Sam says don’t judge it by its cover

The Ford Tourneo Custom occupies an interesting space in the market. On the surface it looks like a workhorse more at home on an airport transfer run than a family road trip. This picture changes quickly once you spend time with it. It is a luxurious and versatile vehicle that does far more than its utilitarian silhouette suggests.

Built on an all-new platform, the Tourneo Custom arrives with a comprehensive safety suite, modern infotainment system and an interior designed for the comfort of every occupant, not just the front. The tested vehicle, the Titanium X, is the derivative in the range. It adds a premium finish that gives it credentials in the executive shuttle and high-end family transport space.

The drive

Power in all new Tourneo derivatives comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder single-turbocharged diesel producing 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. Drive goes to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with five selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul and Sport.

The power delivery felt adequate throughout normal driving. It does have less output than some rivals, but it never felt under-gunned while driving unloaded.

On the road, the Tourneo is composed and, for its size, well manageable. The new independent rear suspension provides a ride quality that is notably better and the cabin stays quiet and settled on most surfaces. The gearbox shifts smoothly with light loads.

Manoeuvrability is better than what I expected of its dimensions, though you do remain aware of its size around corners and when reversing, as is to be expected. The 360-degree camera in the Titanium X helps overcomes most shortcomings with reversing, particularly in tighter spaces.

Ford’s claimed average fuel consumption is 7.4 L/100 km. In real-world conditions, predominantly with a single occupant, the achieved figure was 9.9 L/100 km. With a full load, consumption would likely exceed 10L/100 km.

The design

Ford draws a clear visual distinction between the Transit Custom and the Tourneo Custom. The Titanium X is distinguished by a refined front grille treatment, Matrix LED headlamps and 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, while not unappealing it remains clearly van-like in appearance.

Practical considerations also shape the exterior. The Tourneo’s height of under 2m means multi-storey car parks are still accessible, and it contributes to improved aerodynamics. Lower floor height, side steps and dual sliding side doors not only make boarding and alighting easy for passengers but also simplify loading if you want to double as a personal and business vehicle.

Quality materials are used throughout. Leather seats, door inserts and a leather-trimmed steering wheel all contribute to a premium-feeling interior. The front seats are electronically adjustable and include a lower seat extension for taller drivers, with armrests on both sides of each seat allowing for comfort despite the dimensions.

Stepping inside

There is no lack of storage in the Tourneo. The centre drinks holder can be concealed when not in use, and next to it is a dedicated space for the key fob. Additional drinks holders are integrated into the dashboard. There is also a compartment spanning the width of the dash, though anything left there is exposed to high temperatures when the vehicle is parked in the sun. A compartment above the rearview mirror adds further storage.

The Tourneo has a wireless charger housed in a neat casing that keeps it secure and out of sight, alongside USB-A and USB-C ports and a 12V outlet.

Ford keeps a physical volume dial which is a welcome holdout against the trend toward fully touch-controlled cabins. The climate controls, however, are positioned on the infotainment screen at the bottom. A dedicated demister button helps with the most urgent need, and the digital controls do remain visible without navigating menus, but it still necessitates unnecessary distraction.

Another feature, that I have only previously encountered in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, is the ability to face the rear seats toward one another. The third row faces forward and the second-row pivots to face rearward, creating a social seating configuration. The tracked seat system allows both rows to slide forward or back along notched floor rails, and both rows can be removed entirely should full cargo space be required which is large enough for three Euro pallets. It also allows for the forward-facing seating to be reinstated.

Integrated seatbelts are included in the second row for faster reconfiguration. ISOFIX points are provided on all three second-row seats as well as two third-row seats. The centre seat in the rear can fold down to create armrests with integrated drinks holders and a surface for propping devices.

The rear has its own climate control with two air vents per row, giving passengers full control of their environment. This is important because one omission is opening windows in the rear. Climate control addresses this but its absence feels odd in a passenger vehicle.

The Titanium X offers an optional Mobile Office pack, which adds enhanced cab lighting, laptop and tablet stowage between the front seats, an integrated bin, additional USB connections and accessory docking for secure equipment mounting.

Safety

The Tourneo Custom’s safety specification is comprehensive. The Titanium X includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Collision Mitigation (forward-collision avoidance)
• Reverse Brake Assist
• Lane-keeping aid
• Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Electronic stability control
• Six airbags including a roof-mounted airbag for the front passenger (this helps in increasing storage space as it frees up space for this)
• Front and reverse parking aids.

The Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X was a pleasant surprise. It delivers well on all fronts. From the drive and ride refinement to interior luxury and seating flexibility. For executive shuttle services or large families seeking comfort and versatility, it presents a genuinely compelling case.

At R1 264 000, it is pricy. Rivals may offer more power, but the Tourneo adds an extra level of ride quality and interior sophistication and comfort – consequently creating a niche of its own.

Good to know

The specs

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