David Smith OBE takes delivery of his third Sirus Drive From Wheelchair car

We hear from David Smith OBE, who has been a Sirus customer since 2011. David is Britain’s most successful boccia player: Three-time Paralympic Champion and a Herbalife World Team Coach.

Last week David took delivery of his third Drive From Sirus Wheelchair vehicle. He is delighted with the drive quality of the Ford Connect, and the extra space for his equipment and additional wheelchairs.

“Eight years 119,500 miles, my Sirus Drive From Wheelchair Caddy 4 2.0L DSG has been reliable, efficient, and averages 48 mpg. My new car is the Sirus Ford Connect – designed to enable me to drive from my wheelchair and switch to upfront passenger if and when I need it. My car gives me complete independence. Without the ability to drive, it would not be possible for me to get to my boccia training sessions and competitions.

Drive quality

The Ford Connect is a really smooth drive, it drives like a car not a van. The petrol engine is quiet and smooth but very powerful.

Driving Adaptations

I drive with high tech controls installed by Adaptacar. The controls are amazing, even the smallest amend can change the drive. You would not believe how many parameters the Paravan GmbH  space controls have, you can totally change how the car drives in just a few clicks.

Space for equipment in the rear

The Ford Connect gives me even more space in the rear, so I can transport my Boccia playing chair, an additional power chair, a shower chair, boccia equipment and luggage.

Fuel economy

The Ford Connect petrol engine gives me good fuel economy. This is really important to me as I do a lot of miles covering the whole of the UK training and competing. I did 110K miles in my first drive from wheelchair car, and 119.5K miles in my last car.

Seating and travelling upfront

This conversion has a flat floor at the front, which means it is really easy to switch to the upfront passenger position. The passenger seat is secured in the front position and can easily be moved across to the drivers position. I doubt I will need this, but it is good to know the option is there if I need it! I have two fold down seats in the rear which is great for travelling with my friends and family. When I don’t need the seats and I need more space, they easily fold away”.

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Read more about the Ford Drive/Upfront from Sirus. Book a free home demonstration.