Ford reveals new Torneo minibus

The new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept is not ready for
production yet but the new model will heavily influence the next generation of
Ford people carriers.
Unlike Ford’s range of vans, the Custom Concept has been
touted as a luxury ‘shuttle’ and people mover and is targeting the business and
leisure sectors.
Despite being based on the Ford Tourneo van, the new Ford Tourneo
minibus uses the same design cues used on the likes of the Ford C-Max and new Ford
S-Max to give it a sportier, more attractive exterior.
Ford has emphasised its car-like interior but maintains it
will be a large, practical, eight-seat model in keeping with its popular Ford Transit
people carrier conversion.
Paul Campbell, chief designer, Ford of Europe, said: “We
wanted to give the driver, and the rear seat passengers, an interior which has
the same standards of design and quality they would experience in a modern
multi-seat saloon car, but with ample space for people and luggage”
The leather cabin, sculptured instrument panel and leather
seats attest to Ford’s move upmarket with the Tourneo but practicality remains
the main focus of the minibus.
Ford has introduced a new seat system which allows the seats
to be moved and folded separately – or removed completely – depending on how
the driver wishes to use the van.
Under the heavily-stylised exterior, which includes glass
windows for passengers, Ford has demonstrated its 2.2-litre diesel engine in
three power outputs complete with fuel-saving stop-start and regenerative
breaking technology.
Meanwhile, the van itself has been tweaked to improve
handling and ride comfort, something Ford days customers are increasingly
expecting even from large vans.
The Ford Torneo Custom Concept will make its debut at the
Geneva Motor Show next month but a sale date for a production version has not
been announced.