Ford has expanded its Active range with the new Tourneo Connect Active people mover and Transit Connect Active van variants, priced from £21,285 and £21,675, respectively, with deliveries from the end of this year. Active varients of Tourneo and Transit Connect feature SUV-inspired exterior styling, an optional mechanical limited-slip differential (mLSD) for improved traction and raised ride height.

“Our Active models are a hit with drivers who need to venture off the beaten track, and want to look good while they do it,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s for business or pleasure – the new Tourneo and Transit Connect Active models have the flexibility and capability to support customers with a sense of adventure.”

The Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active join the larger eight-seat Tourneo Custom Active people mover and Transit Custom Active van launched last month – also featuring SUV-inspired styling, versatile interiors and optional mLSD.

Driveline enhancements increase capability
Both the Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active can be specified with the same mLSD technology already introduced for the larger Active models – developed in partnership with driveline specialists Quaife to provide optimised traction.

The mLSD automatically transfers engine torque in low-grip conditions to the wheel with the most traction, allowing drivers to more comfortably tackle wet, slippery and challenging surfaces including unpaved roads, gravel tracks, grassy campsites or snow and ice.

Ford engineers also developed a bespoke Traction Control configuration to harmonise the system more effectively with the characteristics of the mLSD.

Similar differential technology has previously been used to enhance the traction and handling characteristics of Ford Performance models including the Focus RS, Fiesta ST and Focus ST, and has no impact on CO₂ emissions or fuel efficiency.

Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active both also benefit from a ride height increase of 24mm at the front and 9mm at the rear, giving better clearance over bumps, ruts and unsealed road surfaces. The increased height also results in a higher driving position for more confident progress in urban, highway and rough-road scenarios.

Rugged and distinctive styling
The new Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active feature roof rails as standard to facilitate carrying oversized equipment – from bike racks and canoes to work tools. Front and rear skid plates also contribute to the vehicles’ tougher appearance.

Exclusive Active five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels contrast polished metal with dark detailing to help enhance the Active series’ bold and distinctive appearance. A signature Active mesh grille further distinguishes the two models.

Practicality is enhanced with additional cladding on the body sides, mirror caps, wheel arches and rear bumper, helping prevent paintwork scuffs when negotiating brush trails or when loading tools or equipment.

A full-width Active decal and complementary Active badges feature on the front wings, and two new colours – Sedona Orange and Solar Silver – are available to complete the distinctive Active look.

Enhanced comfort and interior versatility
Select interior upgrades enhance the comfort and practicality of the Active range, including exclusive seat trim patterns and stitching, blue contrast detailing and Active branding.

Metallic scuff plates on both front door sills are embossed with the Active logo and help prevent paint scratches from boots and equipment when getting in and out of the vehicle.

Tourneo Connect Active’s spacious and flexible interior is designed to be easily reconfigurable to accommodate passengers and equipment. The five-seat Tourneo Connect Active features a 60/40 split second row bench that folds flat for easy equipment loading and optimised luggage space. The longer Tourneo Grand Connect Active adds two more seats in a third row that folds into the floor when not in use.

The Active series enhancements have no negative effect on Transit Connect’s load space. Load volume remains at 2.9m³ or 3.6m³ depending on the wheelbase specified, with payloads reaching 982kg.

Driver assistance and powertrains
All new Tourneo Connect Active and Transit Connect Active models are powered by Ford’s 1.5‑litre EcoBlue diesel engine featuring advance fuel injection, turbocharging and emission-control technologies with a low-friction design.

Available with 99 bhp or 118 bhp power outputs, the engine is offered alongside an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions. The mLSD is available on both Tourneo and Transit Connect models as an option with the 118 bhp manual powertrain.

The Active series models benefit from the same suite of Ford’s safety and driver assistance systems as the rest of the Connect range, designed to help reduce driver fatigue and avoid or mitigate the effects of accidents.

Features include Intelligent Speed Limiter technology that can help drivers avoid speeding fines by automatically adjusting maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits, Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking, Side Wind Stabilisation, and Active Park Assist that helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.