All-New Ford Tourneo Connect - Works Like A Van, Drives Like A Car, Tough As A Truck

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News of July 03, 2002

All-New Ford Tourneo Connect - Works Like A Van, Drives Like A Car, Tough As A Truck

Photo: Ford

All-new, purpose-built, dual use vehicle for business and leisure with car-like comfort and driving quality.
Brings Transit's renowned durability and commercial vehicle design pedigree to the light van and sub-one tonne sector for the first time.
Has latest fuel-efficient, common rail diesel technology engine.
Competitive fuel economy, extended service intervals, low insurance ratings and Transit security features are key contributors to low cost of ownership.
On sale late summer 2002

BRENTWOOD - The all-new Ford Tourneo Connect is built on a unique, dedicated commercial vehicle platform that brings truck-tough strength and durability to British businesses for the first time.

With Tourneo Connect, Ford aims to set new class standards in a number of key areas including: ( Durability ( Load space functionality ( Security and safety (Low cost of ownership ( Driving quality ( outstanding interior flexibility.

Class leading durability

To establish a durability benchmark, key competitors were evaluated using the high durability standards set by Ford for the Transit, which use a process based on detailed research into driving patterns of actual vehicle owners. Customers choosing Tourneo Connect will be satisfied with the knowledge that it is constructed and tested to medium commercial vehicle standards. The industry norm for durability is accepted as 100,000 miles. Tourneo Connect has been developed and engineered in real world testing to 150,000 miles. Durability is enhanced through:

Extensive use of high-strength steel and heavy duty components
Polycarbonate headlamp/tail lamp lenses for increased durability
Body swage lines for added stiffening
Exterior panels have high grade steel for resistance to denting
High strength extends useful vehicle life

Powertrains

The Tourneo Connect comes with a British-built 1.8 litre TDCi engine. Advanced combustion and catalytic converter technology is common to all engines, as well as light weight and low internal friction.

The goal was to achieve significant gains in fuel economy without compromising on responsiveness and driveability. Measures to minimise noise and maintenance requirements have resulted in extended durability: * Smooth, quiet operation and enhanced driving refinement * Improved engine response * Engineered for maximum reliability

Duratorq 1.8 TDCi

Built at Dagenham is the new Duratorq 1.8-litre TDCi (90PS/66kW) engine incorporates the latest diesel technology, with high-pressure common-rail fuel injection providing outstanding performance. This second-generation common rail system gives smoother, quieter operation while still offering competitive fuel economy. The four solenoid injectors deliver fuel to the combustion chambers up to 150 times per second to provide ultra-smooth response. Maximum torque is 220 Nm@1700rpm. Co2 emissions are 172 grams per kilometre.

Transmission

At launch, all engines are made with the MTX75 five-speed transmission providing a high torque capacity and low internal friction to prolong transmission life. It features a low-effort gear shifter and gears run on needle roller bearings to reduce friction and reduce maintenance.

Fuel economy

Fuel economy is an important factor for any business user and Tourneo Connect boasts a highly economical diesel engines. The 90PS Duratorq TDCi common rail unit brings increased engine efficiency and combined fuel consumption rating is 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Load Space

Crucially for any business person, Tourneo Connect provides a large, useable load space area, greater than any competitor. For the customer, it provides a load space that is 100mm wider at the roof height than the competition, together with a more usable cube, improved durability.

Service intervals under normal operating conditions on diesel engines are at 15,000 miles. Additionally, powertrain durability is rated at 150,000 miles against a typical competitor's 100,000 miles.

Ford offers a three years/100, 000 miles manufacturer warranty, a 10-year anti-perforation guarantee, a three-year surface corrosion warranty and three years breakdown cover on all Tourneo Connect models.

(June 24, 2002)

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