As part of the agreement between Ford and Volkswagen signed last year, Ford is preparing a light commercial vehicle based on the VW Caddy and our spy photographers caught it on the action. The model will replace Ford Tourneo Connect and Transit Connect, available in both passenger and cargo versions – just like its VW-badged sibling.
As is the case with partnerships in vans, the two models will share not only their underpinnings (MQB platform) but also several body panels and most of the interior. However, in this case, it won’t be a simple rebadging as Ford wants to give its own design identity to the new Tourneo and Transit Connect models. The current second-generation model built on Ford’s Global C Platform was unveiled back in 2012 and while it received a proper facelift in 2018, a brand new generation would be welcome.
The prototype is camouflaged but we can see it shares the profile with the VW Caddy. The front end features larger headlights, Ford’s grille, a different bonnet, and a redesigned bumper. At the back, changes will be limited to the area around the license plate on the tailgate. We also expect different wheel designs and a new color palette to match Ford’s range.
It will be interesting to see if Ford will make a Tourneo Connect Active successor with crossover-inspired styling ques similar to the Volkswagen Caddy PanAmericana. The new Ford Tourneo/Transit Connect is expected to launch sometime in 2021 as a 2022 model. It will compete with the likes of Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo, Opel/Vauxhall Combo, and Toyota ProAce City, all based on PSA Group’s architecture, and the FIAT Doblo / Ram ProMaster City.
Ford’s new MPV will be followed by the Ford Ranger-based Volkswagen Amarok and an all-new electric Ford-badged SUV sitting on VW Group’s MEB architecture.
