The Ford Tourneo Connect II 1.6 Duratorq TDCi, producing 75 horsepower, was a key variant in the second generation of Ford’s compact people carrier, sold primarily in Europe from 2014 to 2015. Based on the global Ford Transit Connect platform, the Tourneo Connect aimed to provide a practical and affordable option for families and commercial users needing a versatile vehicle. This particular engine and transmission combination represented the entry-level offering, prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs over outright performance. It shared its underpinnings with the similarly positioned Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, a result of a joint venture between the PSA Group and Ford.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Tourneo Connect |
| Generation | Tourneo Connect II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Duratorq TDCi (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 130 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 19.4 kg/Hp, 51.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm, 150.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 48.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1500 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | UBGA |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1458 kg (3214.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2045 kg (4508.45 lbs.) |
| Max load | 587 kg (1294.11 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1029 l (36.34 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2410 l (85.11 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4418 mm (173.94 in.) |
| Width | 2137 mm (84.13 in.) |
| Height | 1852 mm (72.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2662 mm (104.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
INTRODUCTION
The Ford Tourneo Connect II 1.6 Duratorq TDCi 75 hp model, produced between 2014 and 2015, occupied the base trim level within the Tourneo Connect II range. It was designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers who prioritized practicality and fuel economy. The Tourneo Connect II itself was a significant update over the first generation, sharing a platform with the commercial Ford Transit Connect but offering a more refined interior and a greater focus on passenger comfort. The 1.6 Duratorq engine, a mainstay of Ford’s European diesel lineup, was chosen for its efficiency and relatively low maintenance costs. This variant was primarily sold in Europe, where compact MPVs were – and remain – a popular choice for families.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Tourneo Connect variant is the 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, specifically the UBGA engine code. This engine is a four-cylinder, inline configuration, utilizing a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. It employs a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The fuel injection system is a common rail direct injection system, allowing for precise fuel delivery and optimized combustion. The 75 horsepower output is achieved at 3500 rpm, while peak torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) is available from just 1500 rpm, providing reasonable low-end grunt. The engine features a compression ratio of 16:1. Paired with the engine is a five-speed manual transmission, chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. While an automatic transmission was offered on higher-spec Tourneo Connect models, it wasn’t available with the 75 hp engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 75 hp 1.6 Duratorq TDCi with a manual transmission delivers modest performance. Acceleration is leisurely, taking approximately 17.8 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). In real-world driving, the engine feels strained when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. The five-speed gearbox is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, with relatively short gear ratios aiding acceleration, but requiring frequent shifting to maintain momentum. Compared to the more powerful 1.6-liter TDCi variants (95 hp and 115 hp) or the 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine, this version feels significantly slower. However, the low-end torque provides adequate pulling power for everyday driving, and the engine is relatively refined for a diesel of this size. The focus is clearly on fuel efficiency rather than spirited performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 75 hp Tourneo Connect typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an adjustable steering column. Safety features such as ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and electronic stability control were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, a CD player with auxiliary input, and parking sensors. Higher trim levels, such as the Titanium, offered more luxurious features like upgraded upholstery, climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system, but these were not available with the 75 hp engine.
Chassis & Braking
The Tourneo Connect II utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. The rear suspension employs a semi-dependent beam axle with a stabilizer bar, which is a cost-effective solution for maximizing cargo space. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 75 hp Tourneo Connect was generally well-received as a practical and affordable MPV. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and spacious interior, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to the higher-powered variants, the 75 hp model was seen as a compromise, suitable for those who primarily used the vehicle for short trips and urban driving. The 1.6-liter 95 hp version offered a noticeable improvement in performance without a significant penalty in fuel economy, making it a more popular choice for those who frequently carried passengers or cargo. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine provided a more refined driving experience but lacked the low-end torque of the diesel. In terms of reliability, the 1.6 Duratorq engine is generally considered to be robust, but regular maintenance is essential to prevent issues with the turbocharger and fuel injection system.
Legacy
The Ford Tourneo Connect II 1.6 Duratorq TDCi 75 hp remains a relatively common sight on European roads today. Its simple mechanical design and robust engine contribute to its long-term reliability. On the used car market, these models are typically priced affordably, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. While not known for its performance, the 75 hp variant offers a practical and economical solution for those needing a versatile people carrier. The Duratorq engine, while superseded by newer Ford engine technologies, remains a respected powerplant known for its durability and fuel efficiency.
