Ford Grand Connect “switch” wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

We like the Ford Tourneo Connect and Grand Connect as adapted or mobility cars; it gives more all-around space for drivers, passengers, and wheelchair users alike. The room in this WAV is perfect for wheelchair users who get to be in the driving position or the front passenger position, so you choose. The Connect WAV is class beating in this respect.

Now, it isn’t cheap, but this is an extensive conversion and very costly to perfect, but the possibilities are fantastic. A fully automated rear access ensures smooth and independent access to this superb accessible vehicle. 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.

Wheelchair users truly can get to places in this WAV that they simply cannot in almost any other wheelchair accessible vehicle of this size. Drivers and passengers get a much more accessible entry as the vehicle door sills are lower, and more foot room means less leg torsion. The manufacturer’s original floor and the converter’s lowered floor in the Ford Connect are often level, and the Connect has good clean lines internally and externally.

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 a wheelchair user, a scooter user, passengers, and drivers alike compared with other wheelchair accessible vehicles. The third-row seats are both tip and fold style, so there is plenty of room for the wheelchair user to come in between and then two comfily seated rear passengers can quickly slide into their places, ready for the longest journey. The floor space, too, especially in the Grand Connect model, ensures space for luggage. This 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 on and off-board this WAV simply enough. Add in a fully remote rear opening tailgate, and ramp smooths the whole process, increasing boarding speed. Please call us with your wheelchair make and model, and we can usually nail down the percentage possibility of how well this WAV will work for you before you explore the options.

We love the specification of the Ford Connect; even the Zetec specification is generous. The Titanium specification with its panoramic roof makes a world of difference to the light in the rear. Things like keyless entry and ignition on this specification are surprising benefits when you have had the pleasure. Ford has worked hard to ensure the driver and passengers are well catered for, and they are all too 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 all who enjoy being in it, which is rare in our compromise industry. 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 and not the car. The Titanium or Active 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.

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, 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.