How does the Ford-based LMC perform in the endurance test?
When a new test car arrives, it is always a very special moment for us. Does that Motorhome in the wild as we imagined it would be at the press launch? What details have been changed for series production? What improvements have there been compared to the previous model? Is the price-performance ratio right? How practical is the layout? And: How does it drive? All questions that now absolutely need to be answered.
To start an endurance test, we therefore first head to our cordoned-off test area. Here we can safely and carefully crawl into, on and under the vehicle, inspect all details, measure dimensions and weights and check driving safety.
For example, our driving dynamics expert Tim Dahlgaard carries out several evasive maneuvers (“elk tests”) at speeds of up to 100 km/h in order to evaluate the tuning of the ESP anti-skid system.
This is particularly important for motorhomes with their relatively high center of gravity – malfunctions can lead to rollovers. The brakes are also tested for stability. Ten emergency braking maneuvers from 100 km/h can heat the components so much that so-called fading occurs. The braking effect gradually decreases, the braking distance becomes longer – and this determines whether there is an impact or a safe stop.
Technical data: LMC Tourer Lift Ford H 664 G
TECHNICAL DATA
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LMC TOURER LIFT FORD H 664 G
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Motorization
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2.0 EcoBlue 170
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Engine/Type/Cylinder/Installation position
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Diesel/in-line/four/front transverse
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Displacement
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1995cc
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kW (hp) at rpm
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125 (170) at 3500
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Nm at rpm
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405 at 1750
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Top speed
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140km/h
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Gearbox
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Six-speed automatic
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drive
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Front wheel
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Brakes front/rear
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Discs/Discs
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Test car tires
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235/65 R 16 C
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Tire type
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Continental VanContact Eco
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Tank capacity/fuel type
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70 l/diesel + 24 l AdBlue
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Trailer load braked/unbraked
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1400/750kg
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Length Width Height
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7060/2320/2830mm
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wheelbase
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3954mm
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Test car price
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90,495 euros
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The fast slalom shows how precisely the steering works, how the vehicle reacts to load changes, how much it sways and ultimately whether poorly secured components want to go their own way. Sometimes the superstructures twist, or the chassis turns out to be too soft.
Not a particularly friendly initiation ritual, you might think? Well, that’s true. But we want to know who we’re getting involved with! And when someone comes across as friendly and uncomplicated as our LMC here, then the joy is all the greater.
Ford Transit as a basis
This is him: A particularly popular layout of the Tourer series, which also comes with an alternative base vehicle: the Ford Transit. It has established itself well in the industry again in recent years. It made its debut at LMC under the panel vans (Innovan 590 and 592); there too it complements Ducato and jumper.
The Tourer series on the Jumper is the entry-level model for the LMC semi-integrated models. It is available from 71,900 euros with a straight roof without a lifting bed or with a lifting bed (“lift”) and a raised, curved roof at the front. This allows for a great standing height of almost two meters. In addition, the lifting bed is elegantly integrated into the roof lining. We liked this – along with various other details – when we tested the Tourer Lift H 730 G, which is how the idea for this endurance test came about.
And now we are dealing with a somewhat smaller lift floor plan that relies on classic values. The rear is dominated by two lengthways beds that can be easily climbed and transformed into a sunbathing area. Despite the ladder being hooked in, the bathroom door opens completely. The stairs even offer a laundry compartment with a hatch into the rear storage area. And: the curtains have a “parking position” next to the foot ends, so they don’t get in the way when you sleep!
In the bathroom, LMC has opted for a movable washbasin to make the most of the space; let’s see how that works out. The shower partition certainly provides enough space for splashing around. There are also enough shelves, just like in the kitchen opposite.
It benefits above all from the half-height cupboard towards the bed and its angled shape. This really offers a lot of work space. The sink cover travels safely in holders on the cupboard door, and there is space for spices in the illuminated back wall.
Two on-board batteries included
The large fridge-freezer combo is located next to the entrance. It only runs on electricity (compressor technology like at home), which is something you have to like. Because the cooling performance, which is independent of the ambient temperature, is beyond doubt, but there always has to be enough “juice”.
LMC therefore provides two on-board batteries as standard – top notch and really consistent; we are excited to see how long they can keep the vehicle cool in practice. It should also be mentioned that a diesel boiler is installed – so the gas bottle only supplies the stove.
The space under the refrigerator is used for a storage compartment. Next to it is a narrow sideboard with a TV space and the built-in door, which is very pleasing due to its above-average width and the window. There are four coat hooks here, and another six in the bathroom, plus a towel rail.
He has this: A comfortable half dinette. It is flooded with light and the feeling of space is not restricted by the fold-down bed. The additional pull-out side stool allows you to lounge around in comfort. The table can also be extended with an insert leaf.
Details like these suggest that the Tourer Lift was made by campers for campers. It makes life easy for its users – and, at least in the “First Edition ford“, richly equipped.
This is how it drives: Safe and uncomplicated. The chassis manages to master the difficult balancing act between comfortable response and firm feedback. It dampens bumps in the road sensitively without appearing spongy.
Car Whiz measurement data: LMC Tourer Lift Ford H 664 G
Measurement data
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LMC TOURER LIFT FORD H 664 G
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Max. internal height/width
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1985/2180mm
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Bed dimensions of pull-down bed (L x W)
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1980x950mm
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Bed dimensions rear (L x W)
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1870/2020 x 800 each or lawn 2090 mm
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Mass ready to drive
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3090kg
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Payload/total weight
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410/3500kg
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Acceleration 0-50 km/h
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5.1s
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0-80km/h
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11.4s
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0-100km/h
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17.9s
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Intermediate sprint 60–100 km/h
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11.5s
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80–110 km/h
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14.2s
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Turning circle left/right
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15.6/15.7m
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Braking distance from 100 km/h cold
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40.5m
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from 100 km/h warm
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40.9m
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Interior noise at 50 km/h
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57 dB(A)
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at 80 km/h
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63 dB(A)
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at 100 km/h
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71 dB(A)
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Test consumption – CO2
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11.1 l D – 294 g/km
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reach
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630km
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To save weight, plastic leaf springs are used on the rigid rear axle. Added to this are strong brakes, stable straight-line stability and a relatively low noise level. The LMC was able to impress in all of the driving dynamics tests described at the beginning.
So we can really rely on him. It’s a perfect start to a long-term relationship, isn’t it?
We want more of that! The Tourer Lift delivers an all-round convincing performance at the start of the endurance test. Its wealth of practical details, as well as its design and driving characteristics, are simply a joy to drive.