Ford Transit and Tourneo Connect: new tech and better mpg

Ford has confirmed a series of under-the-skin updates to its Transit Connect van and Tourneo Connect passenger car, including a new diesel engine and various new tech features. Both revised models will hit showrooms in the summer. 

The range, which includes both five and seven-seat Tourneo Connect versions, will receive Ford's latest 1.5-litre TDCI diesel engine in two forms, replacing the outgoing 1.6-litre unit. It's part of imminent Euro 6 emissions regulation change that forces many older engines to be either adapted or thrown out as to meet the lower Euro 6 standards.

• Best MPVs to buy now

The 1.5-litre diesel will be initially available in one 'ECOnetic' 99bhp variant in the Transit Connect, and both 99bhp and 118bhp versions in the Tourneo (the latter is also offered with a Powershift automatic gearbox). The van offers an impressive 74.3mpg combined economy and emissions dip to 99g/km of CO2, six per cent better than the 1.6, thanks to the ECOnetic's standard active grille shutter and start/stop. 

The Tourneo Connect, heavier thanks to the addition of rear seats and doors, is seven per cent more efficient, starting at 65.7mpg with CO2 emissions at 111g/km. The smaller Transit Courier (like the Tourneo Connect) is now available with the 99bhp 1.0-litre Ecoboost three-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 50.4mpg and 129g/km of CO2.

New safety tech on both models includes traffic sign recognition, which can warn of oncoming hazards or speed limit reductions, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot recognition. Auto headlamps, power-folding mirrors and the SYNC2 six-inch colour touchscreen with sat-nav and voice control are also available. Pricing changes have yet to be announced.

Check out our round up of the most economical cars on sale here...