In Tune
Stories and Songs on today's free French CD, with The Times
Navigation - link to other main sections from here
Ford Fusion
I’d love to have been in the planning meeting at Ford when someone piped up
with the idea that it was time to build a Fiesta on stilts, increase its
price by £1,000, give it a funny name and mop up in the previously unknown
Urban Activity Vehicle market.
On a good day everyone would have laughed, reminded the young upstart that
Ford already had the C-Max and that nobody needed an Urban Activity Vehicle
anyway. He would have been sent to get some sandwiches and the idea would
have been consigned to history.
But that didn’t happen, because development of the Fusion was signed off, and
Ford decided to build a car that nobody needed.
To call the Ford Fusion, introduced to Britain in September 2002, a “Fiesta on
stilts” is not as unkind as it might appear. It has an identical wheelbase
and similar underpinnings, but that’s no bad thing because the Fiesta is a
cracking car to drive.
And Ford stretched the Fusion slightly so it’s a couple of inches wider and a
few inches longer, giving more shoulder room and a bigger boot than the
Fiesta. Being on stilts means it is easier to get in and out of than a
Fiesta. In fact the seat height is about the same as an MPV’s.
The Fusion carries over many of the same engines you’ll find in the Fiesta;
the crisp little 1.4 petrol is economical and eager, although it struggles
with the extra 60kg and bluff aerodynamics of the larger Fusion. A better
bet is the 99bhp 1.6 litre petrol that is quick, barely heavier on fuel and
costs only about £200 more second-hand. For economy many will be tempted by
the 1.4 TDCi diesel and the more recent 1.6 TDCi that produce 67bhp and
89bhp respectively. However, there is a hefty premium on used diesels and
the engine noise is intrusive at motorway speeds.
var fgpuWinHeight; var fgpuWinWidth; if (document.all) { fgpuWinHeight = 543;
fgpuWinWidth = 500; } else if (document.layers) { fgpuWinHeight = 528;
fgpuWinWidth = 495; } else { fgpuWinHeight = 513; fgpuWinWidth = 480; } The
Fusion comes in four trim levels: 1, 2, 3 and +. The 1 is basic: no CD, no
electric windows, manual adjustment to the wing mirrors and no
air-conditioning. The 2 adds air-conditioning, CD and the electric pack and
looks a bit of a bargain at just £400 more for a used example. The 3 gets
alloy wheels and an alarm, and the top spec gets a remote control DVD
system, upgraded interior trim and a body kit.
The 2 is by far the best to buy second-hand. Don’t be tempted into paying a
hefty premium for the 3 or the +. None of the models benefited from the
all-important antilock braking until September 2003.
In terms of practicality the Fusion loses out to its main MPV rivals because
the rear seats don’t slide or lift out and offer only a conventional 60/40
split. However, the front passenger seat folds flat. The Fusion scores well
on interior fit and finish and despite the use of hard plastics on the
dashboard the overall effect is pleasing with deep-set instruments and
plenty of storage bins.
So the Fusion isn’t a bad car, just one that lacks a unique selling point. If
you want an MPV then buy a C-Max, and if you want a supermini buy a Fiesta.
The Fusion tried to combine too many ideas in one car and never achieved any
of its objectives brilliantly; the only good news is that most buyers agree,
so demand is poor and this is reflected in second-hand values.
Boot space 337-litre boot is 53 litres larger than a Fiesta
and the sill is flush with the bumper, making loading easier
Spare wheel Stored in the floor of the boot and not exposed
in a cradle like many competitor vehicles
Rear seats 60/40 split fold on all models but lack the
ability to slide fore and aft or be removed
Tailgate No release button, tailgate can opened only by using
the remote, which can be inconvenient when laden with shopping bags
Insurance Cheap to insure, the 1.4 petrol model is group 4,
the most powerful 1.6 is only group 7
Air-conditioning Standard on all but base models
Stereo Radio cassette on base model cars
Steering column Adjustable for height but not reach
Diesel engine 1.4 TDCi and later 1.6 TDCi are economical but
expensive and lack refinement at speed
Residual values Lack of desirability make depreciation
heavier than on Ford Fiesta
ABS Available as standard from September 2003
Tyres Cars were originally fitted with low rolling resistance
tyres, check that replacement tyres match the originals
VITAL STATISTICS
Model Ford Fusion 1.6 2
Engine Four-cylinder, 1596cc
Power 99bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 42.2mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.3sec
Top speed 111mph
THE ONE TO BUY
Ford Fusion 1.6 2 with antilock braking 2003 53-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay
£6,625 from a main dealer or £5,895 privately
Or for similar money
2001 51-reg Citroën Xsara Picasso 1.6 SX
2001 51-reg Peugeot 307 1.6 LX
2003 53-reg Vauxhall Meriva 1.6 Design
2004 54-reg Mitsubishi Space Star 1.8 S
2004 54-reg Fiat Panda 1.2 Eleganza
Values
1.4 litre model worth about £200 less than equivalent 1.6 litre. Source:
estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a
dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer