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 Custom mid wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

Wheelchair user experience

We believe the best experience for a wheelchair user in any WAV is ultimately their inclusivity, and our Ford Tourneo Custom conversion does just that very well. The entry should feel stress-free, and coming to rest on a level floor is, for most, the ideal solution.

The lowered floor on this WAV is significantly lower than many. A low centre of gravity means a better ride and ride height for wheelchair users. 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. All of our Ford Tourneo Customs have a choice of four different ramps with four colour swatches for the interior conversion trim, and all you have to do is enjoy being present.

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 heated seats, and the driver seat is a 10-way electric seat for that perfect position.

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. Our models come with automatic wipers, Quickclear windscreen, adaptive cruise control, auto dip headlights, and many other handy features. We upgrade the ICE pack to 25, so you get BLIS and traffic sign recognition, and we also add a three-pin plug at factory build.

The Tourneo drives beautifully and has a very tight turning circle. The Custom handles the bends well, and, along with auto dip headlights, it also comes with static cornering lights. These are very helpful and, like many features on this WAV, which may seem like things you can live without; when carrying a wheelchair user, they prove their necessity once used.

Passenger experience

All passengers get a good deal on a Tourneo Custom. The seating is comfortable. With four seats being the original manufacturer seats from the vehicle pre-conversion in dark palazzo leather, you know they will work well given how long Ford has been building vehicles. Both front seats are heated, there is masses of legroom, and the view through the glass is fantastic.

The row two seats are both taken from the 3^rd row of the original car, so are both Isofix. These seat features align with the vehicle’s original build and are in their original floor tracks. They fold down flat, tip to an upright position and are removable. 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.

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 lights, the original manufacturer row two seats, and the choice of finish. We believe this is the best wheelchair accessible vehicle in the marketplace in this vehicle class size.

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