Finding a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is not as easy as many think. This acquisition may well be a compromise that started with knowing you have to say goodbye to a car you want to travel in for a vehicle you need. Whether you need a new or a Nearly New WAV on the Motability Scheme, WAV rental, a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or next WAV.
Ford Tourneo Custom mid wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles
Wheelchair user experience
Ultimately, we believe their inclusivity is the best experience for a wheelchair user in any WAV. Many of the Ford Tourneo Custom conversions do just that well. The entry should feel stress-free, and coming to rest on a level floor is, for most, the ideal solution. This is an individual process and, of course, must be measured as such.
A low centre of gravity means a better ride and ride height for wheelchair users. The floor of the Ford Custom can be lowered significantly, but not all converters cut the floor down low enough, meaning ride height is higher for a wheelchair user. There will likely be less lateral wheelchair movement when the vehicle is in motion, and a wheelchair user’s eye line is better suited to their fellow passengers. The ultimate benefit to most wheelchair users is their ability to see the outside world like seated passengers do during travel.
The suspension is kind, the ride is suitable for most, and there’s plenty of space to carry equipment or luggage. A wheelchair user winch can easily be added, making the journey into and out of a WAV much smoother and less strenuous for those with manual wheelchairs.
Driver experience
The Tourneo (Ford language for car) has treats for everyone, not just the driver. The Custom was built around the driver’s needs since Ford first started making the Transit in 1953, and Ford had this perfected many years ago. The driver and front passenger benefit from a slightly raised seating position giving great all-around vision; this ultimately means safer driving in this day and age. Being able to see a long way forward can ensure less braking under pressure and ride quality and safety, which means less stress and worry for the driver and their passengers.
Getting in and readying to drive is quick, and the switchgear is simple and where you’d expect to find it. You’ll find everything to hand and easy to manage from sitting in one. Most models have enough driver aids focussed on safety to ensure everyone is comfortable on board. The Tourneo drives beautifully, has a very tight turning circle and handles the bends well for what is a large vehicle.
Passenger experience
All passengers get a good deal on a Tourneo Custom. The seating is comfortable, especially if the converter has used the original manufacturer seats. With rows one and two being the original manufacturer seats from the vehicle pre-conversion, this is a significant benefit. And many cases, in row two, wide wheelchairs can easily pass between them so they can be fully inclusive, improving the quality of space for everyone. Again the view through the glass is fantastic.
Being seated in the second-row seats means you have a large amount of legroom, and you should be able to converse with your fellow passengers easily enough. If second-row coach-built seats are present, the widest wheelchair armrests will fit through the middle, ensuring observation and access for those in need of significant care can quickly and easily be attended to.
SMV loves
There is little not to like and a lot to love about the Tourneo Custom WAV. The wheelchair user inclusivity, the space, the light, the original manufacturer row two seats, and the seating choices are vast. We believe this is the best wheelchair accessible vehicle in the marketplace in this vehicle class size, with notable benefits for wheelchair users, passengers and drivers alike.
SMV says
Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you? Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, a short-term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs. We are independent WAV advisors so that you will get the best of all worlds; whatever your wheelchair access needs are, it is only one call to 0800 008 7800
Accessibility Experience
- A fully remote automated rear tailgate and lift entry system for quicker and easier wheelchair user access
- Excellent forward and all-round better vision for almost all wheelchair users
- Outstanding second-row passenger legroom for better wheelchair user inclusion
- A very long lowered level floor for maximum internal room allows for good quality space
- Tinted rear windows increase privacy for wheelchair users and passengers
- A low centre of gravity means a more stable ride for most wheelchair users
- Well designed and comfortable rear coach-built seats for rear passengers
- An actual mid vehicle inclusive position for most wheelchair users
Driver and passenger experience
- Seat upholstery: cloth
- Air conditioning
- Electrically heated windscreen
- Driver seat: individual type, heated, passenger seat: individual type, heated
- Front electric windows with one-touch on one window
- Engine start/stop
- Alloy & leather multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
- Side step
- Front and rear wheels: 16 inch alloy rims ; width: 6.5 inches 40.6 and 16.5
- Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Turbo-charger
- Independent strut front suspension with anti-roll bar and coil springs, rigid beam rear suspension with leaf springs
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual mode
- Hill holder
- Speed limiter
- Glove compartment
- Centre armrest between front seats
Entertainment
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Ten speakers
- Audio system with CD player ; radio receives AM/FM and RDS colour screen
- 12v power outlet located in boot/cargo section and front section
- Front and rear reading lights
- Cup holders for front seats
- Bluetooth includes music streaming
- Connections for USB (front)
Safety
- Front and rear radar-type parking distance sensors
- Halogen low beam halogen high beam headlights with ellipsoidal lenses
- Headlight controlsystems: dusk sensor and height adjustment
- Privacy glass on the rear window and on the rear side windows
- Front fog lights
- Day time running lights
- Power door mirrors/cameras ; heated with integrated indicator lights
- Electrically foldable mirrors
- Hinged rear side windows on drivers side and passengers side
- Rain sensing windscreen wipers with automatic frequency intermittent wipe
- Electronic traction control
- Drivers airbag, passengers airbag with de-activation switch
- Stability controlsystem
- Electronic brake distribution
- Brake assist system
- Low tyre pressure indicator with rim mounted sensor
- Cruise control
- Particle filter system
- Ventilation system with air filter
Please note that some vehicles specification may not match the manufacturer supplied information due to the nature of vehicles being converted for wheelchair accessibility. Please ask us to check anything that is important to you.
Our exclusive and comprehensive Autoguard Nationwide All Mechanical and All Electrical Premium Warranty and Breakdown Assist cover always runs for 3 years and includes:
Full Breakdown Assist to include Roadside Recovery, Onward Travel, Home Start and Accident recovery
Unlimited Number of Warranty Claims on unlimited mileage
Maximum individual claim limit of £2400 including VAT
Breakdown & Recovery 24 Hours a Day/365 Days a Year
Key WAV component cover Included
Parts and Labour are included
Continental warranty repair cover
A Free Downloadable Autoguard Contract Holder App
Transferable to a New Owner if sold Privately
Our warranty also covers you for - In Car Entertainment Systems, Air Conditioning, Driver Interface Systems, EGR Valves, Catalytic Converter and Fuel Injectors, Misfuelling Cover and Broken or Lost Key Cover
For new WAVs you will get our exclusive and comprehensive WAV only warranty to run alongside your manufacturer’s warranty
Your Warranty & Rescue booklet
We have partnered with disability insurance specialists, Fish Insurance, who can offer Disability Car Insurance policies specifically to cover disabled drivers, adapted cars, and WAVs.
Options for any driver cover, as well as policies for non-drivers, so you can insure the vehicle in your name and it be driven by yourself, family, friends, or carers
Cover for the repair and replacement of adaptations to your car that you’ve told Fish about
Free courtesy car while your car is being repaired at one of Fish’s approved garages (or up to £700 mobility allowance if a suitable car isn’t available)
If your car is stolen, any settlement will take into account any modifications that you’ve told Fish about
Cover for accidental damage to other people’s property or injury to others up to £20m (and up to £5m per claim)
Lifetime guarantee on repairs. If you maintain the vehicle to the manufacturer’s schedule, any repairs carried out by approved repairers are guaranteed while you own the car
Protection up to £2,500 for wheelchairs or other mobility aids being transported in your car
To get a tailored quote, call 0333 331 3869 and quote code 2487.
As with any policy, limits and exclusions apply. For full details of the cover provided by Fish Insurance, click here.
Southern Mobility Vehicles ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Fish Administration Limited. Fish Insurance is a trading style of Fish Administration Ltd. Fish Administration Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 310172. Fish Administration Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Company Registration Number 4214119. Registered Office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. Fish Administration Ltd is part of the PIB Group.
Dimensions
| Height |
1979mm |
| Width |
1986mm |
| Length |
4972mm |
Fuel Consumption
| Combined MPG |
32.8 |
| Extra Urban MPG |
|
| Urban Cold MPG |
|
Performance
| Power (BHP) |
128 |
| Maximum Speed (mph) |
99 |
| Torque (Nm) |
385 |
Engine and Drivetrain
| Cylinders |
4 |
| Driven Axle |
FRONT |
| Engine Capacity (cc) |
1996 |
| Forward Gears |
6 |
Emissions
| Emissions (CO2) |
174 |
| Engine Euro Status |
6 |
More information
- Power: (from primary fuel) 96 kW , 130 HP ISO @ 3,500 rpm; , 385 Nm
- External dimensions: 4,972mm long, 1,986mm wide, 1,979mm high, 2,933mm wheelbase, 1,745mm front track, 1,718mm rear track, 11,600mm turning circle (kerb to kerb), 12,200mm turning circle (wall to wall), 1,028mm rear overhang, 195.7 inches long, 78.2 inches wide, 77.9 inches high, 115.5 inch wheelbase, 68.7 inch front track, 67.6 inch rear track, 38.1 foot turning circle (kerb to kerb) and 40.5 inch rear overhang
Please note that some vehicles specification may not match the manufacturer supplied information due to the nature of vehicles being converted for wheelchair accessibility. Please ask us to check anything that is important to you.
