New Ford Tourneo Custom takes aim at Kia Carnival

Ford Australia wants to tackle the dominant Kia Carnival in the people-mover segment with its upcoming Tourneo Custom eight-seater, which shares its architecture and many components with the soon-to-arrive Transit Custom delivery.

And it’s seating flexibility and the battery-electric E-Tourneo variant that the Blue Oval brand believes will separate it in the fight for family transport honours.

“It’s just a matter of timing,” said Ford Australia product and retail marketing manager for vans, Anna Hercan, in reference to the E-Tourneo, which uses a 160kW/415Nm electric motor to power the rear wheels (like in the E-Transit Custom, rather than front wheels in the diesel-engined Transit Custom).

“We’ve got to work out when the timing is right [to release the electric E-Tourneo locally), when we can get supply and when it’s right to bring it in.”

For now, the focus is on diesel-powered versions of the Tourneo, which are due to arrive here in late 2024 with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 125kW/390Nm.

“The first step is launching this nameplate and then we will be looking to most definitely expanding the range,” said Hercan.

Ford Australia’s first people-mover will come with eight seats and loads of luggage space. First deliveries of the new-to-Australia nameplate will kick off late in the year with two model variants.

The entry-level Tourneo Active will sell from $65,990 plus on-road costs and is fitted as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone ventilation, powered side doors, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, a digital instrument cluster and a 13-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Titanium X ($70,990 plus ORCs) adds a panoramic sunroof, fake leather trim, power-operated front seat, 360-degree camera and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

But it’s the rear two rows of seats that Ford believes will be a drawcard for the Tourneo in a market segment that values size and seating flexibility.

Describing it as “pretty wow inside”, Hercan says the sliding middle-row and rear seats and the ability to remove them altogether provides unrivalled flexibility that differentiates the Tourneo from its rivals. The middle row can even be turned 180 degrees to face rearward.

“The space, the ability to move those seats… the moving of those seats is really bringing something unique to the market. Some people will be drawn to this because of… what it can do,” she said.

Hercan added that while the Tourneo is not a direct competitor to the more car-like Carnival, there will still be cross-shoppers attracted by the extra space of the Ford’s tall body and its clever seating flexibility.

“I think we will still draw and challenge them far more than they have ever been before with this vehicle,” she said, pointing out the additional cabin space.

Hercan also believes some buyers currently purchasing privately-imported models from Japan – including the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand – may be attracted to a vehicle that has official dealer backing from an established retail network.

In addition, she said the Hyundai Staria and Volkswagen Multivan (the next generation of which shares its underpinnings with the Tourneo) will also be targets for the new Ford people-mover.

And while Ford wants to tempt operators of businesses looking for a premium people-mover, it’s ultimately families that are high on its hit list.

While the Tourneo is available as a nine-seater overseas, for Australia it will offer eight seats in a 2-3-3 layout.

“The ability to have the space through the middle… into the rear cabin is a point of difference,” said Hercan.

“We think that’s far more appealing to our target customer.”

How much does the 2024 Ford Tourneo Custom cost?
Active – $65,990
Titanium X – $70,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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