Auto India, Car India

Ford had introduced the Fusion in the year 2005. The manufacturers had expected that it will appeal the buyers through its crossover “fused” looks, European appearance, pleasant driving experience and feature compensative cost. But somehow the recipe didn’t work well. Another major reason that hampered its sale was availability of wide range of brands in the same class.

The current Fusion is a diesel engine, with improved engine power and mileage. The cost of Fusion still remains a huge concern. In this regard, it has got similarity with the newly launched Honda Jazz. Indeed, people hardly think of investing so much cost for a hatchback.

Highlighting Features :

The Fusion, as its name suggests is a combination of features from different classes. This is a hatchback with an external shape similar to a SUV, compact and tough looking. Again, there are ups and downs in terms of the overall performance of the car. Here is the specification statistics.

General statistics -

• Name and Model : Ford Fusion TDCi
• Ex showroom price (Mumbai) : Rs 7,59,000 (may vary)
• Body type : Hatch back
• Available colors :
  Panther Black,
  Diamond White,
  Paprika Red,
  Moon dust Silver,
  Mystic Wine
• Engine type : Diesel
• Maximum power : 67 Bhp @ 4000 rpm
• Maximum torque : 161 Nm @ 2000 rpm
• Steering : Power
• Brakes : Front ventilated discs, Rear self-adjusting drums
• Gears : 5 Speed Manual
• Alloy wheels? : Yes
• Fuel tank size : 45 L
• Fuel efficiency : 18 kmpl (for highways)
  14 kmpl (for city)
• Seating Capacity : 5
• Seat adjustment : Manual
• AC / Non-AC : AC without climate control
• Music system? : Yes

Comments -

Ford Fusion is a car with a typical European look at its exterior. Giving a feel of an SUV, the car is B+ segment hatchback. It looks quite strong and tough as its first impression. The built up structure is equally stiff as its looks. The overall appearance of the car is somewhat settled one; still it has got enough ground clearance. The other appearance features are 15″ alloy wheels, front and back fog lights aligned with the headlamps and the italicized, eye-catching “Ford” logo.

The driving experience is certainly one of the best. The car has got 1.4L diesel TDCi (Turbo Diesel Control rail Injection) engine. These kinds of engine are made up of light aluminum alloys. Due to this, performance and efficiency of the engine is raised to a great extent. In addition to this, you hardly feel the roughness and rigidity of the engine’s combustion operations. The front and rear suspension proves equally good company to the muscular built of the hatchback. A McPherson struts with tall offset springs serves as the front suspension, while the rear suspension is made up of strong springs and broad dampers.

The interior of Ford Fusion is also well designed paying special attention at compactness of each assembly. This has helped a lot in gaining ample of interior space empty, for the passengers and their luggage. A distinct feature to point out is, the 60:40 split rear seats. This kind of foldable adjustment for the seats makes it possible to make more room at the rear and the seating comfort is maximized for sure. Again the upright seats, fabricated nicely, are capable of moving back and forth.

These offer enough seating comfort and helps in availing more interior space.

The driving comforts include a huge power steering, which gives a great joy at speedy highway rides. The front dashboard nicely carved and contains many cubbyholes, useful for different purposes.

The security of the car is also taken care of largely. It has got front airbags. The antilock braking system (ABS) is installed to enhance the security level. The stiff structured hatchback, with ABS and airbags is surely one of the best secured in its class.

Pros :

• European style and SUV looks for a B+ segment hatchback
• Stiff and strong built up with good ground clearance
• Powerful 1.4L engine supported by Turbo Diesel Control rail Injection (TDCi) technology
• Excellent riding experience with feel of absorbance of the engine’s idling harshness
• 15″ Alloy wheels
• Huge power steering
• Front suspension- McPherson struts with tall offset springs
• Rear suspension- springs and wide spaced dampers
• Front and rear fog lamps
• Dashboard texture has been improved
• Dashboard with a number of tiny cubbyholes
• High security standards and measures
• ABS and airbags are available
• Pretty spacious interior and comfortably arranged seats
• Wide opening doors providing effortless entry and exit to the car
• The luggage area is uncommonly large by hatchback standards
• 60:40 split/folding rear seats dramatically increase luggage-carrying capability

Cons :

• Quite expensive
• Little underpowered and less fuel efficient engine
• Performs poor at less speeds

Bottom Line :

The fusion is literally a car with fusion of various ups and downs in terms of engine performance, comforts and most importantly the price tag. The European look, stiff body, enough ground clearance, spacious interior with foldable rear seats are some key features that supports the positive side of Fusion. However the other things such as high cost, less efficiency, imprecise looks, may stand against Fusion.

Also the newer launches by rivals in the same class are affecting more and more, the overall sale of Ford Fusion. It is expected that Ford is launching Fusion, in a totally new style by working at all the concerns faced in the prior launch, in the recent future. So let’s keep our fingers crossed for that!