Especificaciones y análisis del Ford Connect
Power
90HP
Torque
227Nm
Consumption
6.5l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
16.3s
Top Speed
154km/h
Weight
1690kg
Price
19,190€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Manual 5v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
1800 L
55 L
66 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Ford Tourneo Connect FT 230 L LX TDCi 90 CV (2003-2004)
General description
The 2003 Ford Tourneo Connect is much more than a commercial vehicle adapted for passengers; it is a statement of intent, a hymn to practicality and robustness. Born on the platform of the acclaimed Ford Focus, it promised a driving experience superior to its rivals, merging the utility of a van with the heart of a passenger car. It was a vehicle designed for families and professionals who needed space without sacrificing a certain pleasure behind the wheel.
Driving experience
Getting behind the wheel of the Tourneo Connect is a unique experience. Its 90 HP TDCi engine, although modest in numbers, feels surprisingly willing thanks to generous torque from low revs. It's not a sports car, and its acceleration confirms it, but in daily use, it moves with unexpected agility. The driving position is high, dominating traffic, and the manual gearbox is precise. The suspension, a direct inheritance from the Focus, works wonders, providing comfort and stability that make you forget you're driving a vehicle nearly two meters tall. It feels solid, well-planted, and conveys a confidence that accompanies you every kilometer.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 2003 Tourneo Connect is pure function over form, and therein lies its honest beauty. Its lines are square and pragmatic, designed to maximize every cubic centimeter of the cabin. The enormous height and long wheelbase create a cavernous, almost cathedral-like interior. The sliding doors are a blessing for access in tight parking spots, and the gigantic tailgate opens to a colossal loading bay. It is not a vehicle that captivates with its aesthetics, but with its imposing and capable presence. It is a tool, a faithful companion, and its design reflects this perfectly.
Technology and features
In 2003, technology in this segment focused on durability and function. The Tourneo Connect does not boast large screens or advanced assistants. Its dashboard is simple, with clear and easy-to-read instrumentation. It has the essentials: air conditioning, power steering, and a basic audio system. The real technology lies in its chassis and its common-rail direct injection TDCi engine, which for the time represented a significant leap in efficiency and refinement for a diesel in its category, achieving low fuel consumption.
Competition
At the time, the Ford Tourneo Connect faced fierce competition. Its main rivals were the PSA trio, Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, along with the Renault Kangoo and the Fiat Doblò. While these models often offered more modular interior solutions or a slightly more attractive price, the Ford stood out for its superior driving dynamics and a sense of robustness that was hard to match. It felt more like a car to drive than its competitors, and that was its great differentiating argument in a market dominated by practicality.
Conclusion
The 2003 Ford Tourneo Connect is a vehicle with a strong personality. It is a reminder of an era when engineering focused on durability and driving feel, even in a work vehicle. It is not the most refined, nor the fastest, nor the prettiest, but it is incredibly honest, spacious, and reliable. It is a vehicle that creates a bond, a companion for work and travel that you know will not let you down. For those who value space, robustness, and a surprisingly pleasant drive, this Connect is a choice that, even today, makes perfect sense.