The South African MPV market has recently seen the arrival of new models, including the Volkswagen Caravelle and Renault Trafic Passenger. These additions have bolstered a vibrant segment that already includes popular people carriers such as the VW Transporter, Toyota Quantum, and Mercedes-Benz Vito. With numerous options available, choosing the right vehicle can be challenging. To address this, we took the Ford Tourneo Custom Sport for an extended test drive over several months to assess its capabilities.
The Ford Tourneo Custom Sport is priced at R1,232,000, positioning it as the trendy cousin in Ford's three-model Tourneo family. The lineup also includes the baseline Trend variant at R1,117,500 and the luxurious Titanium X flagship at R1,278,500. Our decision to test the Custom Sport was largely influenced by its unique styling, which sets it apart from the conservative designs that dominate the category. The eight-seater Ford proved to be an excellent companion for long road trips, showcasing its practicality and comfort.
During our testing, the Tourneo Custom Sport underwent rigorous trials, including a 2,600km round trip to the Afrikaburn festival in the Tankwa Karoo. The vehicle had to transport all our camping gear and food for a week-long stay in the desert. With the rear seats removed, the Tourneo was transformed into a two-seater van that effortlessly hauled a substantial amount of gear. The vehicle's loading and unloading process was made easy by the presence of three large portals: a manual tailgate and two electrically operated sliding doors.
The Tourneo Custom Sport's performance on rough roads was impressive, particularly during the last 150km of the trip to Tankwa, which featured a savagely rough dirt road. Despite the challenging terrain, the vehicle's solid build and compliant suspension ensured a comfortable ride. The high-profile tyres also contributed to the vehicle's ability to navigate scarred roads with ease. Additionally, the Tourneo Custom delivered great long-distance comfort, thanks to its comfortable seats that are adjustable for legroom and backrest angle and folding armrests.
The vehicle's user-friendly features, such as lane-keeping assist, proved to be beneficial during long-distance trips. However, the frequent reminder to keep hands on the wheel was sometimes bothersome, even when hands were on the wheel. The Tourneo Custom's fuel efficiency was also noteworthy, averaging 8.1 l/100km and occasionally dipping into the sevens, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size. Furthermore, the vehicle's AdBlue system, which reduces harmful exhaust emissions, required topping up a few times during our testing.
As our time with the Ford Tourneo Custom Sport came to an end, we appreciated its practicality, stretch-out space, and shape-shifting interior. The vehicle's versatility was evident in its ability to accommodate various passenger and cargo configurations. Although we had wished for a towbar to be fitted for attaching a bicycle rack, we were able to carry the bikes inside the vehicle, which proved to be an easy fit.
Ultimately, the Ford Tourneo Custom Sport proved itself as an enormously practical long-distance workhorse, while its Sport styling gave it a unique personality. The vehicle's spacious interior and comfortable ride make it an excellent choice for those who require a versatile machine that can adapt to various needs. As we returned to our regular vehicle, we felt a sense of claustrophobia, underscoring the Tourneo Custom Sport's impressive space and practicality.
Key points
- The Ford Tourneo Custom Sport offers a unique blend of style, practicality, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for large families or corporate transport.
- The vehicle's impressive fuel efficiency and user-friendly features, such as lane-keeping assist, make it well-suited for long-distance trips.
- The Tourneo Custom Sport's spacious interior and comfortable ride make it an excellent choice for those who require a versatile machine that can adapt to various needs.
