Description
Ford introduced the Turneo Connect in 2003 as part of its expansion on the MPV lineup, a model which was refreshed in 2007 and 2009.
Following the successful Transit lineup, Ford changed its marketing strategy and tried to make the LCV division a separate brand. Volkswagen did the same and succeeded with its commercial vehicle division. The Connect was the passenger version for the Turneo, which was a compact light commercial vehicle. Its platform was the same used for the front-wheel-drive Transit.
The headlights at the front resembled those installed on the fifth generation Fiesta, with a large, trapezoidal grille. The car-like bumper comprised two round fog-lights. From its sides, the tall passenger area was accessible via two regular doors at the front and two sliding ones for the rear bench. In the back, the Turneo Connect was available either with a liftgate or with two unequally sized, regular doors.
Inside, the dashboard was similar to the one found on the Fiesta V, with round air-vents and the same instrument cluster. Thanks to its high roof, the interior designers were able to install high-mounted seats at the front and a folding bench in the back. Thus, the car could have been transformed from passenger to cargo vehicle in a matter of seconds.
Unlike Volkswagen, who designed specific engines for the LCV division, Ford chose most of the Turneo Connect ones from the passenger car lineup. It was available with a choice of diesel engines paired as standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
