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Ford Fusion

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	2002–present
Assembly	Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Class	Mini SUV Crossover (automobile) Mini MPV
Body style(s)	5-door hatchback
Engine(s)	1.4L I4 1.6L I4 1.4L I4 TDCi 1.6L I4 TDCi
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,490 mm (98.0 in)
Length	4,020 mm (158.3 in)
Width	1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height	1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Related	Ford Fiesta Ford EcoSport Mazda2

The European Ford Fusion is a stretched version of the Ford Fiesta supermini produced by Ford of Europe since 2002 and sold in Europe and India.

The design includes elements of both estates and multi-purpose vehicles. Its extra height compared with the Fiesta is due to both roof racks, increased ground clearance and taller roof, which makes it roomier and more comfortable for taller drivers than regular superminis, drawing it closer to mini MPVs and mini SUVs.

A no-frills XUV version of the Fusion called the Ford EcoSport is produced in Brazil and sold in many Latin American countries. It is similar to the Fusion, but as any XUV it features an increased ride height, off-road suspension, larger wheels and dark bumpers. 1.0 turbo, 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engines and 1.4-litre TDCi diesel engines with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive are available.

Ford also used the name "Fusion" before the launch of the European Ford Focus, in communications with contractors working on elements of that model's launch publicity. Ford did not reveal whether the late change to "Focus" had been the result of a genuine change in its plans, or simply a desire to conceal the real name from the press until the company was ready for the launch.

The Fusion is an unconventional car which is difficult to define in a particular sector. Some buyers see it as a Compact MPV to rival the likes of the Vauxhall Meriva and Nissan Note, but some argue that it lacks the versatility of these models.

2005 model: facelift

In November 2005, a revised version of the Fusion went on sale. A number of cosmetic changes were introduced: both front and rear lights feature new detailing; and bumpers, side mouldings and door mirrors were also altered. Furthermore, a bright new colour palette was introduced.

Inside, the dashboard featured both a new design, and better quality 'soft touch' materials, following criticisms of the hard, cheaply textured original. A new analogue instrument display features in a style similar to the Mk 2 Ford Focus.

New technology was also made available, including power folding mirrors, automatic and 'home-safe' headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, Bluetooth with voice control, Trip computer, MP3 player connectivity and the Electronic Stability Program.

Fusion sales are strong, with Ford stating that the car accounts for fifteen per cent of sales in its sector.^[1]

In the United Kingdom, the car is available in Style, Style Climate, Zetec Climate and '+' trim levels. And 1,2,3 and "+" (for the original Fusion).

Equipment on the entry 1 was very ungenerous, with wind up windows,a cassete player, central locking, airbags and a drivers airbag. The 2 did much better, with electric heated mirrors, electric front windows, a CD player and A/C. The 3 added alloys,front fog lights and an alarm. The + model added larger alloys and privacy glass. This + model was introduced in May 2003

Future

Ford Motor Company has said that the next Ford Fiesta-based Fusion will be launched quite soon and will be called the "Ford B-MAX".^[2]

In media

In the 2002 Top Gear Awards it won the Most Pointless Car for being, as Richard Hammond described it, "a Ford Fiesta, in a hat."

See also

• Ford Fiesta
• Ford Fusion (Americas)
• Ford Fusion Hybrid

References

External links

• Official Ford Fusion website for the United Kingdom

• Discussion board of Ford Fusion owners in Russia