Is the sporty new duo the SUV alternative you've been waiting for?

FOLLOWING the launch of the Ford Tourneo Custom last year, Ford has added two more variations with the reveal of the Custom Sport and range-topping Titanium X.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

With these two passenger-centric people carriers, the company hopes to increase its market share of the MPV segment.

Both are built on short wheelbase configurations, but still keep their eight-seater configurations, while the Active and Trend versions in the lineup use the long wheelbase platform with additional luggage capacity.

Let's take a closer look at what these two models have to offer.

Custom Sport

It takes many of the exterior design cues from the Transit Custom Sport van, including the honeycomb-style grille and full body-colour front bumper, Sport body kit with a rear spoiler, as well as dual black and blue sport stripes that run from the front bumper over the vehicle and down the rear door and bumper which are complemented by side decals.

LED rear lights are standard, and it rolls on 17-inch alloy rims with the option of 19-inch versions.

The interior looks more hip, I suppose you could say, than the range topper, especially with the blue accent stripes for the seats, partial leather trim and piano black on the dash.

The instrument cluster is digital and has various configurations, and the 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system is equipped with Ford's Sync4 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 10 speakers.

The designers have added extra front cabin space and increased instrument panel storage, allowing places to keep laptops or A4 folder-sized items in covered dashboard storage.