Ford Fusion

For:

• Decent practicality levels
• Capitalises on Fiesta's decent chassis
• Well equipped
• Won't cost the earth to run

Against:

• Has little overall benefit next to the cheaper Fiesta
• Utilitarian looks
• Lacks flexibility of rivals
• Interior feels cheap

Overview

Creating a new niche is never easy. Get it right and the royalties roll in (think Renault’s original Scenic), get it wrong and it is an expensive failure (think Peugeot’s novel but flawed 1007)

Depending on how you look at it, Ford have had their fair share of flops themselves. The stylistically challenged Edsel is probably the most notorious motoring flop of all time, but the spontaneously combusting Pinto and google-eyed Scorpio can’t be too far behind.

Having said that, a flop can be defined in two ways: has the car achieved its objective admirably, or, have they sold about three cars?

Indeed, the Pinto and Scorpio sold relatively well, but not as profusely as Ford probably hoped. The same can be said of the Fusion, Ford’s Fiesta-based machine that refuses to be pigeon-holed.

Seemingly attempting to capitalise on the growing trend for ‘crossovers’, the Fusion sits awkwardly between supermini, estate, MPV and SUV. Largely reviled in the press, the Fusion has been rendered a flop, yet has still sold modestly – have buyers picked up on something we haven’t..?

Design – 4/10

The Fusion can probably be classified as one of those cars that probably didn’t transfer so well from the bright lights of the motor show stand to the cold light of day on the street, which is surprising given its quasi-SUV status.

The Fusion concept was revealed in 2001 and probably had its cause helped by being unveiled alongside the production version of the Fiesta, which was even less inspiring.

With raised suspension and a chunkier appearance, the Fusion went into production to entice buyers with its off-roader looks, albeit minus the expense of having 4x4 technology.

Trouble is, the Fusion doesn’t look particularly rugged at all. Somewhere between conception and reality, the Fusion lost the essence of its being and appears to be merely a boxier, more bloated Fiesta.

Things improved with a facelift in 2005, one that brought more vivid colours and more accessories, but the Fusion has never been a thing of beauty. Nor has it ever looked cool, something which looks painfully clear with more trendy offerings from rivals and even Ford themselves…

Behind the Wheel – 6/10

The utilitarian theme continues inside where the Fusion fails to shake off the spectre of the Fiesta’s ‘plasticky’ interior.

Although significantly improved with that mid-life facelift, the integrated stereo, circular air vents and softer materials, can’t quite disguise its cheapness in certain places, particularly below the ‘knee-level’.

On the plus side, the Fusion does have a commanding driving position, a feature that helps distinguish it from the smaller Fiesta, as well as allowing for good access, while everything is logically laid out too. It is just a shame it lacks panache.

On the Road – 6/10

Based on the Fiesta’s proven mechanics, the Fusion inherits plenty of its sibling’s strengths on the open road. Unsurprisingly, the raised ride height means the Fusion doesn’t have quite the same agility as the Fiesta, but the fluid steering and keen turn-in still makes it quite an enjoyable car to drive.

On the downside, the Fusion’s ride is a little harsh, a consequence of the fact it is higher off the road. Still, it does soak up bumps remarkably well, so long as you don’t attempt to go off-road with it – the Fusion is strictly for the road only!

There are few surprises under the bonnet, with several of Ford’s recognised engines on offer. However, ‘proven’ is often code for ‘old’ and that means the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre Duratec engines sound strained when pushed and don’t provide a particularly refined driving experience. The 1.4-litre and1.6-litre TDCi diesels, on the other hand, are far more composed, although with a 0-60mph time of 16.3secs and 12.9secs respectively, neither of them is particularly swift.

Running Costs – 7/10

The diesels are also the pick of the range when running costs are taken into account because while the 1.4-litre TDCi takes an age to get going, the flip side is 61.4mpg. Interestingly, the more modern 1.6-litre engine actually delivers 62.8mpg, although you’ll have to pay extra for the privilege.

Furthermore, with the Fusion producing emissions no higher than 157g/km of CO2 in 1.6-litre petrol guise, it features in a relatively low tax band. Then again, so does the Fiesta…

Value for Money – 7/10

Indeed, that epitomises the Fusion’s problem. With Fiesta styling, Fiesta interior, Fiesta chassis and Fiesta engines, you have to wonder why you would buy a Fusion instead.

After all, with the range starting at £12,095, the entry level 1.4-litre Fusion Style is £2,250 more than the equivalent Fiesta, with no discernable advantage. Still, huge discounts are likely to be available, even more so when the Fiesta is replaced by its stylish new successor.

If you must have a Fusion though, it remains quite well equipped. If you go for the top of the range Fusion Plus then a CDPlayer, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and tinted rear windows are available as standard. Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and a DVD player are also on the options list.

Practicality – 7/10

This is it. The Fusion’s big chance to shine – to justify its existence. And yet, even here the Fusion struggles to show off exactly what it is intended for. Coming just as supermini-based MPV’s were in vogue, the Fusion certainly provided a little bit more useable space over the Fiesta, but when the Vauxhall Meriva arrived with its flexible seating layout, it pretty much trumped its only advantage.

Indeed, while the Fusion remains a versatile car with its good access and well shaped boot, it still has no practicality advantage over the enormous Citroen Berlingo neither is it as clever as a Nissan Note.

VERDICT – 5/10

In isolation the Fusion is not an awful car. It is relatively spacious, good to drive and frugal, but there are so many cars out there that fulfil that brief so much better and one of those cars is Ford’s own Fiesta.

Indeed, while the concept is in evidence, we just wish Ford had been a bit more daring with the design and flexed their creativity muscles in making it a more practical vehicle. After all, given its fair sales, just think what a more focused attempt would have resulted in.

Unsurprisingly, the Fusion is destined for a quiet death when the Fiesta arrives, although Ford look set to return to the market in the near future with the more exciting sounding B-MAX. So while Ford may have their occasional flops, at least they learn from them.

Best Model: 1.4TDCi Zetec £13,495