Big and boxy but with trendy tech – we took the Tourneo Custom on a few trips…
You should know: Vans in Europe (and the UK) are the equivalent of bakkies in Southern Africa. Their primary and initial purpose is to be a versatile workhorse but, much like the advent of luxury double cabs, some vans have become terribly fancy over the years. With LED Auto Apple everything, this new Tourneo made a good first impression on us.
More info: While not quite on V-Class AMG or Caravelle levels, a Tourneo Custom 2.0SiT Trend offers all the mod-cons any modern urbanite could desire: big touch-screen infotainment with smartphone connectivity, keyless access and start, loads of charging options, multi-zone climate control, eight comfy seats and 16-inch alloy wheels.
What else? You also get multiple drive modes for the 360Nm / 8-speed automatic drive train, whose maker claims that it can propel this minibus up to 180km/h. There are also plenty of airbags, vehicle stability systems and active driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, 180-degree camera, collision warnings and reverse assist.
Why you shouldn’t: At just 100kW, outright power is, umm, adequate. We strapped our testing equipment to this metallic grey beast and measured a best 0-100km/h time of 14.27 seconds. The ¼ mile fell in 19.31 seconds at 71.73mph. While slow by modern standards, this Tourneo is flanked on our 0-100 chart by a smart fortwo and Toyota Fortuner 2.4 Auto.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkyCchtb968
Braking is also sub-par (at 3.57 seconds and 48.46m from 100km/h) yet perfectly acceptable for a big van; or in the aforementioned double-cab bakkie context. City and highway manners are most commendable with fairly light steering feedback and a 12.8m turning radius, which helps while manoeuvring this 5.45m behemoth in parking lots.
Why you should: For starters, the vast amount of metal you’ll get for your money! If you need to head for the countryside with five or seven passengers and luggage, this bus will not disappoint. On top of that, it’s fairly quiet and comfy, sips just 7.4L/100km (claimed average) from the 70L tank and costs far less than the Germans do.
Each new Tourneo Custom is sold in a choice of seven exterior colours with a 4-year/120,000km warranty and 6-year/90,000km service plan.
FULL SPECLIST
| Engine: | 1,996cc i-4 turbo-diesel |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 100kW @ 3,250rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 360Nm @ 1,750rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 7.4L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 14.27 seconds (no claim) |
| Top Speed: | 180km/h |
| List Price: | R1,076,000 |