You only feel the height if you corner really hard, and even then it clings to the road. Brakes responsive, strong but progressive. Tows very well, excellent visibility, great wash-wipe, good ventilation, adequate radio. Bluetooth is handy. Build quality is not BMW, but nor is the price. Our 2013 model has four electric windows. Having ‘proper’ windows in the sliding doors puts our Ford way ahead of the Berlingo or Partner, which only have a front hinge / rear latch opener on the windows of their rear passenger doors. The dogs still haven’t learned to operate window winders or latches, so this is an important feature to us. Gripes: no spare wheel, and nowhere to put one. When my beloved bust a tyre on a kerb stone we needed to be towed. Grrr. Big rear luggage door often takes two tries to close fully, unless another door or window is open, because of air pressure within the car. Sliding doors need considerate use: one of ours is rubbing slightly on its hanger and will need adjusting at the next service. Dealership just changed fuse for non-working rear wiper, and after a week it blew again, so that will need proper investigation. Boot carpets are synthetic type that cling to dog hair. (We bought some rubber sheeting online and made our own custom boot liner. Missing my old Volvo’s ‘real’ carpet.) Body panels not the most robust and flex easily. Occasional squeal from brake discs. A very easy car to live with: we dash around the French countryside with dogs or heavy renovation materials on a wide variety of roads, and often do round-trips of 1500+ miles. I’ve towed heavy trailers, transported huge pipes on the roof and am constantly changing rear-seat configuration (very, very easy). A very versatile, roomy and well-equipped car: a C-Max with extra head-room, but for far less money. All things considered, highly recommended.