Maybe the minibus tag is a little hopeful with the Connect Tourneo but it is surprisingly passengercapable.

In the review format it came with the optional third row of seats, which give the vehicle an eightpassenger capacity. With that configuration there's no room for luggage but when less people are aboard those rear seats fold forward or can be removed altogether.

As a van the Connect series of SWB and LWB vehicles have a perfect 'brick' shape. It's the most efficient way of maximising carrying capacity but it can also look dull. Except that Ford's designers managed to make a brick look very smart and, with this dark-windowed and multi-seated variant, it even looks sexy.

The cosmetic changes for this model include new bumpers and a new grille that now holds the Ford badge.

Inside there were improved plastics and style to the trim and dashboard, and a smarter seat fabric.

There wasn't much left that needed fixing. Except that they also sorted the engines to Euro 4 and the vehicle is powered by a choice of power options based on the 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi.

Very good headroom makes the Tourneo Connect a much more airy place to travel in than some of its competition . . . the Citroen Berlingo, its Peugeot sibling and Fiat's Doblo.

That airiness also applies to the front end thanks to the deep front screen and the lowcut front side windows. The brick-styling concept also means it's easy to know where the edges are.

On the open road it is really good to drive and the experience is enhanced by the high driving position.

The shifter and clutch are sweet and neat.

When the rearmost seats are fully-folded they interfere with rear vision a little. Though it must be said that the join of the two rear doors doesn't help either. However, the review vehicle also had rear parking sensors, so at least there was less danger of shunting when reversing.

Security is good on the Tourneo, with double locking and a similar lockin-latch to that used in the Transit. And nobody can easily nobble or hobble the engine because getting the bonnet open requires the vehicle's key.

All in all, the Tourneo Connect is a good experience that could make it the ideal car for the small B&B which offers collection of its clients from the country station but which also wants something versatile that could double as a family car.