Production Ford Tourneo Van Unveiled for Europe, Provides Clues for Larger U.S.-Market Transit

Ford has revealed the first member of its next-gen van family, the Tourneo Custom. The van (pictured above) is not the same as the Transit we'll get here in the U.S. in 2013. That rig will be larger and rear-wheel drive; this Tourneo is smaller and front-wheel drive. The two vans aren't completely separate, however—their underpinnings are vaguely related, and we're told the Tourneo's styling previews that of the heavier-duty Transit. That's a good thing. First shown off in slightly overstyled concept form just last month at the 2012 Geneva auto show, the Tourneo wears Ford's latest Kinetic design language. Although a few details have been toned down, overall the van's appearance survived the transition from concept to production well. No "for a van" excuses needed here: Ford has created quite a handsome piece, one which features the same creases, bulges, and swept-back look as the Focus and Fiesta. Inside, the familial link to several recent global Ford models continues, with available Sync infotainment and the cockpit-like dash styling. The Tourneo can be had with either eight or nine seats, and in short- and long-wheelbase configurations. In keeping with the van's upscale pretensions, high-tech options like a backup camera, lane keeping and driver alert, and Sync-enabled emergency assistance are all available. Forward motivation comes from a 2.2-liter diesel that's available in three outputs: 99 hp, 123 hp, and 153 hp. Auto stop-start technology is standard, as is a six-speed manual transmission. As for the full-size Transit coming in 2013, we already know it will get a version of the F-150′s EcoBoost turbocharged, 3.5-liter V-6 and rear-wheel drive. But we won't know how much it will resemble the Tourneo until Ford reveals that lineup of commercial vans later this year. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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