FORD delivers improved fuel economy and tech upgrades for the Tourneo Connect and Grand Tourneo Connect.

• Ford Tourneo Connect five-seat and Grand Tourneo Connect seven-seat people movers will be offered with efficient new engines and segment-first technologies
• New 1.5-litre TDCi diesel offers 65.7mpg* – a seven per cent improvement compared with outgoing 1.6-litre engine
• First-in-class features include Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping Aid; SYNC 2 connectivity system and MyKey technology available for the first time
• Improved Tourneo Connect and Grand Tourneo Connect available from summer 2015; customer demand increasing with more than 10,000 units sold across Europe last year

Ford’s Tourneo Connect five-seat and Grand Tourneo Connect seven-seat people movers will offer customers new, more fuel-efficient engines and segment-first driver-assistance and connectivity technologies.

Ford is introducing the new high-efficiency 1.5‑litre TDCi diesel engine equipped with Auto-Stop-Start on the two Tourneo Connect models, delivering CO₂ emissions starting from 111g/km and fuel economy from 65.7mpg* – a seven per cent improvement over the outgoing 1.6-litre TDCi engine. A diesel with Ford’s PowerShift automatic transmission is also available for the first time on Titanium models.

In addition, the two models introduce advanced new features to the segment including Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping Aid, and offer Ford’s voice-activated SYNC 2 connectivity system and innovative MyKey technology.

Designed for families and users with active lifestyles, the spacious, stylish and affordable Tourneo Connect and Grand Tourneo Connect have quickly grown in popularity since being introduced in late 2013. Ford sold more than 10,000 models across Europe last year, and in the first four months of 2015 over 600 units have been sold in the UK, an increase of 400 compared with the same period in 2014.

The two Tourneo Connect models, which offer outstanding flexibility from versatile seating, stowage and dual sliding side doors, are part of Ford’s new generation of Tourneo people movers including the eight/nine-seat Tourneo Custom.

“These spacious and versatile people movers are ideal for today’s busy lifestyles,” said Jim Baumbick, Ford’s global C-car vehicle line director. “Now customers can look forward to even lower fuel bills, plus amazing new technologies such as SYNC 2 connectivity that help to ensure drivers can keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”

New diesel engines boost fuel efficiency and performance

The updated Tourneo Connect and Grand Tourneo Connect feature an all-new diesel line up with Ford’s new 1.5-litre TDCi engine in a choice of two power versions: 100PS and 120PS. Meeting the stringent Euro Stage VI emissions standards, the new 1.5-litre diesel has been optimised for improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Customers can also choose the 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel with six-speed PowerShift transmission which is available on Titanium models.

The five-seat Tourneo Connect also is available with the highly efficient, multi-award-winning 100PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine equipped with Auto-Stop-Start, which now meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards and achieves class-leading petrol fuel consumption of 50.4mpg and 129g/km CO₂ emissions.

State-of-the-art technologies enhance driver confidence and connectivity

Sharing a global platform with Ford’s latest passenger cars, the new Focus and Kuga, Tourneo Connect and Grand Tourneo Connect are also able to benefit from advanced vehicle technologies:

• Traffic Sign Recognition provides the driver with the latest detected speed limit, cancellation signs and overtaking restrictions via the instrument cluster display
• Blind Spot Information System alerts drivers to situations when a passing vehicle is hidden in their blind spot zones on both left and right sides of the vehicle
• Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid work together to help to prevent the driver from unintentionally drifting out of a lane when driving at high speeds. If the forward-facing camera detects the vehicle is straying from its lane, Lane Keeping Alert warns the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel. If no action is taken to correct the drift, Lane Keeping Aid applies steering torque to guide the vehicle back into its lane
• Auto High Beam switches the headlamps automatically between high beam and dipped beam when it detects oncoming traffic or a vehicle ahead
• SYNC 2 features a high-resolution, 6-inch colour touch screen and enables advanced voice control of audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones. Drivers are able to issue simple “one-shot” navigation destinations, and to ask the system to “play” a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants, which you can then get directions to via the navigation system
• MyKey enables owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers – that restricts the top speed and reduces the maximum volume of the audio system. MyKey can disable the audio system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts, and can prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies

Both models also offer automatic braking technology Active City Stop, with the five-seat Tourneo Connect achieving a unique-in-segment five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Ford Delivers class leading fuel economy and segment first technology for the Transit Connect.

• Ford Transit Connect van to be offered with new and segment-first driver assistance technologies
• New 1.5-litre TDCi diesel offers class-leading 74.3mpg* – a six per cent improvement over outgoing 1.6-litre engine
• First-in-class features include Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping Aid. SYNC 2 connectivity makes European van debut; MyKey available for the first time
• Improved Transit Connect available from summer 2015; model has fastest sales growth in its segment, up 93 per cent from the same period last year
• Ford also updates Transit Courier – the smallest ever Transit van – with 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offering best-in-class 55.4mpg

Ford’s latest Transit Connect van will offer customers new powertrain options with class-leading fuel efficiency, and segment-first driver-assistance and connectivity technologies from the summer.

Ford is introducing a new high-efficiency 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with CO₂ emissions of 99g/km and fuel economy of 74.3mpg in the ECOnetic model** – a six per cent improvement over the outgoing 1.6-litre TDCi engine.

In addition, the Transit Connect is the first vehicle in its segment to offer advanced driver assistance technologies including Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping Aid, as well as being the first Ford commercial vehicle in Europe to feature the voice-activated SYNC 2 connectivity system.

Available in Van and Double-Cab-in-Van bodystyles with L1 and L2 variants and Kombi in L2 only, the Transit Connect has proved highly popular with European customers since being introduced in 2013, with sales growing faster than any rival. Year to date, there has been a 93 per cent increase in demand for the Transit Connect compared with the same period last year.

The Transit Connect offers a spacious and practical load area with total volumes of 2.9m³ and 3.6m³ with a full bulkhead, or 3.7m³ and 4.4m³ including the front loadspace area (L1/L2, measured to SAE). Payloads of up to 1,000kg are available, matching the best-in-class figure.

The model forms part of the completely renewed and expanded Transit line-up – alongside the Transit, Transit Custom and Transit Courier – that helped to make Ford the most popular commercial vehicle brand in Europe for the first quarter of 2015.

“The all-new Transit Connect has proved a real hit with European businesses thanks to its smart looks, great fuel economy and capable load space,” said Phil Hollins, Commercial Vehicle marketing, sales and service director, Ford of Europe. “With even lower fuel costs and amazing new technologies, Transit Connect delivers an even stronger proposition to our commercial customers.”

New fuel-efficient powertrains with improved performance

Ford’s new 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine meets stringent Euro Stage VI emissions standards and is introduced to the Transit Connect in two phases. An ECOnetic version producing 100PS and 250Nm of torque – up from 95PS and 230Nm on the outgoing model, is introduced this summer. The Transit Connect ECOnetic features Auto-Start-Stop and Active Grille Shutter technology as standard.

Additional variants of the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel will complete the Transit Connect line-up of Stage VI engines from spring 2016, when they will replace the existing 1.6-litre TDCi engines that remain available with 75PS, 95PS and 115PS until then.

A highly efficient petrol alternative is provided by Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which also meets Euro Stage VI emissions standards from the summer. Offering 100PS and 170Nm, the engine delivers 50.4mpg fuel efficiency and 129g/km CO₂ emissions.

State-of-the-art technologies enhance driver confidence and connectivity

Sharing a global platform with Ford’s latest passenger cars like the new Focus and Kuga, the Transit Connect also is able to benefit from the company’s advanced vehicle technologies:

• Traffic Sign Recognition provides the driver with the latest detected speed limit, cancellation signs and overtaking restrictions via the instrument cluster display
• Blind Spot Information System alerts drivers to situations when a passing vehicle is hidden in a blind-spot zone on either the left and right side of the vehicle
• Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid work together to help to prevent the driver from unintentionally drifting out of a lane when driving at high speeds. If the forward-facing camera detects the vehicle is straying from its lane, Lane Keeping Alert warns the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel. If no action is taken to correct the drift, Lane Keeping Aid applies steering torque to guide the vehicle back into its lane
• Auto High Beam switches the headlamps automatically between high beam and dipped beam when it detects oncoming traffic or a vehicle ahead
• SYNC 2 features a high-resolution, six-inch colour touch screen and enables advanced voice control of audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones. Drivers are able to issue simple “one-shot” navigation destinations, and to ask the system to “play” a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants to which you can then get directions via the navigation system
• MyKey enables owners – such as fleet operators – to programme a key that restricts the top speed and reduces the maximum volume of the audio system. MyKey can disable the audio system altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts, and can prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies

In addition Transit Connect customers can now specify power-fold mirrors, with automatic operation when the vehicle is locked.

Ford updates smallest-ever Transit – the Transit Courier van

Ford is also introducing more fuel efficient engines for the Transit Courier – Ford’s first-ever small Transit van – strengthening its position as the most fuel-efficient petrol and diesel vehicle in its class. The B-car-sized Transit Courier is a compact integrated-style van which provides payloads up to 660kg.

Fuel consumption for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine equipped with Auto-Start-Stop is improved by a further three per cent to 55.4mpg, with 115g/km CO₂ emissions. Diesel fuel economy from the 95PS 1.6-litre TDCi with Auto-Start-Stop remains at a class-leading 76.3mpg and 97g/km CO₂.**

Volkswagen dealers to take orders for all new Polo Petrol Bluemotion.

Volkswagen Retailers in the UK will begin taking orders for the first-ever petrol version of the Polo BlueMotion today, ahead of first UK deliveries in March, with prices starting from £14,730 (RRP OTR).

The greenest petrol engine in the range is powered by a 1.0-litre BlueMotion TSI petrol unit.  It emits 94 g/km of CO₂ and returns 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle. 

Delivering 95 PS between 5,000 and 5,500 rpm the new three-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.  The Polo BlueMotion has a maximum torque of 118 Nm (160 lbs ft) produced between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.

Efficiency does not come at the expense of performance.  The Polo BlueMotion will reach 62 mph from a standing start in 10.5 seconds and has a top speed of 119 mph.

Based on the S trim, the BlueMotion models add even more equipment including a styling pack which includes uniquely shaped front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, side skirts and rear roof spoiler, body coloured door handles, body coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators, front fog lights and static cornering function and unique BlueMotion badging.

Additional kit over that on the S trim includes 15-inch ‘Buenos Aires’ alloys with low rolling resistance tyres, aero body kit, multifunction leather steering wheel, alarm with remote central locking, air conditioning, a front centre armrest, Composition Media and infotainment system, cruise control and Volkswagen’s Driver Alert System.  This version of the Polo comes with a Think Blue, Trainer, which gives hint and tips on how to drive in a more economical fashion by analysing journey patterns.

This 1.0-litre BlueMotion TSI petrol 95 PS engine joins the three-cylinder diesel 1.4-litre TDI BlueMotion engine that produces 75 PS, returns 91.1 mpg and emits just 82 g/km of CO₂. 

All Polo models come with a colour touchscreen, SD card reader, DAB radio and USB and AUX-in connections, as well as a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

The BlueMotion models are available to order now with first deliveries expected in March.  For pricing see below, and for more information on the Polo BlueMotion and the rest of the award-winning Volkswagen range visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Engine derivative	Gearbox	Body	Combined mpg	CO2 (g/km)	Price, £ RRP OTR
1.0-litre TSI 95 PS	5-speed man	3-door	68.9	94	14,730.00
1.0-litre TSI 95 PS	5-speed man	5-door	68.9	94	15,360.00
1.4-litre TDI 75 PS	5-speed man	3-door	91.1	82	15,795.00
1.4-litre TDI 75 PS	5-speed man	5-door	91.1	82	16,425.00