Ford Fusion - 3 Years, 22000 kms Update I know that it is slightly ridiculous to start a New Car thread on a vehicle that was launched nearly a year ago, and has only enjoyed limited commercial success. However, the fact remains that there is not a single comprehensive analysis of this vehicle on this forum (at least none that I could find, so apologies in advance!) The Car
Launched in December 2004 as an Urban Activity Vehicle, the Fusion is an amalgamation of a sedan and an SUV, offered for the price of a mid-size sedan. One of the biggest reasons why this vehicle really failed to capture the hearts of the customers is that Ford priced it a little too high, forcing comparisons (especially on the mileage front) with the New Honda City. However, it remains one of the best vehicles for those who do a lot of travelling, and disdain a diesel.
Compared to the sedans in the same price range, it appears to be behemoth, mainly because of the tall and wide body. In actual fact, it is almost the same height as a Santro, and only a few centimetres wider than an Accent. It is actually shorter than the Accent, being based on the same chasis as the Ikon and Fiesta. The front appears to be very muscular, with a mean look being imparted by the grill. Sides are very conventional, with no individualistic markings, and the rear unfortunately resembles the Tata Indica a little too much. The flat back, however, is useful while parking.
The car is shod with low-profile 15-inch tubeless tyres from Goodyear, which do a good job at high speeds, but render the ride a little uncomfortable at low speeds on pot-holed roads. Mind you, the competition may not even be able to traverse these roads! The Interiors
Ford chose a uniform gray for the dashboard, panels and upholstery, and one of the priorities of any new owner would be to get good seat covers! While the front seats are comfortable and support the backs and legs well, the rear seats are a little too upright and could do with more cushioning.
A large number of Mondeo switches and parts find their way into the interiors, the most notable being the steering wheel and gear knobs, with their aluminium inserts. The driver's seat height is adjustable and there are any number of cubbyholes scattered around the car, most of which are good only for tiny items like coins or mobile phones. An in-dash single CD player is standard, and the Fusion+ boasts theatre dimming and reading lamps for all passengers, which are fairly useless. The speakers that come as OE are excellent.
The car has intelligent wipers (the rear wiper switches on automatically if the car is put into reverse with the front wipers on, and the speed of intermittent wiping can be user adjusted), two power sockets, electronic throttle control (no cable leading from the accelerator pedal), power windows, digital odo and fuel meters, fog lamps, remote locking (Fusion+) etc. The Fusion+ also has electrically adjustable side mirrors and remote boot opening. Test Drive and Engine
The car comes with a 1.6 litre engine of the Duratec family that also powers the Mondeo in its 2 litre avatar. It is basically a SEFI (sequential electronic fuel injection) engine. These are a newer generation than the MPFI engines, in which the injectors are timed like spark plugs, to spray the fuel immediately before or as their intake valve opens.This results in an improvement in efficiency of the engine.
The first thing that I noticed when I got into the car was the ease of ingress and egress. As it stands tall and has loads of leg space, you dont have to wriggle into and out, as in a small car. You are not forced into a squatting position, as in most low sedans and dont have to climb up, as in an SUV. The steering feels good to hold and gives a good feedback while driving, imparting a feeling of security during high speed turns that is not matched by any other vehicle I have driven so far. This is aided by the fabulous brakes and excellent handling at high speeds. Many people have reported body rolls at low speeds, but I never experienced it myself.
The gear box is fairly good, but the engine develops a flat spot at 1000-1500 RPM, which is probably due to the high ratio of the second gear. Not a big problem, except on sharp inclines. The engine is unbelievably quiet with the windows rolled up, and you have to check the tachometer to ensure that it is really on! Acceleration is fantastic. The fuel economy is best at a speed of around 100kph, when she returns nearly 15kpl. In normal city conditions, dont expect anything more than 10kpl. Grievances
1. The car lacks a dead pedal for resting the left foot, when it is off the clutch. This is a basic facility offered even on the Santro.
2. The fuel cap lid is plastic, and has a very weak locking system. This can easily be broken by miscreants or children.
3. The factory fitted remote locking system does not have a burglar alarm incorporated.
4. ABS is offered as an option only for the Fusion+ and not for the base model.
5. No diesel engine on offer.
6. The mudguards in the initial cars were covered with a fabric, which tended to get heavy and work loose after rides through muddy terrain, resulting in the fabric rubbing against the tyres and producing a noise. I believe that fibre glass covers are now used for the wheel wells. Verdict
If you are a tall guy, and want a car with plenty of leg and head room, whether you are sitting in the front or the back, then this is the car for you. Provided, of course, that you dont mind forking out a bit extra for all the electronic toys that are included. Of course, since you can get a discount on the MRP if you are good at bargaining, you will probably wind up with a better bargain than you would get if you opted for an NHC or an Accent! |