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Ford Fusion Hatchback 1.4 +

For:
Plenty of space inside, given the overall dimensions of the car. A decent drive, and good visibility all-round.

Against:
Not a big leap in practicality over the Fiesta it's based on. Refinement could be better, and the styling may be too tame.



Performance

The Fusion's no ball of fire, but it's happy enough in town. Both petrol engines need working hard and the 1.4 can struggle out of town, particularly when laden. The 1.4 diesel's low-down pull makes it the easiest engine day to day, there's also a 1.6 diesel. The 1.4 petrol can be specified with Ford's Durashift automatic gearbox.

Ride & handling

The Fusion is based on the Fiesta but it isn't as good to drive. It still handles better than many superminis and it steers fluently, but the raised ride height means there's more lean through bends and the ride is even firmer.

Refinement

Neither of the petrol engines is particularly smooth at high revs, a fact which is exaggerated because they need working so hard. The 1.4 diesel is more settled at speed, but offensively noisy and rattly around town. The Fusion's cabin is noisy at motorway speeds - you'll find yourself cranking up the stereo to drown out the excessive wind and road noise.

Buying & owning

Spec for spec, the Fusion costs between £500 and £1000 more than an equivalent Fiesta - which is already rather pricey - and doesn't give you a lot more for the money. Fuel economy suffers, but the diesel still returns a combined figure of 64mpg. Resale values are reasonable, so expect the Fusion to hold on to just under half of its original value after three years.

Quality & reliability

There have been no complaints about the new Fiesta's reliability and the Fusion shares most of the same parts. The interior isn't particularly classy, but it feels as if it will stand up to a hard life.

Safety & security

All Fusions come with front airbags; side and curtain 'bags are included in one cheap option pack. Stability control is an option for higher-spec cars. We haven't tested a Fusion's security, but the Fiesta put up a strong showing in 2002's Security Supertest.

Behind the wheel

The Fusion driver sits even higher than in the Fiesta. While it's not to all tastes, it makes getting in and out easier and the wide expanse of glass gives an excellent view out. The steering wheel adjusts for height only and there's limited seat height travel, however. While the dash is well laid out, top-spec models have a centre console with too many fiddly pushbuttons.

Space & practicality

There's good space for four adults in the Fusion's cabin, but it offers little extra practicality over the cheaper Fiesta. Admittedly the boot is bigger and easier to load, but split rear seats don't do anything particularly clever. Oddment storage is also limited.

Equipment

The base Style trim has a CD player and electric front windows, but little else. Zetec models add a trip computer and front foglights. Style Climate and Zetec Climate gain air-con and electric mirrors. Fusion + trim has a six-CD multichanger and driver's seat-height adjustment. The face-lift introduced new options including climate control, sat-nav, rain-sensing wipers and Bluetooth hands-free phone technology.

Running Costs

Town mpg

33.2

Out of Town mpg

53.3

Average mpg

43.5

Tank Capacity (gallons)

9.9

CO2 Rating (g/km)

154

Insurance Group

6

Typical Insurance Quote

£374

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

30

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£317

Pence Per Mile

39.21

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£636

Servicing Intervals

12/12,500

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 6yr Perforation + 1yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Hatchback

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1388/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

78/5700

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4013

Width (mm)

1724

Height (mm)

1534

Boot Space (min ltr)

337

Boot Space (max ltr)

1175

Turning Circle (m)

N/A

Towing Weight(kg)

900

Kerb Weight (kg)

N/A

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