New Ford Transit previewed by Tourneo Custom Concept

Developed for the European and Asian markets (but not North America), the Tourneo passenger range will launch this year, with the related Transit commercial range will follow before the beginning of 2013.

The Tourneo Custom Concept adopts the brand’s Kinetic design language, with broad headlights, trapezoidal grille, prominent wheel arches and modern interior giving the van a much-needed injection of personality and style.

Ford says its designers worked hard to create an interior space that contains both a driver-focused cockpit and a luxurious cabin with the ambience and quality materials of a sedan.

The Tourneo Custom Concept features a suite of technology systems, many of which are only offered on high-end passenger vehicles. Among those is Ford’s Sync in-car connectivity system for phones and media devices, which includes an integrated emergency assistance function. The extensive safety package also includes front, side and curtain airbags, rear-view camera, lane departure warning and a tired-driver alert system.

The concept is powered by a 114kW 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The engine will also be available in 74kW and 92kW tunes across the Tourneo and Transit ranges, and will be equipped standard with stop-start technology as Ford targets class-leading fuel economy.

Ford says the Tourneo Custom Concept is based on a new Ford global platform that has been engineered to deliver “car-like dynamics [with] agile, responsive handling, enhanced ride comfort and reduced noise levels”.

Ford has produced the Transit-based Tourneo people mover since the 1990s. The current Tourneo – based on the Mk6 Transit – is sold in Europe and Asia, including the right-hand-drive UK market.