BY THATCAR.co.za
If you live in South Africa, you know what a F’in car is.
If you don’t, well, it’s a people carrier from a particular brand that has a star pointing to the stars, the road and the sea.
Why am I talking about people carriers?
Well, there is a new addition to the segment, and this one comes with four-wheel drive.
WHAT IS IT?
Well, it’s F’in great news, actually.
Ford South Africa is introducing the Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X AWD, adding all-wheel-drive capability to the highly specified Titanium X derivative.
Basically, all Tourneos were front-wheel drive.
With the introduction of all-wheel drive, Ford has opened the door to more than just tarmac applications — okay, more off-road-ish applications.
All of this happens while seating eight occupants in a premium interior, with an extensive suite of technology and safety features.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
THE ENGINE
The Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X AWD is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 125 kW of power and 390 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that can distribute drive between the front and rear wheels according to available grip.
This helps the vehicle maintain traction on surfaces such as wet roads, gravel and other low-grip conditions.
INSIDE
The Ford Tourneo Titanium X AWD provides accommodation for eight occupants, with generous space for passengers and luggage.
The interior can be configured to suit the needs of the journey, with the individual rear seats designed to be easily removed when additional luggage or load space is required.
The seats can also be turned around, creating a rear-facing, conference-style space.
We love facing each other.
Dunno why.
It just makes us feel important.
You’re sitting there with tables and all, while being chauffeured around.
“No wonder people didn’t want to get out of the F’in car once upon a time.”
By the way, all eight passengers will be sitting on premium leather.
Even more reason not to want to get out.
Wait, there’s more…
The optional Luxury Pack adds equipment including heated second-row seats, a 14-speaker B&O sound system and a full-length panoramic moonroof designed to bathe the interior in natural light.
The Mobile Office Package is also available as an option.
It includes a stowable accessory tray table, enhanced lighting, laptop or tablet storage between the seats, additional USB connections, an accessory docking slot and a convenient integrated rubbish bin.
I also wouldn’t want to get out of the F’in car.
STYLING AND TECH
The Ford Tourneo Titanium X is distinguished by 19-inch alloy wheels and premium styling details, including AWD badging.
It is also complemented by Matrix LED headlights for advanced illumination.
Then there are six drive modes:
- Normal
- Eco
- Slippery
- Tow/Haul
- Sport
- Trail
These enhance the vehicle’s broader versatility.
And all of this comes together with an extensive suite of driver-assistance and safety technologies designed to provide greater confidence and protection for occupants.
These include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pre-Collision Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centring
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Reverse Brake Assist
- 360-degree camera system
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Exit Warning
- Post-Collision Braking
PRICE
And this is where this people carrier really starts to shine.
Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0L SWB Titanium X AWD 8AT – R1,354,100
The price includes a six-year/90,000 km Ford Optional Service Plan, a four-year/120,000 km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited-distance Roadside Assistance and a five-year/unlimited-distance corrosion warranty.
In addition, over-the-counter (OTC) parts and service parts warranty (SPW) are covered for two years/unlimited distance.
VERDICT
It takes the F’in title.
The addition of all-wheel drive gives it a dimension that other people carriers simply don’t have.
The VW Caravelle T7 Hybrid, which is a direct competitor, will set you back almost R1.8 million.
The Mercedes-Benz 2.0-litre four-cylinder will set you back north of R2 million.
So, the question is:
Does either of them offer R700,000 more car?
We don’t think so.
For R1.35 million, eight leather seats, a premium cabin, serious technology, a diesel engine, AWD and enough space to carry half your family…
This might just be the F’in car.
