Ford has introduced new Active versions of its Tourneo Connect Active people mover and Transit Connect Active van, bringing improved rough-road capability and styling.
The new additions join Ford’s expanding Active range – including the Active versions of the larger eight-seat Tourneo Custom Active people mover and Transit Custom Active van that arrived last month – and feature rugged, SUV-inspired exterior styling and an optional mechanical limited-slip differential (mLSD) for improved traction and raised ride height, as well as enhanced interior styling.
The mLSD technology has been developed in partnership with driveline specialist Quaife to provide optimised traction. It automatically transfers engine torque in low-grip conditions to the wheel with the most traction, bringing increased capabilities on wet, slippery and challenging surfaces including unpaved roads, gravel tracks, grassy campsites or snow and ice.
A bespoke Traction Control configuration also ensures the system optimises performance in challenging driving conditions for a more sure-footed drive.
The Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active also benefit from a ride height increase of 24mm at the front and 9mm at the rear, giving better road clearance and a higher driving position.
Exterior styling features include roof rails as standard along with front and rear skid plates and unique Active five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels featu7ring polished metal with dark detailing. A signature Active mesh grille also ensures the new models stand out from the rest of the range, along with a full-width Active decal, badging on the front wings, and the option of two new colours – Sedona Orange and Solar Silver.
Practical design features include extra cladding on the body sides, mirror caps, wheel arches and rear bumper and metallic Active-branded scuff plates on both front door sills to help prevent paintwork damage.
The interior is also marked out with exclusive seat trim patterns and stitching, blue contrast detailing and Active branding.
The Active updates don’t affect the Transit Connect’s load space. Load volume remains at 2.9m³ or 3.6m³ depending on the wheelbase specified, with payloads reaching 982kg.
Meanwhile, the five-seat Tourneo Connect Active features a 60/40 split second row bench that folds flat for easy equipment loading and optimised luggage space while the longer Tourneo Grand Connect Active gets a third row with two, foldaway seats.
All new Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active models are powered by Ford’s 1.5‑litre EcoBlue diesel engine, available with 100 or 120hp outputs and a choice of eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions. The mLSD is available on both Tourneo and Transit Connect models as an option with the 120hp manual powertrain.
The Active models carry over the safety and driver assistance systems from the rest of the Connect range, and include Intelligent Speed Limiter technology, Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking, Side Wind Stabilisation and Active Park Assist.
The Tourneo Connect Active is priced from £21,285 (RRP excl VAT) and Transit Connect Active from £21,675 (RRP excl VAT). Deliveries start from the end of this year.
