Test drive Ford Tourneo Connect 2003 - 2007 Minivan

With a commercial vein

Which of us did not have to scratch the back of the head when buying household appliances, kitchen utensils or all sorts of things to repair the apartment, and then, gritting with teeth and torn upholstices, try to shove the acquired in their favorite car. Or hire a full truck for transporting the same refrigerator or washing machine. It turns out that you can live much more rational - in a world where a small carrier van corresponds to one or another needs.
However, often the van is simply unsuitable for transporting people. Do not forget about lovers of outdoor activities, long -distance travel, and just indefatigable summer residents, for which a universal and at the same time spacious car is a dream of life. That's when the passenger version of the car comes to the rescue, in which the creators tried to supplement the advantages of cargo modification with the comfort of an ordinary car. How successful - we have to find out in the test.
With all the community of the tasks solved, the trio at first glance looks quite different. Ford arsenal is not only novelty, but also more solid sizes. Hence some kind of advantage on the engine, whose 1.8 liters of working volume and 115 horses will almost certainly give the heading the rest. Nevertheless, for this class of cars, the parameters of the motor are not important, therefore, we without hesitation accepted the French duet into the company, albeit with a more modest traction armament - 1.4 liters and 75 liters. With. for each. For in all the rest the qualities of Citroen and Renault are quite consistent with the task of being as universal as possible. Do not forget about prices where the beginner is also an undeniable leader. It seems that only a meticulous acquaintance will put everyone in their places.
In width and height
It is unlikely that such vehicles choose only eyes. A potential buyer will study for a long time to study the possibilities of transformation of the salon, the size of the luggage compartment, its configuration and functional features. And only then, having already decided on the options for configuration, he will drive him to feel like a several unusual vehicle. So we will do.
Despite the small difference in internal size and execution, the whole trinity is quite unanimous in its passenger-commercial ideology. Therefore, having entered the role of a potential buyer, you will have to immediately adapt to an unusually high roof and, accordingly, a huge stock of space above your head. After all, the voice of practicality constantly asks what to do with a sort of air - to carry it with you is just so unprofitable. It is necessary to get used to the fact that under the open rear door (fifth or fourth) at the picnic table, a small company will easily be located, and the luggage compartment will surprise not only in size, correct rectangular shapes, but also spread a plastic mat, indispensable during cargo transportation. Everything else is details, but often it is they who determine sympathy or antipathy.
Ford Tourneo Connect. It is felt that the newcomer was very seriously prepared for the consumer assessment, trying to absorb the most advanced technical solutions.
In the back seat, here, without a doubt, it is convenient, even a solid supply has a solid supply, well, and there is just an air ocean above your head. The trunk with an even floor and side walls, divided in half, is good. True, to fight with her in case of dismantling is not very convenient - the part is bulky. But you can still fold a separate (60/40) back of the rear seat, separately or with a pillow, and then Connect will instantly turn into a truck. Then it suddenly turns out that the seats are easy to dismantle at all - it is worth clicking on the lever and ... Stop! Here is the first problem. Through the only sliding door from the side, it is very inconvenient to pull them out, and most importantly, bring them into place. Especially double - heavy, not everyone can. Thinking about the configuration with the left rear door (it will cost about 400 euros), we launch three dense peasants in the back seat, for the final assessment. Their opinion, translated into printed language, also confirmed the lack of one -sided structure. Along the way, identifying one more thing: the sitting on the right will not find the inner handle to close the sliding door (of course, also blocked by the latch) - its shape and size are so inexpressive.
Citroen-Berlingo. He is the only one in our test offers two sliding doors on the sides. Such concern cannot be ignored - three rated passengers scatter in compliments of the Frenchman worked out to the smallest detail. Otherwise, their estimates are similar to the previous ones: it is also a little cramped in the shoulders, but in the legs of free space even with a margin. Citroena trunk is almost not inferior to Fordovsky, it is only a little shorter, but covered with a soft curtain, which is much easier to attach during the transportation of large -sized cargoes. But the rear seat here is not fast -open. Only the possibilities of transformation are similar - laying a split back or seat whole. That's just light upholstery materials somehow do not have cargo transportation.
Renault-Kanka. At first glance, he is more doubtful, and even simpler brothers. After a spacious Ford and a cozy Citroen, not covered by upholstices of the body, unreasonable pillow and back are striking - they only fold. In general, the back seat causes controversial feelings. Although our Trinity here has settled without any problems, but more closely, and more traumatic. The seat belt lock, drowned into a pillow, suddenly digs into someone with such force that you have to urgently land experts. It seems that it is better to carry passengers to Kangu only at short distances. Partly hints at this almost the most spacious trunk - the main advantage of Kanga.
Alone and in motion
Ford Tourneo Connect. Massive doors, chubby, as if inflated from the inside, inner upholstery, large side windows, mirrors, dual -dilapidated, like a truck, a car is not enough. According to the first sensations, Ford is rather a mini -wen or minibus. But then what to do with a considerable amount of metal and plastic with, so to speak, daily, private use? Yes ... large! In it would immediately plant people or put kilograms of four hundred cargo - then to speculate on functionality.
Nevertheless, everything is thoughtful and convenient in the driver's place. A spacious seat with a wide range of adjustments, good visibility due to the high planting of the driver and large mirrors, a steering wheel adjustable in two directions, three traditional twisting ventilations. In our configuration, there is even a package of additional equipment comfort, and in it electric heating is not only mirrors and nozzles of washer, but also a windshield. In general, for the driver everything is organized almost by the highest category and at the same time extremely functionally. True, in a rich configuration, the rear janitor for some reason is completely absent at all, but these are already inconsistencies of equipment.
Connect is also balanced in a comb. Of course, not a passenger car, playing it, playing from a row in a row, but in the convenient degree of the movements of the machine, reliability is felt primarily. A sufficiently frisky and at the same time, the traction engine, successfully selected gear ratio of transmission gives the machine a rather cheerful character, which will not spoil even an increase in the payload.
Good pendants. Dense and elastic, they are reliable on most irregularities and do not strain with sharp shocks or, conversely, excessive tanking of the body. And most importantly - a solid supply of energy intensity is felt in them, because even with a load of 300-400 kg, the character of the car almost does not change - unless the body moves more smoothly and the rolls in fast turns increase slightly.
Especially you will not give up controllability. Of course, in its settings there is no sophistication of smaller brothers, but in general everything is verified to the smallest detail. Accurate, convenient reactions, excellent information content allow you to reliably control the car and not be afraid of surprises. But acoustic comfort is not perfect. At first, Ford does not cause complaints: a quiet engine, not at all noisy tires. But on a rough coating, the body suddenly begins to resonate, like a deck of a musical instrument, absorbing all parasitic sounds into its insides. At a speed of 100-110 km/h, it becomes difficult to talk with a neighbor.
Citroen-Berlingo. Similar sizes of the salon, but other colors and shades, a little more than the game of imagination and designer finds in the form of all kinds of pockets and nets. At the same time, the passenger does not have a feeling of massiveness inherent in Ford. In fact, this is a familiar passenger car that you do not need to adapt: \u200b\u200beven a considerable volume of free space does not cause a feeling of unused void. From this it becomes comfortable and comfortable, although the seats are simpler here, and the ranges of their adjustments are not so extensive. And even if the steering wheel is adjusted only in height, but it is convenient, like the switching mechanism, a pedal node that plays with bright arrows a combination of devices.
Against expectations, even a modest engine does not cause rejection. Of course, the stretched transfer numbers of transmission and an electronic accelerator interfere with him a little, nevertheless, Citroen reacts reliably and confidently to the driver’s commands, requiring only prolonged acceleration in lower gears, and, of course, does not enclose temperament after 120 km/h. But, unlike his predecessor, with noise he is all right. No, they, of course, are present: the engine sings at high speeds, sometimes the tires are buzzing, but Berlingo does not beg for comparison with the acoustic musical instrument.
Another feature of Citroen is excellent chassis settings. Without any discounts on an unusual body: the car is not only very reliable on the road, it also causes driver sympathies, letting the fuck in quick bends. Unlike a rude Ford, the Frenchman very sensitively monitors the slightest desire of the driver, allowing him to easily control even side slippers. All this is unusual, probably, it is not even necessary, at least such a car - but there is, and from this it is warmer in his soul.
Deserves praise and smoothness. Of course, the influence of the load here is more noticeable, and the possibilities of pendants are limited, but in most situations they do perfectly with bumps, easily competing with Fordovsky.
Renault-Kanka. After an intelligent Citroen, the Spartan interior Kanga is puzzling. The abundance of undisguised metal around, rough style and hard plastic, some small seats with short pillows. As if some equipment was added to the cargo van, slightly detached and called passenger. Perhaps this was done consciously to emphasize the true purpose of the hard worker, but, by golly, such cheapness did not benefit. For myself, a loved one, I still want more briefly and richer, although, acquiring Kanga as a commercial vehicle, you can be pleased to be happy with what is. In the end, the steering wheel and pedals in place, the combination of devices is pretty, there is even air conditioning. And the fact that everything looks rustic and none of the rear windows is open - we will survive.
Renault transfers undisguised simplicity to sled characteristics. As if contrasting himself with Citroen (but how else?), The car to a modest engine offers a transmission close to the gear numbers, thanks to which it seems more frozen and dynamic. In part, this is true, but you have to switch often: short gears quickly unscrew the engine. And having reached the highest steps, you very quickly understand that there is a van and after 120 km/h
Nevertheless, the main problem of Kanga is acoustic. The salon is very quickly filled with sound cacophony, only, unlike Ford, also repeatedly reinforced. After 100 km/h Renault, I don’t even want to compare with a musical instrument - so aggressively the rumble presses on the ears. The tires that are extremely violently responding to the quality of the road surface are dominated in the orchestra.
The pendants of Kanga are frankly tough and some kind of uncompromising. The car annually repeats the profile of the road, tossing even on smooth irregularities, and quickly tires with sharp vertical accelerations. It is possible to deal with this in an old grandfather's way. As soon as 200-300 kilograms of ballast appear in the trunk or in the back seat, the car pacifies a jumping temper. True, problems with controllability are immediately outlined, already not perfect. The fact is that an empty car demonstrates insufficient rotation, not wanting to drive into a turn. But with a partial load, he suddenly begins to revenge his tail, falling into a skid. It seems that in the pursuit of universality and carrying capacity the creators went too far with the rigidity of the pendants, donating solid controllability and smoothness. Of course, most of these features are manifested only with extreme driving, but each of us can fall into a similar situation by mistake. It is quite difficult for him to accelerate. But in urban conditions, of course, it is more convenient.
What in the end
Which to prefer from our trinity? I think there will be no unequivocal answer - despite the common purpose, all the cars are different.
Ford-Tourneo Connect is good: a thoughtful, easily transformed interior, a powerful engine, reliable sledged capabilities. It just seemed that for a private trader he is both great and expensive, and therefore the most interesting is as a universal vehicle for a solid company. Then the starting price of 15,000 euros will seem moderate, although when choosing options to it, another 1,500-2000 euros will be easily added. And if such costs are not affordable for your company, it is quite possible to focus on Renault Kanga. As a passenger car, he, mm, is not very, but quite suitable for the city’s bustle in a cargo-passenger shuttle mode.
If you seriously thought about a car that can solve not only commercial, but also family problems, perhaps, should pay attention to Citroen Berlingo. It very successfully combines the comfort of the usual car with a spacious and thoughtful cargo compartment.

Ford Tourneo Connect
First shown to the general public at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. In late autumn, its sales in Russia began.
The car is offered in cargo and passenger versions with one gasoline 1.8 liter, 86 kW/115 liters. With. and one turbodiesel 1.8 liters, 66 kW/90 liters. With. engines. There are short -standing and long -standing versions of the machine.
The starting price of the passenger connector is 15,000 euros. It increases by 2000-3000 euros when ordering packages of additional equipment, including all kinds of servo drives, heated windshield, airbrush pillows, ABS, etc.
Citroen Berlingo
He made his debut in 1996 and since then Vera-Indian serves the consumer under the trademarks of Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner. In the fall of 2002, the car was subjected to cosmetic renewal.
In the domestic market, the model is offered in cargo and passenger versions with two gasoline engines: 1.4 liters, 55 kW/75 liters. With.; 1.6 l, 80 kW/110 l. With. and diesel 1.9 liters, 51 kW/69 l. With. The latter is equipped with just a truck.
Depending on the motor and the level of configuration, the passenger version costs from 12,550 to 14,750 euros. An impressive list of additional equipment contains ABS, air conditioning, etc.
Renault Kangoo
His presentation took place in December 1997, and in 2001 even an all -wheel drive modification appeared, which is not yet sold with us.
In the domestic market, it is represented in cargo and passenger versions with only one gasoline engine of 1.4 liters, 55 kW/75 liters. With.
For a passenger car, two basic levels of configuration are provided and a prostrate list of additional equipment.
Price - from 11,990 to 12,490 euros.

Ford Tourneo Connect
Simple forms, calm lines. In the city landscape, Ford does not look like a grinding.
The cargo compartment is narrowed with wheel arches, but it is worth taking off the seats, and it becomes huge.
The cargo compartment is narrowed with wheel arches, but it is worth taking off the seats, and it becomes huge.
The rear seat is designed for three passengers - it is convenient for them here.

Citroen Berlingo
Citroen Berlingo in the configuration of multi -pace: external mirrors with inserts to the color of the body, luggage curtains and the second sliding door on the left.
Citroena trunk is a little shorter and U'zhedovsky, but his asset has a soft shelf and practical pockets on the side walls.
Cute interior, playful shades of upholstery, convenient controls.
The pillow and back of the rear seat are laid out in a ratio of 60/40.

Renault Kangoo
The appearance of Renault Kanga is perhaps the most unusual: a tall and playful van with a large road clearance, put on thin legs-wheel.
But the dimensions of the luggage compartment are impressive - the largest opening and width.
At first glance, everything that is needed is in their places. But the design, texture and style are for an amateur.
The rear seat is simple and is laid out only in its entirety.

SUMMARY
Ford Tourneo Connect
A spacious trunk, wide possibilities of transformation of the salon, a convenient workplace, balanced sledges.
An uncomfortable handle for closing the sliding side door from the inside, there is no rear wiper in one of the most saturated passenger versions.
Citroen Berlingo
A thoughtful and convenient interior, good smoothness and handling, high acoustic comfort.
Stretched gear ratio of transmission, an unsuccessful design of engine protection.
Renault Kangoo
A spacious and convenient cargo compartment, adaptation to Russian conditions.
Poor acoustic comfort, low smoothness, mediocre brakes.
   
 

 

Sergey Voskresensky. Photo: George Sadkov

A source: The magazine "Driving"