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Ford Fusion Plus

The reaction to Ford's Fusion has been a little cool, to say the least. Compared to the funky concept seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001, the production model looked uninspiring. Wait for the Fusion + flagship, we were told; it will be really innovative. Now the + is here, does it actually have anything to add?

By Chris Thorp

June 2003

The reaction to Ford's Fusion has been a little cool, to say the least. Compared to the funky concept seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001, the production model looked uninspiring. Wait for the Fusion + flagship, we were told; it will be really innovative. Now the + is here, does it actually have anything to add?

Surprisingly, Ford's designers have made only minor changes to create the range-topping model. As well as a chrome surround to the front grille, there are plastic bodyside mouldings and new 16-inch alloy wheels.

Why fit gangster-style darkened glass? It hides the car's greatest asset - a standard-fit DVD player. With tinted windows to prevent glare off the flip-down TV screen, rear passengers can watch a film, using two sets of cordless headphones and a remote control supplied as standard. With a crystal-clear image and no wires to get tangled up, there has never been a better way to keep the kids occupied.

The only other feature to set the + apart from lesser Fusion models is the 'activity console' storage box, which can replace the centre seat squab. Designed to rival the Vauxhall Meriva's system, the compartment has drinks-holders, a tray and a deep storage bin.

The entry-level engine is the 1.4-litre - the only version to be available with Ford's semi-automatic Durashift EST gearbox, priced at ΂£12,850. For the same amount, you can get the 1.6-litre-engined model driven here with a standard five-speed manual box, while the range-topping 1.4-litre TDCi diesel will offer the greatest fuel economy for ΂£13,050. All the + prices represent a premium of ΂£1,200 over the Fusion 3.

Compared to the innovative Meriva, with its FlexSpace seating system, though, the Fusion + doesn't quite do enough to attract the most demanding family buyers. However, it manages to offer a lively and comfortable driving experience, plenty of style and the added attraction of silenced children on those long holiday journeys.

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Ford Fusion Reviews

Motor Trend named it Car of the Year. The Ford Fusion Hybrid was awarded the North American Car of the Year Award at Detroit's North American International Auto Show. Consumer Reports surveyed the Fusion as holding down an 80 percent "definitely buy again" factor (the Hybrid version sits at highest). Ford recently announced Fusion sales are up 54 percent, breaking a new sales record.
http://www.reviewedfords.com/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid.html

By aaditilathi on 20 November, 2010, 5:54am

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FIRST OPINION

    With Vauxhall's Meriva taking the supermini-MPV class up a gear, Ford was forced to improve the Fusion. It's certainly more stylish, but what happened to the chunky look of the original show car? The success of the Fusion + boils down to whether you think £1,200 is a fair price for a DVD player and a storage box.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Fusion + on sale here now
    Other models available with 1.4-litre petrol and diesel power
     
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