Michael McAleer ponders Ford's new "urban adventure" car.
Ford has joined the post-modernist community. A term synonymous these days with culinary cuisine and chefs who mix pineapple, minced duck and chocolate sauce in one dish, the latest Ford attempts to fill a hunger it argues has has yet to be satisfied, between people carriers and small cars.
However, in looks, the Fusion fails to offer a taste explosion and ends up with a rather bland creation. In reality its target market is already catered for by the numerous small MPVs on the market, such as the 206SW, the Scenic, and the popular Honda Jazz.
So, what is new with the Fusion? Well, it is bigger than a Fiesta, but smaller than a Focus and the price range is set between the two. Ford describes it as "an urban adventure vehicle", a description obviously dreamt up by one of the interns recently back from a tour of duty in Kabul and an avid reader of Jane's Defence Weekly.
The Fusion is a slightly larger hybrid of the Fiesta. Yet it is not dramatically larger; at least those used to the new Fiesta will not suffer from agoraphobia.
Ford says it expects Fusion to appeal to buyers whose expectations are "for functionality above frivolity and for a vehicle that is straightforward and uncomplicated". The cubist design, which Ford says was chosen to emphasise its functionality, inclines too much towards box-like features.
This is unfortunate given the good performance on offer. The short test run we had in the 1.4-litre TDCi diesel version revealed a car that was very responsive and offered a firm ride and smart handling in country lanes and city streets. However, engine noise was quite loud and there was significant road noise.
The engine options are a 1.4 litre TDCi common-rail turbo-diesel engine developing 68 bhp and 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol units with 80 and 100 bhp respectively. The diesel unit is already on the market and the result of joint venture with PSA Peugeot-Citroën. It is also the same unit that appears in the Citroën C3.
The interior is where the Fiesta features are reflected most strongly, if with a little more attention to detail. There are some ingenious cubby-holes, particularly a handy compartment beneath the passenger seat.
So to the extra space: it comes in at just over four metres long, 1.7 metres wide and stands tall at 1.5 metres high.
The increase in headroom is very noticeable and there is a good driving position from the increased height. In terms of boot space, the Fusion offers 337 litres instead of 284 litres in the Fiesta.
Prices range from €16,675 to €19,175, and the car is available in three specifications, aptly called Fusion 1, Fusion 2 and, you've guessed it, Fusion 3. Overall, a practical new addition to the market, if indistinct in appearance.