The Blue Oval has been drastically pruning its passenger car programme, leaving price-conscious customers out in the cold. But when it comes to small commercial vehicles, Ford can still deliver.
Enter the new Tourneo Courier at prices starting at €25,450, a snazzy and workmanlike load-lugger which is now the cheapest model since the Fiesta version bowed out.
More than just a van with windows, the spruced-up Courier is also one of the most practical set of wheels in the Ford range.
The concept may be sober and matter-of-fact on paper but the little van is less of a tradesman's chariot than a lifestyle statement just like the Puma, with which it shares a platform.
The Courier has many faux SUV features and looks really beefy with its steeply inclined radiator grille and the hinted underbody protector.
Order the van with optional two-tones paintwork and a white roof and you may find yourselves doing a double-take. From a distance this Ford could be mistaken for a Land Rover Defender.
The Puma underpinnings shine through in the ride and handling as well. The Courier makes quiet and smooth progress and stays composed in the corners. The steering is however typically springy.
In this vehicle sector with many families looking for a spacious runabout, it's all about inner values.
And at 4.34 metres, the rather stubby Ford has a lot going for it. Thanks to the 2.96 metre wheelbase, there is plenty of legroom in the second row, which is easy to reach via the standard sliding doors.
There is also a boot offering between 570 and 2,162 litres, which makes most conventional estates seem small. It is on a par with the roomy Mondeo Turnier estate, now sadly discontinued.
There are stowage compartments and cubby holes seemingly for everything although some are a little shallow which restricts their usefullness.
Spaces include a large cavity behind the speedometer across the dashboard, deep pockets in the doors and even a special slot on the centre console for your laptop.
And in the boot they have integrated large flaps for all sorts of small items, so it's easy to get over the limited choice of materials as your fingertips scratch over the hard plastic surfaces.
Luxury ambience may be lacking, but Ford does not skimp on the equipment. There are digital displays and the infotainment with a wi-fi hotspot as well as the assistance systems. These range from automatic distance control and a drowsiness warning system to a reversing camera.
There are creature comfort features too such as a heated steering wheel and seats that warm up. After all, just because the Tourneo is a commercial at heart doesn't mean you have to drive yesterday's car.
The larger Transit Courier is available for less money (as a panel van from €22,075) with more choice and also as a diesel, but Ford only has one engine on offer for the Tourneo Courier.
The diminutive three-cylinder unit has a displacement of one litre and seems a little lost in the large engine bay. The direct-injection petrol engine produces 92 kW/125 hp and delivers up to 200 Nm.
Getting around is more about common sense than driving pleasure although a seven-speed automatic transmission, which Ford will supply for an extra €2,400, makes driving more relaxed, especially in town.
The little engine is a bit rattly and it takes a leisurely 11.1 seconds to get from a standstill to 100 km/h. The Courier is still willing though and only runs out of urge at 175 km/h. Contrary to the off-road look, the van is only driven on the front wheels so extensive rough outings are not advisable.
The petrol engine is not really economical either, which should come as no surprise given the distinctly un-aerodynamic shape. Standard fuel consumption is 6.6 litres and CO2 emissions are 154 g/km.
Fortunately the new Courier is future-proof with an electric model in the pipeline. This will make it a fully-fledged competitor to rivals such as the Opel Combo, Renault Kangoo and Mercedes Citan, which are all already available as electric vehicles or with a combustion engine.
So although Ford no longer builds affordable family cars, the Courier is an attractive option which should attract price-conscious families.
