Ford FUSION+
Fords Fusion+ Offers A Little Extra For Those Families That Have Grown Out Of A Fiesta. June Neary Reports
At first I was a little baffled as to what a
Ford Fusion actually was. It was only when it pulled onto my driveway that I realised that what Id at first thought were five-door Fiestas were in fact something different altogether. The two cars do look broadly similar but the fusion offers a bit more room and a slightly more elevated driving position. Its very inoffensive and, if anything, could use a little more attitude.
Even the blacked out rear windows of this Fusion + variant didnt give it a whole lot of presence. If I was buying, Id probably want something that said a little more about me. That said, the Fusion isnt the sort of car that will provoke a negative reaction. Call it bland if you like, but its certainly versatile.
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One of the benefits of getting press demonstrator vehicles is that youre usually treated to the version with all the bells and whistles included.
Ford didnt disappoint in this instance. Instantly identifiable by its big 16-inch alloy wheels and body styling kit, the Fusion+ looks a little more upmarket than most Fusions. The silver mesh front grille looks a bit different and the cars lower stance removes the fresh air visible in the standard cars wheelarches.
The piece de resistance of the Fusion+ has to be the DVD rear
seat entertainment system. The headphones supplied are infra red, so theres no danger of the kids throttling each other with trailing wires. The system also supports video games and has CD and MP3 capability making it almost too good to waste on the kids. Theres also what Ford dub a "rear seat activity console which is probably the most flowery term for a storage bin (10.7 litres) weve yet heard. Granted, it also contains an auxiliary power outlet so that yet more electronic gizmos can be run from the back seats. There are also four new stowage pockets for small bits and bobs: one on the front edge of the drivers seat cushion, one on the inner face of the drivers seat backrest and one on each corner of the rear seat cushions. which may well raise some eyebrows should an officer of HM Customs take a good look around the interior of your vehicle. The interior fabrics are a little plusher and the loadspace carpet features some integrated protective runners. The high seating position gives a commanding view of the road ahead and theres a wonderful sense of airiness about the cabin.
As well as offering the usual split/fold rear seats, the Fusion also allows the front passenger seat and the rear seats to fold flat, although the operation isnt as slick as in some rivals. Even with the seats in an upright position, the boot is impressive with a standard luggage volume of some 337 litres. Should you need to slide luggage out from the rear, Ford have thoughtfully designed the Fusion with no rear loading lip. The elevated seating position also allows for extra stowage space under the passenger seats, whilst the fascia features a flip-top bin like the Galaxy whilst the main instruments are housed in a neat oval binnacle.
Four engine choices are offered, the popular 1.4-litre TDCi common rail turbodiesel that generates 67bhp, a more powerful 90bhp 1.6-litre TDCi, or a pair of 16v petrol units a 1.4-litre powerplant thats good for 79bhp or a 99bhp 1.
6-litre engine. Prices run between £10,145 and £14,475. Should you want to expend less effort in the city, a clutchless Durashift version is also available. In designing the Fusion for urban families, a number of key criteria had to be met.
These elements included a higher driving position to give good all round visibility, body height and wheel designs optimised for ground clearance and ride comfort so that Fusion drivers can easily shrug off kerbs, speed humps and the worst urban potholes. So-called cubed-out architecture maximises seating space while the same philosophy maximises the luggage space by providing a squared-off rear header and a flat load floor. That driving position is a full 75mm higher than youd find in a Fiesta and its longer but slightly narrower too. This slightly elevated position is a benefit to those women who arent particularly tall.
The bumpers and rubbing strips followed intensive research into how cars become damaged in the urban environment. Should you contrive to take the cars name somewhat literally and meld it with something else, its good to know that youve an Intelligent Protection System that will intervene with dual stage front air bags that sense the type and severity of the impact. Side airbags are available for front seat passengers and optional curtain bags provide side-impact head protection.
Prices run between £10,145 and £14,475. Should you want to expend less effort in the city, a clutchless Durashift version is also available. Trim levels run between 1,2 and 3 although a luxury Fusion + can be ordered that includes in-car DVD entertainment for rear seat passengers, bigger alloy wheels and a subtle styling kit. Model for model, Fusions tend to cost around £1,700 more than an equivalent five-door Fiesta.
This represents quite a premium and almost punts Fusion prices into Focus territory. In other words, youve got to want one.
Of course I could. Whether I would want to fork out my own money on a Fusion is a completely different matter. Its a very versatile little car but lacks the premium feel of the Focus. Despite the generous equipment levels of the Fusion+ model, the interior trim quality never really feels particularly high end.
I left the Fusion in two minds. While I liked the way it drove and what it offered, theres very little in the way of wow factor. In a crammed marketplace, the Fusion blends in a little too well.
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