VM Test Report Ford Transit/Tourneo Courier: All-rounder at a fair price

How big can small be: Ford's entry-level model will soon be a full-fledged vehicle. Starting at 18,550 euros net, the new small van Transit Courier is being launched on the market as a panel van and a simple "Doka-Kombi." Its somewhat more upscale counterpart for families or mixed users is called the Tourneo Courier as usual and starts at 25,450 euros on the price lists. This puts the large family van "hood to hood" with the compact SUV Ford Puma, which, after the end of the Fiesta, essentially represents the entry into the Ford world and only comes at 24,290 euros gross with a current promotional discount on the outgoing model instead of 27,400 euros.

The Courier also shares the platform and production in Romania/Craiova with the (next) Puma, which has two advantages: lower price and the Courier will also come as a purely electric version just like the new Puma. Whether for transporters, mixed users, or a family man, either way, you get a lot of car for your money. And definitely not a "budget feeling."

A serious package put together

Because the 2.0-ton Transit/Tourneo Courier confirms the fine impression from the first round on the Ford test track in Lommel during the first tour on public roads: A highly serious offer with a solidly built body. Based on this, it achieves a tight and agile handling thanks to direct steering along with a small turning circle while still offering fairly comfortable suspension that handles numerous ramp-like speed bumps, potholes, manhole covers, or other road oppressions with maturity. This makes driving quite enjoyable.

The chassis and noise insulation on the highway are also very serious: totally suitable for long-distance and travel. Especially when combined with the dual-clutch transmission, which forms a very smooth liaison exclusively with the cost-effective mild-hybrid-free 1.0-liter Ecoboost gasoline engine (125 PS/200 Nm) - and makes life easier. With 6.9 l/100 km on a short city-country-highway round, the consumption was also acceptable here.

Driver Assistance at a Contemporary Level

This is accompanied by a contemporary package of driver assistance systems that are quite comprehensive even in the base model, ranging from Pre-Collision Assist or camera-based intelligent cruise control, to drowsiness warnings, active lane keeping assist, to traffic sign recognition and a rear parking pilot system. Optionally, you can drive at Level 2 of automated driving with adaptive distance assistant including Stop&Go function or emergency brake with cyclist and pedestrian detection or a cross-traffic assistant with emergency brake or a digital reversing camera. No wonder the small box scored a top rating in EuroNCAP.

Infotainment Standard on Board

The Sync4 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and (somewhat dimly displayed) digital instruments on board also presents itself as contemporary. Naturally, you can wirelessly connect your smartphone as an option. Thanks to the standard modem, you can always stay informed about the basic functions of the vehicle or whether the windows and doors are closed via an app - or perform "updates over the air" via wireless interface. That the handbrake is engaged should be certain: because it is - for cost reasons - still simply manually executed. Only the electric vehicle is equipped with an electric parking brake.

It’s clear that Ford leaves nothing to chance with the interior hardware either: Comfortable seats, practical and large-format storage compartments, and clever details are a given for the manufacturer. Equally, a straightforward design that appears robust and chooses pragmatic materials. Those who wish can securely and ergonomically place their devices in the cockpit using a special holder.

All Grown Up - and Breathing Down the Neck of the Connect

It must be said: At 4.34 meters in length for the van and 4.40 meters for the Tourneo, with a width of 1.80 meters and a height of 1.82 meters, the Courier has indeed outgrown the small car class from which it once emerged. The vehicle stands stoutly, especially with its edgy, peppy "Panzerknacker" look in an Explorer or Land Rover style, designed to set it apart from the more calmly designed larger Tourneo Connect and its commercial counterpart, the Transit Connect.

In terms of capabilities, it is breathing down their necks: Because the angular design is not just "style" but has practical advantages. With 2.9 cubic meters of volume and, above all, pallet width in the cargo area, the "little one" easily swallows two Euro pallets. Provided they aren't too heavy. But with a payload of at least 550 kilos, the base model is quite useful, and the total weight does not exceed two tons.

If you need more, you can opt for the version with increased payload and can then load up to 850 kilos according to the manufacturer. However, one should wait for the actual weighing. When it comes to towing capacity, only slight concessions need to be made, settling for 1.0 and 1.1 tons instead of 1.4 or 1.5 like the larger Connect. The arguments for the Connect, at least in the L1 version, are slowly running out, premium claims and all-wheel drive notwithstanding. For those who do not need a long version and higher towing capacity, the Courier is not a worse choice.