Ford Fusion (Europe)

Ford Fusion
Overview
ManufacturerFord Europe
Production2002–2012
AssemblyGermany: Cologne
India: Chennai
DesignerMark Adams[1]
Body and chassis
ClassMini MPV (M)
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedFord Fiesta Mk5
Ford EcoSport
Mazda2
Powertrain
Engine
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

The European Ford Fusion is a car manufactured and marketed by Ford Europe from 2002 to 2012 across a single generation. It has a high roof, five-door, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive, mini MPV design and is described in the motor industry as being part of the B-segment.

Sharing its platform with the Ford Fiesta Mk5 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 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 Motor Show[5] and in production form at the same show in 2002, sales of the Fusion began 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. Favourite of Fleet Manager Leigh Hancock and Mobility car drivers throughout the United Kingdom.

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.[7]

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 September 2012 with the B-Max.[8]

  1. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b "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.{{cite web}}: 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.
  7. ^ Sam Hardy (8 February 2006). "Ford Fusion". Auto Express. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
  8. ^ Sam Hardy (27 February 2017). "Ford Fusion (2002-2012) review". Auto Express. Retrieved 23 February 2020.