Ford Fusion (2002 – 2012) Review

August 2002

Fiesta-based 'Urban Activity Vehicle' on sale in UK from late 2002. Longer, wider and taller than the Fiesta, it is also more versatile. Interior very attractive with folding 60/40 split rear seat backs and a flat folding front passenger seat allowing the transportation of longer items. Rear load floor flush with hatchback sill.

Dimensions are: length 4,020 mm (13ft 2in); width 1,708mm (5 ft 7in); height: 1,503mm (4ft 11in). Luggage volume is 337 litres to the parcel shelf with the rear seats up. Three engines:

PSA sourced 1,399cc Duratorq TDCi aluminium block, common rail direct-injected diesel. Power output is 68ps at 4,000rpm with 160Nm (118 lb ft) torque at 1,750rpm. 0-60 is quoted at 15.1 seconds, top speed 99mph, Target Euro combined mpg 64.2 and CO2 emissions 119g/km (£85pa VED). This engine meets Euro III emissions limits.

1,388cc Duratec 16v petrol. Power output is 80ps at 5,700rpm with 124Nm (91 lb ft) torque at 3,500rpm. 0-60: 13.3 seconds, top speed 102mph, Target Euro combined mpg 43.5 and CO2 emissions 156g/km (£125pa VED). This engine meets Euro IV emissions limits.

1,596cc Duratec 16v petrol. Power output 100ps at 6,000rpm with 146Nm (108 lb ft) torque at 4,000rpm. 0-60: 10.5 seconds, top speed 111mph, Euro combined mpg 42.8 and CO2 emissions 158g/km (£125pa VED). This engine meets Euro IV emissions limits.

Standard equipment includes ABS with EBD, height adjustable drivers seat, twin dual-stage front airbags, five three-point seatbelts, decoupling pedals to protect the driver's feet in a severe impact, a passive anti-theft system, and a spare wheel stowed inside the boot rather than slung under it. Standard tyres 195/60R15 (as suggested in the original car by car posting) which is a reasonable compromise between handling and pot-hole protection. Side airbags, side curtain bags, perimeter alarm system and remote central locking are available either as standard or as extras. Durashift semi-automatic available from September 2003.

100PS 1.6 Durashift 4-speed full automatic from February 2004, list priced from £12,425, does 112mph and 0-60 in 11.4 seconds. Makes a lot of sense as an alternative to a Jazz CVT-7.

Four star NCAP crash safety rating.

01-10-2005: Facelifted for 2006 and on sale from November 2005. Range now included 1.6TDCI:1,560cc 16v Duratorq TDCI belt-cam diesel: 66kW (90PS) at 4,000 rpm; 204Nm (150 lb ft) torque at 1,750 rpm. 5-speed manual: 0-60 12.2 seconds; top speed 109 mph; combined mpg: 61.4; CO2 emissions: 122g/km.

For 2007, Fusion Pursuit and Pursuit Climate. 500 of these special editions from £10,995. Fusion Pursuit features a unique two-tone finish and a body styling kit with deep side mouldings extending from the front and rear bumpers and following the length of the car. Bespoke interior styling touches include a silver finish gear lever knob and optional interior styling pack. On the outside, alloy wheels, clear side indicators, rear spoiler, and front, rear lower and front upper skid plates. Fusion Pursuit Climate adds air conditioning, Quickclear windscreen and power heated mirrors. The Pursuit will be available in seven colours: colorado red, tonic, moondust silver, tango red, frozen white and verdigris and ocean blue, all matched with the lower body in black.