FORD launched its new range of Tourneo people movers at the start of this year and I recently got behind the wheel of one to sample the improvements.

The Tourneo Custom Titanium is based on the much-loved Transit which has been Britain's most popular van for decades.

But this £40,000 has little in common with the white vans which are the backbone of many businesses.

It is designed to move people rather than goods and it boasts a clever interior crammed with all the latest technology and is extremely versatile.

This new model made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year and is available with up to nine seats and comes in a variety of wheelbase lengths.

It is the only van based people carrier with six seperate rear seats that can all be arranged individually.

Build quality and cabin trim improvements combine to give it a more upmarket feel and buyers can specify fine-grain leather if they want to really splash out.

The high driving position gives you a great view of the road and the new dash - taken from the latest Fiesta - is a huge improvement.

There is a completely new air conditioning system to improve cabin ventilation and there are loads of storage spaces and drink holders throughout the spacious interior.

Six USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices and music can be played from a 10-speaker system.

With a new front grille and lights the Tourneo also looks smart and it boasts alloy wheels, privacy glass and body colour front and rear bumpers as well as bodyside mouldings.

This Titanium spec model is plush and offers rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, power windows, front and rear parking sensors, sunblinds, eight seats, a Quickclear windscreen. leather trimmed steering wheel and gear know and twin sliding rear doors with steps for easy access.

You also get Ford's SYNC 3 DAB system with a TFT touchscreen that includes Applink.

As you would expect for a vehicle than can carry eight safety is an important aspect of the equipment list and the Tourneo offers blind spot detection and rear traffic alert as well as collision alert and pedestrian detection, lane keeping alert and a new intelligent speed limiter.

The Tourneo is no slouch with the power being provided by the latest EcoBlue unit - a 170ps TDCI engine linked to a nice six-speed manual gearbox.

As a result the people mover can hold its own against any traffic and has a top speed of105mph. It is surprisingly refined on the move and has a claimed combined figure of43.5mpg with emissions of 168g/km.

For such a big vehicle it drives really well and all passengers I carried raved about the space and comfort levels.