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Ford Fusion Overview 

Ford Fusion is considered as India's first UAV (Urban Activity Vehicle) with amalgamation of tough high rise design and comfort of a sedan. It comes with one diesel and two petrol engine variants that are BS-III compliant and provide decent performance suiting the city driving conditions. The five speed manual transmission car comes with power steering, air conditioning, driver seat height adjustment and steering tilt adjustment facility. It is one of the most special cars from Ford in India, though it is not manufactured any more. 

The car has seating capacity for five adults and has one of the most adaptable seating options. Its spacious cabin and boot space has been carefully designed to suit family needs for storing large stocks while on a tour or excursion. The suspensions might not deliver the best in off road activities but they can tackle most of the potholes on Indian roads very easily.

Ford Fusion Launch History 

Ford Fusion was launched in the late 2004 and it was the first car based on MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle Concept) in India. Described as Urban Activity Vehicle in its campaigns, the car did create a lot of interest in the beginning. However, company was not able to capitalise much on this initial positive response from the market and its sales sort of died down in the following years. In 2008, company took another step towards improving its dismal sales record with launch of a diesel engine variant. Unfortunately, even these variants failed to improve the dipping sales of Ford Fusion in India. Eventually in 2010, the production of the car was called off from the Indian market.

Ford has been operational in India since 1995 and operates as a fully owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. It owns a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai. At present, it manufactures models like Fiesta, Figo and Endeavour.

Ford Fusion Variants 

Ford Fusion cars can be availed in two engine options out of which the 1.4 litre TDCi Diesel engine is the latest entrant. This diesel engine variant launched in 2008 is by far the best of its lot. The car comes in three petrol and two diesel engine variants. Fusion Petrol is the base variant including all comfort and safety features excluding ABS with EBD which comes as a standard in Fusion Plus Petrol. Fusion Plus also includes alloy wheels. Similar distinction can also be made between Fusion 1.4 TDCi Diesel and the Fusion Diesel Plus variants.

Ford Fusion Pricing 

Ford Fusion prices were kept in a price range of Rs. 6.2 lacs to Rs. 6.7 lacs at the time of its discontinuation. The sales are possible only through the disorganised used car market in India.

Ford Fusion Review and Awards

Ford Fusion is an ideal family car that can perform equally well in city and on highways. Its spacious interiors and a decent size SUV kind of styling make it a superb choice for urban class. The car has done well in the international circuit and received a positive response from the media which hailed its entry in the market. In 2009, the car also received Motor Trend magazine's car of the year award. The award was given on the basis of its decent performance in city with better fuel economy levels.

Ford Fusion Used Car Market 

Ford Fusion cars have a superior build quality and incorporate reliable engines that provide superb economy in long term. Anyone looking for a used Ford Fusion has to make sure that car has got complete documentation. The company does not recognise any pre-owned car sales and exchanges and one has to take help of local dealers in this regard.

Ford Fusion Specifications 

New Ford Fusion has got a decent petrol engine, whereas the 1.4 litre diesel engine is also quite remarkable. From the very beginning, cars styling and marketing have used tags like 'Urban Activity Vehicle' to attract its target group in cities. Moreover, the fuel economy figures for this compact MPV have been better than most other cars in the segment.

Ford Fusion Exteriors 

Ford Fusion car's high stance and superior built quality always attract public attention. Its resemblance with a SUV at length of a hatchback often perplexes the onlookers, who fail to associate it with any other car present in India. Perhaps that is why it is called a Fusion.

Ford Fusion Exterior Appearance 

As described earlier, the dimensions of Ford Fusion cars have always been interesting. It looks sporty from the front with square headlights, characteristic Ford radiator grille and large bumpers with fog lamps. However, the profile is similar to an extended hatchback with straight contours. The rear features vertically stacked tail lamps. Body coloured bumpers, 15 inch alloy wheels and outside rear view mirrors complete the designing features of this car. The pre-owned cars might look stunning after little detailing with inclusion of a roof rail and rear spoiler. 

Ford Fusion Exterior Dimensions

Ford Fusion Interiors 

Ford Fusion cars have comfortable and spacious interiors, which come pre-equipped with a lot of modern accessories.

Ford Fusion Interior Appearance 

The Ford Fusion car has up class dual-tone Avocado interiors with the matching seat fabric and door trim in some of its high variants. The newer variants also include soft-touch dashboard that adds to the class of this vehicle. Standard instrument panel catches attention with features like digital clock and a distance-to-empty indicator. The overall built quality meets European standards and is as good as Ford Fiesta.

Ford Fusion Interior Comfort 

A higher seating position provides a better view and ease in control of the car. One does not have to lean too much while entering and exiting the car. The car has got an effective air conditioning system that keeps its interiors at comfortable level even in peak summers with fully occupied cabin. A tilt-adjustable steering column improves posture while power steering and power windows add to the driving convenience. Cup holders, storage compartments and 60:40 foldable rear seats with head restraints are other prominent features of the car. 

Ford Fusion Interior Dimensions 

Car's wider body and taller stance make it possible for five adults to enjoy the drive with maximum comfort. It has got sufficient headroom, legroom and shoulder room at all seats. With 60:40 split rear folding seats, one can further enhance the normal boot space 337 litres to more than 1000 litres.

Ford Fusion Fuel Economy 

Ford Fusion has been deliberately kept under-powered to improve its fuel efficiency ratings. The spark plugs in petrol engines are almost centrally mounted in the pent roof combustion chamber allowing circular flame propagation resulting in improved mileage, especially in part-load conditions. The petrol engines provide a mileage of nearly 14 kmpl in cities and 18 kmpl on highways. The diesel engines also have similar fuel economy figures under test conditions.

Ford Fusion On Road Drive 

For those who love numbers, the car has got 198 mm of ground clearance and 4.9 m of turning radius. Though, it does not have one of the least aerodynamic drag coefficients, it remains stable even at very high speeds. One has nothing to complain about the noise levels, till of course one opens the windows of the car. The diesel engines respond well as one puts weight on the accelerator. 1.6 litre petrol engine with nearly 100 hp of power is equally capable; however, these engines have been tuned for economy and not power. A smaller wheel size of 15 inch also reminds that it is not practical to try too much over-revving of the engine. 

Ford Fusion has been equipped with independent McPherson Strut at the front and semi-independent heavy duty twist beam and separate twin tube dampers at the rear. These suspensions along with a power steering provide five speed manual transmission, front wheel driven Ford Fusion cars excellent stability and control.

Ford Fusion Power 

The 4 cylinder 1.6 litre in-line, 16 valve dynamic overhead cam petrol engine of Ford Fusion cars in India churns out 99.62 hp at 4500 rpm. The torque of 146 Nm is generated at 3400 rpm. This Duratec engine is also included in some other car models of Ford in India. On the other hand, 1.4 litre 4 cylinder in-line, 16 valves single overhead cam diesel engine generates 67.07 hp at 4000 rpm. It produces an impressive 160 Nm of torque at a low 2000 rpm.

Ford Fusion Acceleration 

It is not a big revelation that engines even after proper care and maintenance lose their zest with time. The acceleration figure with brand new cars under test conditions might not match with the cars available under used car market. However, fact sheets reveal that the petrol engines can take vehicles to above 100 kmph mark within 18 seconds. The diesel engine is also a capable unit taking nearly 17 seconds to reach 100 kmph mark from standstill.

Ford Fusion Safety & Security 

From the very outset, Ford Fusion car appears to be a much safer vehicle with its high stance and extended hatchback design. Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) along with Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) improves the braking by exerting force at the wheel with the help of its advanced sensors and micro controllers. This reduces the chance of skidding and the features are included in all Fusion Plus model variants. Side door intrusion beams further enhance the structural integrity of the vehicle. 

Collapsible steering column, fuel cut-off inertia switch, day-night inside rear view mirror and 3-point front and rear seat belts are other advanced security features included in the vehicle. Front and rear fog lamps, child safety locks on rear doors, low fuel warning and high mounted stop lamps are also included as standard safety and security features.

Ford Fusion Comfort & Convenience 

Ford Fusion car has one of the most spacious interiors among the cars in its category. It can easily accommodate five adults and has ample luggage space for avoiding inconvenience. The quality of components and accessories used in the cabin meet international standards. These vehicles come with a superb AC and include facilities like power steering, power windows, electric ORVMs, central locking and remote fuel lid openers. Drivers can adjust the seat height and the steering angle for perfect posture suiting their body type. Cup holders, head restraints, sun visors and other small conveniences have also been included in the cabin.

Ford Fusion Wheels & Suspension 

Ford Fusion is equipped with 15 inch tyres that provide them a definite advantage over other hatchbacks which usually come with 13 inch and 14 inch wheels. Alloys have been offered as a standard in Fusion Plus Petrol. Suspensions have been carefully designed to suit the vehicles unique design and keep them well balanced on Indian roads.

Ford Fusion Stereo & Accessories 

The Urban Activity Vehicle, Ford Fusion does not include stereo system as a standard feature. Though, its instrument panel has modern features including a digital clock and a trip metre which calculates distance that can be travelled with available fuel in the tank.

Ford Fusion Dealers 

Authorised dealers of Ford are not engaged in sales or exchange of pre-owned vehicles. Hence, in order to avail Fusion, one need to check with local dealers for the availability of cars or can contact individual sellers listed in local classifieds or auto magazines.

Ford Fusion Company Quotes 

Ford India Managing Director, David Friedman at the launch of Ford Fusion in 2004 said, “Ford is set to revolutionize the passenger car industry in India with the launch of the Ford Fusion. An Urban Activity Vehicle, the Ford Fusion will introduce a car with a unique body style purpose-designed to appeal to progressive urban families who are looking for a smart, tailored answer to their complex personal mobility needs. The interiors are people-focused, spacious and practical, with high seating for greater visibility; while on the outside, Fusion's tough on-road presence is confident, protective and compact. It is the fusion of these attributes that inspired the vehicle's name - Ford Fusion." 

Vinay Piparsania, Vice President, Marketing and Sales of Ford India, at the launch of Ford Fusion in 2004 said, "Fusion reflects the growing diversity and changing expectations of our urban customers." 

Managing Director and President, Mr. Arvind Mathew, at the launch of Diesel variant of Ford Fusion in July 2007 said, “Our customers were demanding a diesel variant of Fusion. Based on their feedback, we are launching the new product.’’

Ford Fusion Competitor Analysis 

For all those who are looking forward to buy a second hand car, price is often a major criterion. Most of the times, its practical to buy a pre-owned car which proves to be a steal if it has been kept well maintained. It is not unlikely, that a car lands in used car market because the original user decided to move abroad or simply got bored with its looks. These cars sure provide the best value for money.

 On a closer technical analysis, cars like Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia and Honda Jazz, one concludes that none of these can compete with spacious interiors of Fusion. Ford Fusion with overall length of 4018 mm and overall width of 1720 mm remains very stable and comfortable during long drives. The engine might not be one of the best, but one does not really get enough opportunities to test its limits in cities. Moreover, the mileage with both petrol and diesel engines is quite okay. Ford cars do perform well in long term and one does not have to worry about the technical snags like gear jamming or starting problem. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift is probably another car which people would like to consider. A lot of these are also available in the used car market and include a lot of accessories even in their base variants. However, even Swift cannot beat Fusion in terms of seating comfort. When it comes to comparison between these two cars, most of the times looks can be a major factor influencing customers decision. Swift has a very bold design which connects instantly with youth but might not attract someone who is looking for a comfortable vehicle for family.

Ford Fusion LPG/CNG version 

Not offered as a standard feature by the company.

Ford Fusion Pros 

Though looks are an objective feature, they do attract attention even after being very modest in the defining of wheel arches, lines and curves. Ford Fusion has spacious interiors with an up class feel and might provide a good economy depending upon the engine maintenance and upkeep.

Ford Fusion Cons 

Probably the biggest factor for its discontinuation is its inability to strike a chord with Indian sensibilities. The car could have gathered a decent response if it carried a few accessories and an audio system.

Ford Fusion Conclusion 

The car backed by Ford's reliable technology provides decent fuel economy in long term. Ford Fusion is a best choice for urban families that often visit malls and need ample space for supporting their shopping sprees.