Ford Fusion 1.4 Duratorq TDCi > Reviews (5)

The Ford Fusion comes in three models, imaginatively named 1, 2, and 3, however as the newness of the model wears off evocative names will be inevitably be invented in an attempt to sell more units.

Various engines are available for each of the three models but the subject of this review will be the Fusion 2 with a 1.4 TDCi engine, for those out there who like to know what the letters mean. Turbo Diesel, Common Rail Fuel Injection.

As the name of the car suggests, the Ford Fusion is a car which attempts to provide the benefits of two common models of car. Based on the Ford Fiesta chassis this car purports to be a “fusion” between a family hatch and a MPV.

Insurance Group
5E

Appearance
Although having a slightly boxy appearance the Fusion is elegant. It is taller than most saloon/hatch back type vehicles and stands out from the crowd. It is easy to find in the car park if like me you can’t always remember exactly where you left it.

Comfort
I find the car to be extremely comfortable. It is easy to get in and out of (no more snagged tights or dangling the hem of a long skirt in the puddles). There is plenty of legroom essential for my long legged and getting longer son. The ride can be a little firm but the car handles well and makes you confident on corners and bends. The only real criticism I can give is that there is a lot of road noise from the tyres but this is easily remedied by turning up the Wagner on the CD.

Economy
The published data is as follows Urban Driving 54.3mpg, Extra Urban Driving 72.4mpg and Combined 64.2mpg. To date with just over 3500 miles on the clock I am averaging 52mpg combined which is some 12 mpg less than advertised a large discrepancy which I intend to discuss with the supplier.

Features
15" steel wheels with full wheel covers
Body colour bumpers with black protective inserts and body side mouldings
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power-assisted steering
Intelligent Protection System (IPS) with dual-stage driver's and front passenger's airbags
Immobiliser - PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System)
Remote tailgate release
60:40 split/folding rear seats with folding back and flip-up seat cushion
Instrument panel-mounted flip-top storage compartment
Storage tray beneath flip-up front passenger seat cushion
Stereo radio/cd
Tilt-adjustable steering column
CFC-free air conditioning with air recirculation
Driver's seat manual height adjustment
Head restraints and three-point inertia reel seat belts for all five seats
Electrically-operated front windows
Electrically-operated and heated door mirrors
'Quickclear' heated front windscreen
Remote central/double locking with illuminated entry
Fold-flat front passenger seat back with integrated work surface
Door release levers with satin aluminium finish
Door ajar warning light in instrument cluster

My Opinion
Overall I have been pleased with my new Ford Fusion although the engine is a little underpowered causing me to use the gears more than I would like. When the car is already moving at 10mph my previous cars would move away in second gear but I have to go to first in the Fusion.
It looks good, feels good and handles well. I would highly recommend this.