Brief Test: Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.5 Connect 1.5 (2021) // Master of Many Talents

Passenger versions of minibuses have long entered the daily life of families, and although they have been supplanted by hybrids in recent years, they still have a place among family users for all their values. Or simply among those who simply value versatility, usability and space.

It's quite big, which is my first concern when we meet live. It is grandiose, however, which means an increase in length by exactly 40 centimeters, a longer side sliding door and 500 liters more trunk space., which holds up to one and a half cubic meters of luggage, equipment and even cargo. On the other hand, the surcharge is no more than 420 euros compared to the regular Tourneo Connect.

And since this is a new version of the Active, that means not only some really nice bodywork accessories (plastic fender flares, side rails, various bumpers…), but also more ground clearance of 24 millimeters at the front and nine millimeters at the rear. If outdoor activities continue to beckon off-road ... Last but not least, the Active is also equipped with a mechanical mLSD front differential lock, which can provide better traction in more difficult conditions.

The cabin feel is indeed more like a van, thanks to the upright seating, but this driving position, however, good, raised center console with easily accessible gear lever and plenty of room in all directions... And the side sliding doors are quite long, but they always prove to be a useful solution, especially in tight city parking lots.

The back door is almost huge and I always have to take at least one step back to open it so I can open it, and then I always think of the double swing door, which however is not available in Tourneu Connect.... That's why there's a spacious boot behind the door, requiring very long arms to reach the luggage just behind the rear bench seat; if they are too short, you can always do it. But don't forget that you can also order two extra seats in the third row (€ 460), leaving you with plenty of luggage space.

Even while driving, the Tourneo Connect is quickly beginning to confirm the driving performance so characteristic of a Ford. By that I mean not only a tidy chassis that also performs well on poor surfaces where it swallows shorter bumps, but above all good handling and a fast and precise manual transmission that is always a pleasure to reach.

When cornering, the Tourneo really can't hide the high center of gravity, which is further offset by the glass roof, but that just needs to be considered. V while the 1,5-liter turbodiesel is flexible, especially at high speeds, acceleration is somewhat constrained., but a glance at the scales immediately explains the reasons for seeming laziness - 1,8 tons of an empty car weighs a lot!

But if you are looking for a talent who can comfortably transport a family and will be your companion in active leisure, and will never hesitate when you have to transport any cargo, Grand Tourneo Connect will always be your faithful assistant.

Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.5 Connect 1.5 (2021 год)

Basic data

Sales:	Summit motors ljubljana
Test model cost:	34.560 €
Base model price with discounts:	28.730 €
Test model price discount:	32.560 €
Power:	88kW (120 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	12,7 with
Maximum speed:	170 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	5,9l / 100km

Costs (per year)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.498 cm3 - maximum power 88 kW (120 hp) at 3.600 rpm - maximum torque 270 Nm at 1.750-2.500 rpm.
Energy transfer:	the engine is driven by the front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission.
Capacity:	top speed 170 km/h - 0–100 km/h acceleration 12,7 s - average combined fuel consumption (WLTP) 5,9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 151 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.725 kg - permissible gross weight 2.445 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.862 mm - width 1.845 mm - height 1.847 mm - wheelbase 3.062 mm - trunk 322 / 1.287-2.620 l - fuel tank 56 l.
Box:	322 / 1.287–2.620 l

We praise and reproach

spaciousness and ease of use

driving performance and transmission accuracy

side sliding door

slower acceleration due to large mass

large and rather heavy tailgate

high center of gravity