Latest 2.0-litre Single Turbo engine, as also used in the Ranger and Everest ranges.
Serendipity – the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way… Well, this is exactly how things turned out when Ferdi de Vos finally visited Paternoster with the recently augmented Ford Tourneo Custom.
The smooth turbodiesel in our top-spec model – delivering a healthy 136 kW allied to a substantial torque peak of 415 Nm, and coupled to the slick sixspeed auto ’box that does duty in the current Ranger 2.2 and 3.2-litre models – transformed the Ford people-mover.
Offering conventional auto shifting and Sport mode, as well as Manual mode with SelectShift, giving you control over the gearshift points, the transmission and engine combination was the first unexpected and pleasant surprise of the weekend, as, dynamically speaking, the Tourneo Custom can now compete with the best in class.
On the R45 past Hopefield, Langebaan and Vredenburg, the Tourneo effortlessly and easily glided towards Paternoster. The additional benefit of
AdBlue technology for the diesel engine – a first for Ford in South Africa – which converts NOx emissions in the exhaust gas into eco-friendly nitrogen and water, provided further peace of mind.
ENHANCED INTERIOR
The cabin environment has also been enhanced with a new dash and instrument panel following Ford’s latest more user-centric interior design philosophy. The dashboard now has a more upscale appearance, with soft-touch surfaces, chrome detailing and gloss black finishes.
The new three-spoke steering wheel has a simplified control layout for the audio, telephony and cruise control functions, and the Sync 3 system with integrated 8” touchscreen for the infotainment system allows passengers to control audio functions and connected smartphones using simple voice commands.
The kids appreciated the eight USB ports located throughout the cabin (a 230v power socket is optionally available) and interior stowage now includes two lidded compartments and a stowage bin with twin cupholders in the centre console.
The six individual seats in the Tourneo Custom can be configured in conference format, or in two rows of three seats facing forward. They can all be folded flat, tumbled, stowed or removed, and the rear passengers also appreciated the more effective rear air-con system.
AN AMAZING WEEKEND
By now, after a two-hour drive with a diesel consumption averaging around 8 l/100 km, we were in Paternoster. On arrival we were informed that our weekend accommodation had been changed, and we were directed to a very quaint, recently built, twobedroom designer cottage named… Serendipity.
From our comfortable abode we could explore the small coastal village in the Tourneo, dining at places like Benguela Blue, Mondvol, Voorstrandt Restaurant and Gaatjie, and partaking in a guided kayak tour from Crayfish Wharf. We met many friendly Paternoster locals during our visit and our weekend turned out to be nothing short of amazing.
It came to an end far too soon but at least we could look forward to the return trip in the comfortable and versatile Tourneo Custom with its array of standard and optional safety features. The auto model, competitively priced at R763,200 (without optional extras), really surprised us with its all-round performance and made it easy for us to rediscover the rewards of travel.