Ford Fusion (Europe)

The European Ford Fusion is a high roof, five-door, five-passenger, front-drive B-segment Mini MPV manufactured and marketed by Ford Europe from 2002 to 2012 across a single generation.

For the American mid-size sedan, see Ford Fusion (Americas).
Ford Fusion
Overview
ManufacturerFord Europe
Production2002–2012
AssemblyCologne, Germany
Chennai, India
DesignerMark Adams[1]
Body and chassis
ClassMini MPV (M)
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedFord Fiesta
Ford EcoSport
Mazda2
Powertrain
Engine1.4L I4
1.6L I4
1.4L I4 TDCi
1.6L I4 TDCi
Transmission4-speed automatic Aisin Warner AW-80
5-speed DuraShift-EST automated manual
5-speed manual IB5
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,490 mm (98.0 in)
Length4,020 mm (158.3 in)
Width1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Chronology
SuccessorFord B-MAX

Sharing its platform with the Ford Fiesta supermini,[2] the Fusion was longer, wider and taller than the Fiesta — with high h-point seating,[3] rear 'theatre-style' and 60/40 folding rear seats, fold-flat front passenger seat and a load floor flush with the cargo sill.[3] Ford marketed the Fusion as an 'Urban Activity Vehicle',[1] its Fusion nameplate Fusion referring to its combination of small hatchback, MPV and SUV design features: economical operation from its B-class underpinnings;[4] enhanced maneuverability from its four-metre footprint as well as enhanced roominess, accessibility, passenger and cargo volume from its tall configuration — but notably without all-wheel drive.[1]

Having debuted initially as a concept at the 2001 Geneva Auto Show[5] and in production form at the same show and one year later, Fusion sales launched in late 2002.[6] The Fusion was manufactured at Ford's Cologne-Niehl assembly and exported to more than 50 countries, including Angola, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa.

Beginning In November 2005, Ford marketed a mildly facelifted Fusion with revised front and rear lights, bumper fascias, side mouldings, door mirrors, brighter exterior color palette, revised interior design with 'soft touch' materials and revised analogue instrument display.

Ford of Brazil and a number of Latin American countries marketed a crossover SUV variant as the Ford EcoSport with revised styling and increased ground clearance for light off-roading.

The Fusion received a Four-star NCAP crash safety rating and was succeeded in November 2012 with the B-Max.

In December 2002, Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond described the Fusion as "a Ford Fiesta, in a hat."

Equipment

Options included 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. In the United Kingdom, the car was available in Style+, Zetec and Titanium trim levels. (1, 2, 3, and '+' were the trim levels for the original Fusion).

Equipment on the entry-level 1 included central locking and dual front airbags. The 2 featured electric heated mirrors, electric front windows, a CD player, and air conditioning. The 3 added alloy wheels, front fog lights, and an alarm. The + model, introduced in May 2002, added larger alloys and privacy glass.

  • Ford Fusion (pre-facelift)
  • Ford Fusion (pre-facelift)
  • Ford Fusion (facelift)
  • Ford Fusion (facelift)

See also

References
  1. "The new Ford Fusion - a segment buster?". JustAuto.com. 14 March 2002.
  2. "Fusion, space and sympathy Ford launches the first "Urban Activity Vehicle"". La Nuova. 29 October 2002.
  3. "Ford Fusion (2002–2012)". Honest John.
  4. "Ford unveils 'urban activity vehicle'". UPI. 5 March 2002.
  5. Jeff Bartlett, Rich Truesdell, Brandy A. Schaffels (31 October 2002). "Exclusive: 2002 Geneva Motor Show". Motor Trend.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. Sven Schubert (8 March 2002). "Alphabet Soup In Geneva, As Makers Go For The Young At Heart". Digital Journal.
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