ROAD TEST: Ford, fretting frantically, found a fissure between the Fiesta and the Focus - and formed the Fusion. Fuss and flap but no phenomenon, files Andrew Hamilton
You could say it's a picture of family practicality with security, safety and common sense all there in equal measures. But the Ford Fusion that we first saw as a motor show concept has shed some of its style and glamour.
The big bumpers, distinctive alloy wheels and two-tone colour scheme which graced the show car have been replaced with a conservation look, lacking the sparkle which made Fords such as the Focus, Ka and Puma real star performers. The blunt nose carries plastic grille crowned with a big blue oval. Sharply flared wheel arches, high ground clearance, a box-like roof and huge glass area give the car a practical workman-like finish.
If Fusion is plain rather than exciting Ford hasn't been deterred in type, which would almost make us think that they had reinvented the wheel. "Fusion bridges conventional vehicle segments and small car stereotypes creating its own niche as an urban activity vehicle" is but one example.
Actually we shouldn't beat around the bush: the new Fusion is really just a tall Fiesta estate car. Fusion is something and nothing. The extra four inches height, squared-up style and one inch more ground clearance are supposed to give it the look and road presence of a sport utility vehicle or SUV. But it's not four-wheel-drive: mechanically the Fusion and the latest Fiesta are identical.
The higher seating position and rectangular load area are supposed to provide the space and versatility of an MPV. The reality is that the seat-folding arrangements are no more clever than that of the average small hatchback and there isn't a flat floor for long or awkward loads.
Recently we indulged in some urban activity. Our test model had the 1.6-litre Duratec engine with 100 bhp that also goes into the mainstream Fiesta. Other engine options are the 80 bhp 1.4-litre and the 68 bhp TDCi, also with 1.4-litres. This latter unit has been designed and made by Peugeot and it has been much acclaimed in the Fiesta. In the Fusion, it appears to be a less compelling proposition. Ford's performance figures show that it is one of the slowest new cars available with a 0 to 62 mph time of 15.5 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph. An average fuel consumption of 64 mpg has to be some compensation.
Back to our test car. We had no performance quibbles with the 1.6-litre petrol Fusion. It has a claimed top speed of 112 mph, a 0 to 62 mph time of 10.9 seconds and an average fuel performance of 42.8 mpg. We didn't quite manage that kind of frugality but 37.1 mph with three hefty bodies and a fair amount of bric-a-brac on board, was still acceptable.
On board, the larger windows and a seating position 1.5 inches higher than a Fiesta's, make for a good view. The upright rear seats are higher still. There is adequate leg and headroom for tall people sitting in the back, and 15 per cent more luggage space than in the Fiesta five-door.
The new Fiesta is in the top league of superminis and the Fusion inherits the same dynamic genes, albeit with a more bumpy ride since the suspension has been stiffened up to control the sway of the taller body when cornering. Otherwise, driving behaviour is fine and engine noise is quiet and refined.
There is a disappointing lack of innovation in the design of the Fusion. The new fascia is similar to the Fiesta's but does not look as good: it badly needs something to relieve the grey and black plastic panels.
The front passenger seat does have a couple of smart features. Lift the cushion and there is a hidden, handbag-sized storage compartment. Flick the lever at the top of the seat back and it folds down flat onto the cushion to form a table.
Fusion Irish ex-works prices start at €16,675, that's for the entry-level 1.4 petrol model with the level 1 specification. Our 1.6 car with the top level 3 specification retails at €19,175 ex-works. Against the similarly-engined Ghia five-door, there's a premium of €1,380.
Ford believes that because Fusion is the first of its newly-created UAV sect, there are no direct competitors.
Actually there is one equivalent out there right now and by next spring there will be at least two more. The Mitsubishi Space Star has been around since 1998 and it has had a makeover this past summer. Its dimensions are almost identical to the Fusion's and it starts at €18,022 ex-works. The 1.6-litre Comfort would be a competition for our test model at €19,998.
Next April, Opel will launch the Meriva, a Corsa derivative which is more obviously a small MPV, more stylish inside and out and with more ingenious seat-folding and positioning.
Meanwhile, Mazda will launch a replacement for the Demio, to be known as the Mazda2. The 2 was one of the many new cars premiered at the recent Paris motor show. It looks much more distinctive than Fusion to which it is similarly positioned, using the same body structure and engines and even being made alongside it at Ford's Valencia plant in Spain.
Ford can get it so right with cars such as the Focus and indeed even the new Fiesta. Fusion falls short of the mark. The words at the end of the report have to be "Must try harder".
FACTFILE:
ENGINE: A 1,596cc straight four cylinder fuel injected Duratec engine offering 100 bhp and 146Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
PERFORMANCE: Max speed of 112 mph with a 0-62mph of 10.9 seconds.
SPECIFICATION: The test car was a Fusion 3, with 15' alloy wheels, Stereo/CD, alarm, velour seat fabric.
FUEL: Urban - 31.4 mpg. Extra-urban - 53.3 mpg. Combined 42.8 mpg.
PRICE: €19,175
THE COMPETITION:
Ford Fusion 1.6 Duratec Level 3. 1598cc; 10.9 (0-60); 99 max speed; 100 BHP; 42.8 mpg combined; €19,175.
Honda Jazz 1.4 5dr. 1339cc; 12.4 (0-60); 100 max speed; 82 BHP; 48.7 mpg combined; €16,665.
Peugeot 206 SW XSi 1.6. 1587cc; 10.9 (0-60); 115 max speed; 110 BHP; 42.2 mpg combined; €19,715.
Mazda Demio 1.6 5dr Sport. 1498cc; 13 (0-60); 99 max speed; 85 BHP; 38.7 mpg combined; €19,950.
Mitsubishi Spacestar 1.6 Comfort. 1684cc; 12 (0-60); 106 max speed; 111 BHP; 39.2 mpg combined; €19,998.