The fuel gauge in the test Fusion TDCi didn’t seem to be working. It appeared to be glued to the same point which read-quarter tank even after five hours of driving. Then, I remembered about this engine’s incredible fuel economy. This engine is the same as the one under the hood of the Fiesta diesel and as per AUTOCAR’s max mileage runs, has once delivered, a staggering 31.48kmpl. There is also a ‘distance to empty meter’ which gives the driver an idea how many kilometers the car will go before it runs out of fuel. When I drove out of the dealership, it said it will run for 250kms. After covering 25kms, it still read 244km. It may not be very exact, but it was an assuring feeling, seeing that.
This Fusion has a taller body built over the previous generation Fiesta- the Ikon. This car is marketed elsewhere as a hatchback with very large inside dimensions. But for India , Ford says it is a fusion of a small car, a sedan and even a small SUV. Yes it is, but to me, it is too small by SUV standards, a bit too big for a small hatchback and the size is similar to that of a compact sedan, but is not shaped like a sedan. What the Fusion really is a bit of ‘Confusion’! Nevertheless, it is very practical and in Diesel format, it is economical too.
The Fusion with the recent facelift in the 1.6 petrol, got a fresher chin and interiors that are reminiscent of the Fiesta. This interior is very spacious and has lots of cubbyholes everywhere. The glove box was so large that it could accommodate my big Canon camera and all its gear and still have space left for another. And interestingly Ford has provided a small secret storage space under the front passenger seat that can be accessed by lifting the squab. The dashboard has a pattern that looks interesting, as if some one had scribbled on it. The overall ambience inside the car is pleasing. The seating position is high, giving an SUV feel and the rear seat is well designed. The boot is sufficiently large, but not as big as the Fiesta’s but it has an advantage of its height.
Driving this car is much like driving a Fiesta diesel. The same engine mated to the slick gearbox, lending a good feel. It gets to 100kmph from a standstill in around 17 seconds. This car does lack on outright performance, but it makes up with good driveability and outstanding fuel economy. While I could not test the fuel economy, I got an idea of its frugality. It must have delivered over 16kmpl in the ‘brief yet aggressive’ test drive. The responsive nature of this engine is particularly appreciated in city driving. It pulls cleanly from low revs with minimal lag from the turbo. For overtaking moves, you’ll need to drop a gear or two, but shifting through the sweet and crisp gearbox is a joy experience. The abundance of torque ensures that the in-gear acceleration is adequate.
The car rides admirably over broken roads thanks to its well tuned suspension and bigger tyres. Whereas handling is not in the Fiesta’s league, body roll despite the high centre of gravity, is well contained. Handling is assuring and the car maintains its poise under hard braking. The steering, as in all Fords, is small, meaty and weighs up perfectly as speeds increase.
Now the big question is why you should buy the Fusion when the same Ford sells a Fiesta with the same engine, better driving dynamics and similar quality. I would say that the Fusion offers a much more funky and practical body style than the sedate looking Fiesta. Then there is the ground clearance of 198mm which means it will laugh at our broken roads. And thirdly, there is the price which is Rs.30000 lower than the base Fiesta. The Fusion with its compact dimensions and small engine, qualifies for the government’s tax benefits and is thus cheaper to buy. If you are tall, usually city oriented, but occasionally have to drive over broken roads and cannot afford one of those fuel guzzling SUVs, you need to take a look at the Fusion at the nearest Ford dealer. You will look young, different, adventurous and stand out in a bunch of sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks while spending a lot less money on fuel. Overall, I give it a score of 7 out of 10.
SCORE BOARD
Style & Design: 7/10
Finish & Build quality: 7/10
Engine & Gearbox: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Brakes:8/10
Ride: 7/10
Handling & Fun to Drive: 7/10
Value for money: 7/10
Interior and comfort: 7/10
Ownership Experience: 8/10
This Fusion has a taller body built over the previous generation Fiesta- the Ikon. This car is marketed elsewhere as a hatchback with very large inside dimensions. But for India , Ford says it is a fusion of a small car, a sedan and even a small SUV. Yes it is, but to me, it is too small by SUV standards, a bit too big for a small hatchback and the size is similar to that of a compact sedan, but is not shaped like a sedan. What the Fusion really is a bit of ‘Confusion’! Nevertheless, it is very practical and in Diesel format, it is economical too.
The Fusion with the recent facelift in the 1.6 petrol, got a fresher chin and interiors that are reminiscent of the Fiesta. This interior is very spacious and has lots of cubbyholes everywhere. The glove box was so large that it could accommodate my big Canon camera and all its gear and still have space left for another. And interestingly Ford has provided a small secret storage space under the front passenger seat that can be accessed by lifting the squab. The dashboard has a pattern that looks interesting, as if some one had scribbled on it. The overall ambience inside the car is pleasing. The seating position is high, giving an SUV feel and the rear seat is well designed. The boot is sufficiently large, but not as big as the Fiesta’s but it has an advantage of its height.
Driving this car is much like driving a Fiesta diesel. The same engine mated to the slick gearbox, lending a good feel. It gets to 100kmph from a standstill in around 17 seconds. This car does lack on outright performance, but it makes up with good driveability and outstanding fuel economy. While I could not test the fuel economy, I got an idea of its frugality. It must have delivered over 16kmpl in the ‘brief yet aggressive’ test drive. The responsive nature of this engine is particularly appreciated in city driving. It pulls cleanly from low revs with minimal lag from the turbo. For overtaking moves, you’ll need to drop a gear or two, but shifting through the sweet and crisp gearbox is a joy experience. The abundance of torque ensures that the in-gear acceleration is adequate.
The car rides admirably over broken roads thanks to its well tuned suspension and bigger tyres. Whereas handling is not in the Fiesta’s league, body roll despite the high centre of gravity, is well contained. Handling is assuring and the car maintains its poise under hard braking. The steering, as in all Fords, is small, meaty and weighs up perfectly as speeds increase.
Now the big question is why you should buy the Fusion when the same Ford sells a Fiesta with the same engine, better driving dynamics and similar quality. I would say that the Fusion offers a much more funky and practical body style than the sedate looking Fiesta. Then there is the ground clearance of 198mm which means it will laugh at our broken roads. And thirdly, there is the price which is Rs.30000 lower than the base Fiesta. The Fusion with its compact dimensions and small engine, qualifies for the government’s tax benefits and is thus cheaper to buy. If you are tall, usually city oriented, but occasionally have to drive over broken roads and cannot afford one of those fuel guzzling SUVs, you need to take a look at the Fusion at the nearest Ford dealer. You will look young, different, adventurous and stand out in a bunch of sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks while spending a lot less money on fuel. Overall, I give it a score of 7 out of 10.
SCORE BOARD
Style & Design: 7/10
Finish & Build quality: 7/10
Engine & Gearbox: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Brakes:8/10
Ride: 7/10
Handling & Fun to Drive: 7/10
Value for money: 7/10
Interior and comfort: 7/10
Ownership Experience: 8/10
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