Production Ford Tourneo Custom announced, on sale 2012

Remember the Tourneo Custom Concept that Ford wheeled out for Geneva? It looked production ready, and as expected, Ford has announced that it will go on sale in Europe and other global markets later this year. The production version seen here will be unveiled at the 2012 Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK next month.

The production Tourneo Custom wears the same Kinetic design used on Ford’s passenger cars and is virtually identical to the Geneva concept. Design highlights include a bold rising shoulder line, flush glazing, distinctive trapezoidal grille and prominent wheel lips.

Available in eight or nine-seat configurations, the Tourneo offers a choice of short wheelbase (4.97m) and long wheelbase (5.34m) versions. The additional length of the LWB translates into extra luggage space behind the third-row seats At a height of less than two metres, the Tourneo Custom comfortably complies with most car park height limits.

Inside, the dashboard is space ship-like relative to the Transit’s. Much of the tech found in Ford’s cars are included, as is a steering that’s adjustable for reach. The rear seats are a completely new design that can be folded into multiple configurations and removed in segments or completely. The cabin is fully-trimmed.

The front-wheel drive Tourneo is based on a new global platform, engineered for car-like dynamics and comfort. The powertrain is an improved version of Ford’s 2.2L Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with three power ratings: 100, 125 and 155 PS.

Featuring a six-speed manual gearbox and standard Auto-Start-Stop, the van delivers combined fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 km.

Production of the Tourneo Custom will start from mid-2012 in Kocaeli, Turkey. In the pipeline is a larger and higher payload rear-wheel drive Transit, also scheduled for a 2012 reveal.

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