Auto Driven: Ford Tourneo

It's testament to the quality of the new Ford Transit that you're reading this roadtest of the Ford Tourneo at all on Auto Trader.

After all, the Transit is better known for its load-lugging abilities than passenger car comfort.

But the new Transit is nothing short of excellent, and when it's combined with a bundle of fancy bits, you get something that can worry more conventional MPVs.

While most private buyers would choose a Galaxy over the Tourneo, the Tranny-in-a-sharp-suit finds favour with businesses looking to ferry customers from hotel to airport, or office to function suite.

Our 8-seater test van came with comfortable leather seats, and rear access was excellent thanks to two huge sliding doors.

Drivers can sling plenty of gear in the boot, and the tailgate lifts upwards rather than the conventional twin slide-hinged door format.

From the driver's seat things were remarkably car-like, with a steering wheel and gear knob you'd expect to find in a Mondeo.

The dash is clearly laid out and the controls were well marked. Our test van came with optional satnav, which only spoke in German - someone failed to give us the right disc.

There are loads of storage spaces too, but this is where the Tourneo reveals its more humble underpinnings - there's space for clipboards and other paraphernalia of the delivery driver or tradesman.

Outside the Tourneo is certainly striking - from the front, at least. Huge headlights flank an even bigger grille, but it all goes a bit flat around the sides and rear; they about the same as the outgoing model.

But the Tourneo is more about function than form.

A gutsy 130bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine provides a huge wedge of pulling power - 228lb/ft worth at an exceptionally low 1750rpm. That means the bulk of the engine's grunt is available low in the rev range.

This power is fed through a five speed gearbox to the front wheels - something that saves space as the drivetrain doesn't have to run through the vehicle.

It wasn't short on kit either. ABS, electronic stability programme, traction control all came as standard, while remote central locking and power steering helped to make driving easy.

If you're looking for a people mover with more than your usual seven seats, the Tourneo is one of the few practical choices.