AT HEART I am a simple soul who likes things to be uncomplicated. I fear, however, that car firms are going to have to start putting a directory of acronyms into every new car they sell as I am getting a mite confused.
I can get my head round MPV (multi purpose vehicle) and just about understand SUV (sport utility vehicle). But now we have the Ford Fusion, claimed to be the world’s first UAV (urban activity vehicle) which, according to Ford marketing speak, ‘combines the best elements of an SUV and an MPV into a compact package’. Help, pass the aspirins!
Actually, I am not sure Ford is the first in this genre – the Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo may have been there some time before them.
The Fusion is based on the new Fiesta, but aims to appeal to trendy town dwellers with its chunky looks and larger, more versatile cabin.
There are several versions, helpfully badged Fusion 1, 2 and 3, depending on engine type and trim, but all target young couples with children and tries to convince them that a Fusion is a utilitarian object with street cred.
Given that objective, it is a bit strange that Ford opted for such a conservative styling. After the radical shapes of the Focus and Ka, the Tonka shaped Fusion looks to have been designed by committee.
Not that it doesn’t work well – because it does.
The Fusion shares the Fiesta wheelbase but is longer, wider and taller. The increased height creates a more upright driving position, which has packaging advantages and helps give an SUV feel. The driver gets a commanding, therefore safer view of the road and you can see all four corners, which makes parking a doddle, especially when it’s combined with power steering.
The fascia, though, is a letdown. Overall, I think it lacks imagination, and although build quality is very good, there is far too much hard-feeling plastic trim.
Three trim levels are available. Fusion 1 does not have electric windows but it does have twin front airbags and central locking. Fusion 2 adds £1,000 to the price but gets air con, powered windows and mirrors, heated front windscreen and a CD player.
The flagship Fusion 3, which we tested, boasts an uprated CD, alloys, an alarm and front fogs for its fiver short of £12,000 price tag. Pity though that anti-lock brakes and side airbags are only options.
The boxy shape helps make best use of interior space. Both passenger and luggage room is much better than the Fiesta. The low load lip and near vertical tailgate provides a generous and versatile load area.
The test car was powered by a 1.6-litre engine developing 99bhp. It’s fairly sprightly without being a boy racer’s dream, as the 10.9 seconds acceleration time testifies.
The suspension system is shared with the Fiesta, although it has been reworked to increase its travel in line with the car’s urban ambitions. Ride quality could be better because every road imperfection is felt.
The Fusion has kept the Fiesta’s handling attributes. It’s fun to drive with crisp, accurate steering, plenty of grip and minimum body roll. As a tool for nipping around the urban jungle, it has a lot to commend it.
It’s just a pity the aesthetics are so disappointing. It should be radical and stylish, as useful as it’s fashionable. It doesn’t quite make it
– Alistair Coull
Ford Fusion is by no means the first model to flex its muscles in the new niche of the Urban Activity Vehicle.
But its arrival in this UAV sector shows it already has the potential to be a class leader. Others have entered the fray, but none quite so impressively as the blue oval badge contender.
A cross between a sports utility and a mini-MPV, it goes a long way to fulfilling the desires of those who want a small adventure type car but demand the flexibility and ease of a family runabout. This Ford model has it.
The Fusion also has good road presence and a certain curiosity value, but it’s not what you would describe as a bobby dazzler in design terms.
Nevertheless, it is funky and phenomenally functional, and that’s what really counts in this particular segment.
The Fusion does what its title suggests – fuses the attributes of an all-round, multi-purpose model and injects a hint of ruggedness. The car also handles well and returns frugal fuel figures: it’s official combined figure is highly respectable at just under 43mpg.
Based on the all-new Fiesta chassis, the Fusion test vehicle was powered by the 1.6 16-valve petrol engine which pumps out 99bhp at 6000rpm.
It ensures a fairly lively response, though you need to work the gears on the more demanding roads around the Pennine foothills to keep up the momentum, especially with four people on board.
The UAV is pretty nimble on corners and zooms along quite happily in the urban jungle. Take it out on the motorway and it is a relaxing affair at the wheel.
The ride may appear on the firm side, yet it is reasonably comfortable. The chassis soaks up some, but not all potholes, and the UAV displays lots of composure even on tricky, contraflow sections.
You couldn’t call this a fun vehicle – unless your definition is of a model where you can cram in most things bar the kitchen sink on a family trip to the beach or countryside.
The Fusion, even the 1.6 version, is not designed to pin you in your seat. Instead, it concentrates on getting its occupants from A to B in reasonable style and comfort – with the advantage of a bird’s eye view all round, which is excellent.
Another good thing about the Fusion is that you can slide into your seats without ‘dropping down’ into the cabin.
Access and exit is much easier than in conventional saloons, and the commanding view it provides of the road ahead is more pleasant – as well as being an added safety feature.
Inside, the Fusion is surprisingly spacious. Many will be impressed by the roominess, and the fascia is neat and very contemporary looking, if a little plasticky.
I didn’t find the fuel gauge as clear as perhaps it should be, but apart from this, controls and switchgear was straightforward and user-friendly.
Ford appear to be focusing the Fusion on a young market, but in fact, it is the kind of useful, rugged runabout which will appeal to a wide range of people, irrespective of age or background.
With cashback offers ranging between £500 and £1,000 on Fusion l, 2 and 3 models as well as the option of zero per cent finance, Fusion is a tempting proposition.
– Val Jessop
FAST FACTS
Ford Fusion 3
Price: £11,650
Mechanical: 99bhp, 1,596cc 4 cylinder petrol engine driving driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust
PRICE: £11,995