Family, fuel economy and future fiancés
There are a few non-negotiables when planning a family road trip. Space is one. Comfort is another. And in this day and age – especially when you’re schlepping six people and four days’ worth of luggage, cooler boxes and celebratory snacks – fuel economy can’t be ignored either. So, when it came time to plan my youngest son’s 21st birthday celebration in Marloth Park, the vehicle choice was clear. The Ford Tourneo Trend wasn’t just the sensible option, it was the only one that ticked all the boxes without giving us a migraine at the petrol pump.
Before we dive into the festivities, let’s talk about this van that thinks it’s a luxury SUV. The Tourneo Trend is the entry-level model in Ford’s people-mover line-up, but don’t let that word entry-level fool you. Under the bonnet is a surprisingly perky 2.0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine that delivers 100kW and 360Nm of torque. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox that made cruising through Mpumalanga’s rolling landscapes a relaxed affair, even with a full load.
Speaking of loads – our human cargo was quite the mix. My husband, who enjoys pretending he’s a long-haul trucker when driving anything with a high driving position, naturally claimed the captain’s seat. My 24-year-old son – a strapping lad who looks like he belongs in the Springboks’ front row – rode shotgun and took control of the roadtrip playlist. The second row was claimed by my mom and yours truly, while the birthday boy and his girlfriend (now fiancée – but more on that twist later) made themselves comfy in the back row.
And when I say comfy, I mean it. The Tourneo’s interior is a masterclass in practical luxury. There are multiple USB ports scattered about (including in the back row – a real lifesaver for the girlfriend who had a bit of laptop work to do en route). The dual sliding doors made loading people and picnic baskets a breeze, and the independently adjustable and removable rear seats meant we could configure the cabin to fit everything from snack bags to cooler boxes filled with braai essentials. There’s climate control for front and rear passengers, loads of cubbies and cupholders, and enough head and legroom to keep even the long-limbed among us from grumbling.
We set off from Gauteng at the crack of dawn and made our way towards Marloth Park, that unique bushveld escape nestled right on the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park. The road trip itself was part of the adventure. We opted for the N4 via Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) – a well-maintained route that offers scenic views, quirky farm stalls, and, if you time it right, some stellar sunrise vistas over the highveld. The Tourneo took it all in stride. Even on the twisty bits through Schoemanskloof, the steering felt planted and confident – not always a given in a van-based people mover.
Marloth itself is a fascinating mix of wild and wonderful. Think warthogs in the garden, giraffes browsing along the roadside, and the occasional kudu staring at you from behind the braai area. With no fences between the homes and the bush, you get a taste of the wild without sacrificing your morning coffee ritual. We settled into a self-catering house not far from the Crocodile River, where the boundary to the Kruger is little more than a low fence and a hopeful sign.
One of the highlights of the trip was, naturally, a day in the Kruger National Park. Here again, the Tourneo proved to be a worthy companion. It may not be your typical game viewer, but it held its own with grace. Its massive windows offered unobstructed views for everyone, and even ouma in the middle row got caught up in our mission to spot the big five. Alas, this was not to be, but the elevated seating position gave us that “safari vehicle” vibe, and the diesel engine’s quiet hum didn’t disturb the ellies… of which we saw plenty.
We stopped off at Skukuza for a smoke break for hubby and me, some coffee for granny and ice-cream for the three youngsters. It was a scorcher of a day and despite the Tourneo’s comfy interior we needed to stretch our legs. Parked among the convoy of open game vehicles teeming with camera-toting tourists in overpriced and over-the-top safari outfits, the Tourneo looked almost smug. We just smiled knowingly and waved, enjoying our snacks like the seasoned bush travellers we clearly are.
Over the course of the weekend, the Tourneo sipped diesel at a remarkably modest rate. Ford claims a combined consumption of 6.5 litres/100km, and we came in just over that despite heavy loading, backroad exploring, and a bit of aircon overuse (we are six strong personalities, after all). With a 70-litre tank, range anxiety was never an issue.
As for the birthday celebrations, they were full of the usual family traditions: a slightly chaotic braai, much storytelling and friendly banter around the fire, and a few let’s-not-mention-those moments that will forever remain in the group chat. And while the engagement didn’t happen that weekend – it came a little later – I’d like to think that somewhere between the USB ports, the smooth ride, and the sunset game drives, my son’s girlfriend realised that joining this family might not be such a mad idea after all. After all, who else takes you to the bush in a road-trip chariot with seven seats, cupholders and climate control?
The Ford Tourneo Trend might not have the brand cachet of a luxury SUV or the rugged bravado of a 4×4, but it more than makes up for it with practicality, comfort, and a surprising amount of driving charm. For families (or friend groups) needing space, versatility and value, it’s a people-mover that truly lives up to its name.
