Shorter or taller drivers won’t have a problem finding a decent driving position at the wheel of the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect.

The seat itself is adjustable in eight different ways (four on entry-level Style versions) and the steering wheel is adjustable for both distance and angle.

Nestle into position and the dashboard feels very car-like, albeit one constructed from hard wearing, firm plastics, rather than the current fashion for soft mouldings.

Ergonomically it works well, with controls intuitively positioned and easy to use, including those mounted on the steering wheel for the audio functions and cruise control, where fitted.

Instruments, buttons and dials all work satisfyingly with their functions clearly labelled for optimum clarity. The light turquoise back-lighting ensures they’re distinctive when ambient light levels drop too.

Should you opt to spend extra on features like sat-nav and the reversing camera, you’ll discover they’re pleasantly integrated into the dashboard architecture preventing them looking like clumsy afterthoughts.

Plenty of storage cubbies and slots mean that everything that you or your passengers take with you will have its own space to prevent possessions moving around the cabin, while four 12-volt sockets should prove enough to keep occupants’ electronic devices fully charged.

Due to the Grand Tourneo Connect’s height, the windscreen feels especially deep affording a great view of the road ahead while relatively slim pillars and large windows ensure all-round visibility is one of the Ford’s strong points.

Even though it’s essentially a well-appointed van, Ford Grand Tourneo Connect comfort levels are very car-like.

Better in terms of ride and handling and interior comfort than other rivals in this class, it also outdoes many conventional estate cars too.

The ride quality is well-controlled, meaning that although it’s soft enough to iron out most imperfections, it doesn’t rock back and forth like a sea-worthy vessel.

With its longer wheelbase and wide stance, the Ford feels stable on the road despite those bluff, high sides, while the use of high-strength steels in its manufacture ensures it’s rigidly taut too.

Workmanlike robust plastics dominate the interior, although the layout and feel of the controls will be familiar to anyone who’s experienced a recent Ford car and certainly won’t put anyone off new to the brand.

All three rows of seats provide enough space for adults although admittedly the rearmost bench doesn’t provide the same degree of support and comfort as the two in front. What it can do is slide fore and aft to allow longer-legged occupants to stretch out, while shoulder and head room is generous wherever you’re sat.

Access to the two rear rows of seats is improved over the shorter Tourneo Connect by fitting sliding doors with a 22cm wider opening and the Titanium versions feel even airier with a standard fit glass roof with electrically retractable blind.

That glazing has the potential to make the interior hot, so we’d recommend ensuring air-con’s fitted to your Grand Tourneo Connect. A manual version’s standard on Zetec models, while Titanium customers can enjoy full dual-zone climate control.

Extra conveniences of note to make journeys even more relaxed include four 12-volt sockets, aircraft-style tables on Titanium models and a wealth of storage cubbies.