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, or 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 Grand Connect “switch” wheelchair user position side ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

We like the Ford Tourneo Connect and Grand Connect as adapted or mobility cars; they give more all-around space for drivers, passengers, and wheelchair users. The room in this WAV is perfect for wheelchair users who can be in the driving or front passenger positions; it’s your choice. The Connect as a WAV is class beating in this respect.

This vehicle has an extensive conversion and is costly to perfect, but the possibilities are fantastic. A fully automated side-entry sliding door and ramp (just 70cm in length) ensures a smooth and independent entry and exit to this superb accessible vehicle. Lowering suspension provides a low gradient for the independent wheelchair user to enter and exit this WAV easily. The Connect does lend itself very well to the needs and wants of the wheelchair user who seeks to be in row one, whether driving or being alongside the driver.

No more worrying about blocking supermarkets’ car parks in this WAV; with lowering suspension, the short ramp can attain an angle that is level with kerbs, and a wheelchair user can exit this conversion in a disabled parking bay which is remarkable. An easy start system is in place with at-hand controls plus an electric handbrake, so for a wheelchair driver, independence without worry can be expected. That means greater pleasure when you know you are off on your travels, however long or short.

Wheelchair users truly can get to places in this WAV that they simply cannot in almost any other wheelchair accessible vehicle of this size. The manufacturer’s original floor and the converter’s lowered floor in the Ford Connect are nearly level, so all-around access is much easier. Passengers also get a much more accessible entry, as the vehicle door sills are non-existent, and more foot room means less leg torsion.

An often-unnoticed fact about the Connect is that the turning circle is much smaller than other WAVs in this class. The floor is low, meaning a good centre of gravity is achieved. We would consider this an easier-to-enter WAV for wheelchair users, able passengers, and drivers alike compared with other wheelchair accessible vehicles.

The third-row seats are the original manufacturer seats in their original position, so comfily seated rear passengers can quickly slide into their seats, ready for the longest journey. The floor space, too, especially in the Grand Connect model, ensures space for luggage. This conversion truly is a well-thought-out mobility vehicle.

Having the space between the convenient third-row tip and fold rear seats in the rear means that up to two wheelchair users can easily on and off-board this WAV. Add in a fully remote nearside door entry with lowering suspension means a quick boarding time. Please call us with your wheelchair make and model, and we can usually nail down the possibility of how well this WAV will work for you before you explore the options.

We love the specification of the Ford Connect. The Titanium specification with its panoramic roof makes a world of difference to the light in the rear. Ford has worked hard to ensure the driver and passengers are well catered for and often second fiddle to the wheelchair user. As we always say, if the driver is not happy, the likelihood is the wheelchair passenger will not be either; it goes both ways.

The Ford Connect is often a win-win car for everyone who enjoys using it, which is rare in our industry. The Titanium model of the Connect or the Grand Connect is admired as it matches many high-specification standard cars, so it gets the thumbs up from us. We also note that the suspension is very kind to the occupants, which is significant in a WAV because wheelchair users get a rough ride in WAVs often created by the conversion, not the car.

SMV Conclusion: The Ford Connect Titanium specification dwarfs almost every WAV on the market. A wheelchair user can most often be accommodated easily within the well-planned and generous space inside this deceptively sized wheelchair accessible vehicle. It has excellent suspension and an awe-inspiring turning circle too. The economical and powerful 1.5 turbo diesel with almost 120bhp is a delightful surprise and, coupled with a full-auto gearbox, is an absolute pleasure to drive. The Ford Connect, Grand or otherwise, is excellent value for money.

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you? We are independent WAV advisors, so you will get the best of all worlds, whatever your wheelchair access needs are. 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.