Driving Review: Ford Fusion
It’s not really a Fusion, well it is, but it’s not. Ok what I mean is it is in fact a fifth-generation Mondeo, but Ford chose to call it Fusion because, well, it came down to a coin toss really and could have gone either way. The Mondeo name was never really as entrenched as in Europe, so Fusion it is. Now that that is out of the way…
Design
We can start with its looks, its very good looks. This car is striking. I know its a subjective thing, but you just need to be driving and see one of these guys come up in your rearview mirror to see the Aston Martin/Mustang vibe going on. From behind it looks a bit Kia-like, but overall, this is one handsome fella.
Low road noise levels have been achieved by using an integral link rear suspension and additional sound deadening material, while wind noise is now at levels previously only experienced in the premium segment. And I can vouch for that. It is a really smooth, quiet ride.
Engine
New Fusion petrol engine options include the impressive 1.5-litre EcoBoost and two 2-litre EcoBoost engines, as well as a high-powered 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine that delivers 132kW and 400 N.m. of torque. Combined with Ford’s Active Shutter Grille system, which provides aerodynamic benefits, these new engines deliver low carbon dioxide emissions and excellent consumption. I say the 1,5 is impressive because it almost feels as if it could be a 2,0-litre. There is more than enough acceleration and overall a really great engine. As for the diesel, it is quiet, so quiet in fact that the only way my driving partner and I could determine whether or not it was in fact a diesel was to check the rev counter.
It handles better than what you would expect a mid-size family sedan to do, body roll is minimal and the steering is light and responsive.
Safety Tech
This Fusion is packed full of goodies! Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Head-Up Display detects a potential collision and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings. The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera, and radar located in the bumper, and checks it against a database to help distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.
The new Fusion can also apply automatic braking to mitigate or avoid a collision with a vehicle ahead. Active City Stop operates at speeds of up to 40 km/h. At higher speeds new Pre-Collision Assist uses radar and camera technology which allows it to scan ahead and automatically apply up to full braking force to help the driver mitigate or avoid many types of rear-end collision.
The Fusion introduces Ford’s adaptive LED headlamp technology to Africa; combining full-LED headlamps with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System to enhance the driver’s view of surroundings.
An advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking enables drivers to detect suitably-sized parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and reverse hands-free into spaces and is supported by Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers to exit parallel parking spaces. Side Parking Aid also warns drivers of obstacles to the sides of the vehicles, as well as to the front and rear.
Fusion also enhances comfort and convenience for drivers with features including a power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, Ford Multi-Contour Seats with unique Active Motion massage function, and Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system.
It is priced from R349 900 up to R449 900 for the diesel. The Germans better look out, Ford is not messing around with this car. The BMW 3 Series 320i AT will cost you R451 500, the Honda Accord 2,4 AT will set you back R471 300, but the Fusion 2,0 Ecoboost Trend At comes in at a very competitive R408 760. I know which one I would choose for sure.