Ford Tourneo Courier 100kW Titanium 43kWh 5dr Auto

Ten Second Review

Ford's E-Tourneo Courier brings the market for small van-based electric MPVs right up to date. It's practical affordable to run and surprisingly stylish. Put this one down as surprisingly likeable.

Background

Ford has been slow off the mark bringing electric cars to market. Even this one, the E-Tourneo Courier, arguably isn't really a car but a passenger-carrying MPV version of the E-Transit Courier van. Still, it's undeniably a very thoroughly engineered product and is far more practical for family use than most sensibly-sized EVs. Considering its origins, it also looks surprisingly un-LCV-like. The Tourneo Courier also comes with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, but even that fossil fuelled version is based on the all-electric platform that undergirds this BEV variant. Ford wants us to see this new model line as 'fun and fuelled by a restless need for adventure'. You might merely see it as an alternative to the small van-based MPVs produced by Stellantis Group brands like Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot.

Engines and Tech Spec

Obviously you'll have to have an auto (the usual EV 1-speeder) if you choose the E-Tourneo Courier. This model has a 136PS electric motor mounted on the front axle. There's no dual motor AWD version. The battery size is 54kWh and the EV drive range is rated at 176 miles for the 'Active' version and 177 miles for the 'Titanium' variant. There's a front-mounted 134hp motor, the top speed is 90mph and there's 290Nm of pulling power. 0-62mph takes 11s en route to 90mph. Towing capacity is 750kg, 250kg less than the alternative 125PS 1.0 EcoBoost combustion model. Arguably the most comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems in the class also helps makes light work of daily driving and longer road trips. Drivers can select from four drive settings, including Normal, Eco, Slippery and Sport drive modes. There's also a brake regen system with a 'One Pedal' drive setting, which fiercely slows the car when you come off the accelerator. If you really decide you really don't want to be limited by the EV charging network, there's a 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild hybrid petrol version with 123hp which can also be ordered with a 7-speed dual clutch auto.

Design and Build

Though the E-Tourneo Courier is a van-based compact MPV, Ford hopes you'll view this model as more than just a van with windows. Hence all the outdoorsy-style dressing that the brand thinks will see it appeal to folk who might otherwise be considering a small SUV. Which is why the car features big wheels in black plastic-clad arches, rails framing a contrast-coloured roof and faux skid plates. It's much more spacious than a small SUV though, aided not only by the squarical profile but also by practical exterior dimensions in every direction. You immediately get a feel for this behind the wheel, where a glance at the centre console reveals an enormous storage bin big enough to hold a laptop bag or a handbag. Passengers bound for the rear aren't offered the option of a third seating row (unlike with some Stellantis Group competitors). But there's plenty of shoulder room in this model for those on the back seat. And a huge boot with a conventional tailgate (so owners have something to shelter under in the rain). The trunk is 570-litres in size. The boot trims feature a fold-out storage bin (for muddy shoes), an area also offering enclosed shelves for smaller items. With everything folded, there's up to 2,162-litres of luggage space (the same as the combustion version). Enough for bikes, buggies or camping gear. Unlike the petrol variant, this E-Tourneo Courier also gets a 44-litre storage area beneath the bonnet, ideal for holding charging cables.

Market and Model

The E-Tourneo Courier is officially priced by Ford from £33,690 in base 'Titanium' form or £34,800 in plusher 'Active'-spec. But you won't be paying that as this model qualifies for the highest level of the government's Electric Car Grant - £3,750. And that means that this all-electric Tourneo Courier will only cost you a few hundred pounds more than the automatic version of the alternative 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol model. Across the range, the so-called 'onboard digital experience' is centred around the striking 'digiboard' instrument panel that features a full digital instrument cluster and SYNC 4 infotainment controlled via a large 12-inch touchscreen. The fully-connected cabin features wireless 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' integration, as well as a phone charging pad to stay connected on the go. Over-the-air updates can improve functionality over time without the need to visit a dealership. Air conditioning and a heated windscreen will also be standard-fit. The E-Tourneo Courier is available with a range of stylish series choices, including the distinctive 'Active' model with contrast roof colour, wheel arch mouldings, roof bars and unique seat fabrics.

Cost of Ownership

As we told you in our 'Driving' section, this E-Tourneo Courier's 54kWh battery (43.6kWh of which is actually usable) offers a range of up to 177 miles. The car can DC charge at up to 100kW. The vehicle offers both 11kW AC and 100kW DC charging options, and charge management is made easier with Ford's end-to-end home charging solution, handy app and scheduling capability to take advantage of cheaper energy tariffs where available. A typical overnight AC charge from 10-100% takes around 7 hours 30 minutes, which you can improve to 5 hours 40 minutes if you're able to three-phase charge using an 11kW wallbox. At a DC fast charger, customers can add 54 miles of range in just 10 minutes, and charge from 10-80 per cent in under 35 minutes when needing a fast top-up away from home.  Whatever your choice of trim variant, the car's connected navigation system will identify up-to-date public charging locations during trips and prompt owners to charge at the most convenient points on each drive - all to help ensure they don't have to be anxious about how much range they have. The brand also gives customers access to the FordPass Charging Network, Europe's largest network of more than 125,000 public charging stations in 21 countries. An E-Tourneo Courier owner will be able to access any of these and pay for their power from a single account.

Summary

We can't help thinking that this is the small EV that families wanting a second car that's fully electric should be choosing. Instead, they're so often opting for an impractical small SUV that might look 'lifestyle' but when it comes to family excursions may actually inhibit your lifestyle. There's so much more room for everything in an E-Tourneo Courier than you'd get in one of those. We still can't help thinking though, that right here, right now, the much cheaper petrol version of this model might be a better bet, at least until the public charging infrastructure improves. But if your compact family car must be electric, then this one is certainly well worth a look. As you'd expect, this design feels the generation on from its Stellantis Group brand competitors that it is. And there are some clever interior touches and personalisation features that the target parental market will like.