Keep up to date with all the goings on at Paris 2012, and join the discussion with MotorTorque's 48-hour live blog.
Ford's new Tourneo Connect MPV is ready to be unveiled at Paris tomorrow, and will go on sale in Europe during the second half of 2013.
Get a FREE FORD TOURNEO Brochure
Looking for a new car then why not start with a glossy FORD TOURNEO brochure?
Fitted with 1.0-litre EcoBoost technology and Ford Sync, the Tourneo Connect is viewed by Ford as the next generation of people movers. Based on the C-segment, which is shared by the Focus and Kuga, it's available in five/seven-seat models and provides best-in-class fuel economy.
Ford will be up against the Kia Carens and other MPVs when released next year, but is hoping to steal a march on its competitors by complementing its tech with better interior space and versatility for families than ever before.
The car will be unveiled in Paris at 8:30am GMT tomorrow, and Barb Samardzich, vice president of Product Development at Ford of Europe, is eager to focus on the people carrier's practical capabilities.
"The new Tourneo Connect is a stylish, spacious and comfortable vehicle which is great for today's busy lifestyles - ready to tackle the school run with room to spare, or to take the family mountain biking at the weekend."
The Tourneo Connect features modern design features including front 'technical' headlamps, a trapezoidal grille and distinct vertical rear taillights. The Tourer Connect is also the first vehicle in its class to offer Active City Stop technology.
The interior is incredibly spacious, and the Tourneo Connect is available with an optional full-size glass panoramic roof. Driver features include all the benefits of Ford's Sync system, as well as adaptive cornering fog lamps and a rear-view camera system.
The Tourneo Connect comes with sliding rear doors and smart areas for stowage, such as overhead lockers. The seven-seater's second and third rows can be easily folded flat to create a large fold area. The front passenger seat can also be folded for added convenience.
A choice of efficient diesel and petrol engines are available on the new Tourneo Connect. A 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel will be available with a choice of 75, 95 and 115 PS versions. Buyers can also choose the 2012 International Engine of the Year, the 100 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol.
Written by John Meadowcroft