Ford previewed the new Ford Tourneo for China’s premium MPV market at Auto Shanghai 2015. Ford engineers in Europe worked closely with their counterparts at Jiangling Motors Co., one of Ford’s investments in China, to make the most of Ford’s global product development expertise. When it arrives in China in 2016, the seven-seat Tourneo will boast an updated design and features specifically tailored to the needs of Chinese customers, according to the automaker.

“In Europe and around the world, the Tourneo has a very broad appeal among customers looking for a spacious, versatile and streamlined MPV,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “Thanks to the flexibility of the One Ford plan, we are building on the versatility and dependability of the European Tourneo to create a unique Tourneo for China.”

Reflecting the needs of an increasingly sophisticated Chinese market, where premium MPVs are frequently used for transporting business passengers, Ford is emphasizing a more premium experience to ensure the Tourneo offers all occupants a refined and comfortable cabin environment, according to the automaker.

The exterior of the Tourneo shares the same dynamic character as the European Tourneo and Ford’s passenger cars, with One Ford design language that generates a strong sense of movement even when the vehicle is standing still. Unique headlights, modified for China, feature signature LED daytime running lights and flank a bold trapezoidal grille trimmed with chrome for an elegant presence. Ford said it has also applied chrome inserts around the lower front fascia, linking new rectangular fog lights together.

In profile, a strong and muscular shoulder line extends toward the rear of the vehicle. Prominent wheel arches and window lines with a distinctive kick at the rear give the Tourneo its unique character. Uniquely for China, a blacked out B-pillar creates a continuous, flowing window shape along the side of the vehicle, and a new sliding door track mounted flush to the body side of the vehicle gives a more refined appearance. A new side step with a metal finish and rubber inserts makes entering and exiting the vehicle easier for rear seat passengers.

At the rear, modern, vertical tail lights with LED signature lights sit on either side of a redesigned tailgate. A horizontal chrome applique spanning the tailgate’s width draws attention and presents a unified, harmonious theme together with the chrome highlights on the front and side of the vehicle. A rear roof spoiler softens the rear view of the vehicle and completes the handsome exterior.

The interior has been redesigned specifically for the Chinese customer with more convenience features and upgraded materials. With plenty of room to seat seven occupants comfortably, the cabin is made to feel even more spacious thanks to a high roof-line and a sunroof located over the second-row captain’s chairs.

“We wanted to take the Tourneo from Europe, which already stands apart from its competition with an advanced, streamlined appearance, and make it even more special for business customers in China,” said Chris Hamilton, chief designer for the new Tourneo. “Both outside and inside, we created a vehicle that is both hugely versatile and unmistakably premium, with new useful features, refined details and modern materials.”

In response to consumer and market research, Ford said it has developed a new rear air suspension system for the Tourneo in China. Thanks to its advanced suspension, the new Tourneo will offer a significantly smoother ride for all occupants, while maintaining the driving dynamics and easy-to-drive character that customers appreciate across Ford’s vehicle line-up.

A stiff structure and extensive engineering to reduce noise, vibration and harshness will ensure a quiet cabin environment, letting the driver and passengers speak without raising their voices.

Refinement will be further enhanced by the addition of Ford’s 2.0L twin-scroll EcoBoost engine, which Ford will make available on the Tourneo exclusively in China. Offering more power than a conventional 3.5L V-6 engine, the advanced direct-injection turbocharged engine is designed to provide smooth and refined power delivery with high efficiency and low emissions, according to the automaker.

“The Ford Tourneo will be a compelling new choice in the premium MPV segment in China when it reaches the market next year,” said Lawler. “By listening closely to the market, we will deliver a vehicle with the refinement and premium experience that Chinese consumers want, and the versatility and dependability that they need.”