However, the most impressive display of the Fusion’s prowess is when we tested it for straight-line acceleration and braking, in our 0 to 100 kph to 0 run. Here, the Fusion posted a decent 17.3 seconds, which is not exceptional. What impressed us is that it never lost its composure, coming to a halt in a straight line without a flutter. Please note, in this test, we reach 100 kph as quickly as the car can and then slam on the brakes, as if our life depended on it. Even after repeated tests, the Fusion performed consistently, without locking its brakes or losing its cool, when most cars would usually give up after one or two attempts. The reason for its confidence is its non-invasive, non-intrusive ABS – we heartily would recommend it to all Fusion buyers, in case Ford’s offering it as an option.
Transfusion
The Fusion, as you might have gathered, is based on the Fiesta platform. No, not the old one on which the Ikon is based, but the current good-looking, contemporary version that populates European roads today. Which immediately grants it a higher level of ride and handling strengths – diminutive outside, but with the characteristics of a large sedan.
The independent suspension setup in front comprises McPherson struts with coil springs and dampers. The McPhersons in front are mounted on a subframe, which also assists the lower A-arms and the steering rack. The advantage of having a subframe is that it takes most of the brunt of bad roads and allows for better steering precision. And at the rear, a semi-independent twist beam with coil springs and dampers do duty. For India, the ride height has been increased. On bad roads, the Fusion rides well, pretty much absorbing what lies below the rubber. The rear ride quality is acceptable, without being too fashionably stiff (seems to be the trend nowadays, no?), but the front seats are the better places to be in.
With the engine singing lustily, the Fusion revels on curvy stretches and handles like a proper hot hatch. In fact, it oozes confidence, and prods you on to attack the next curve with more and more gusto. What adds to the Fusion’s overall handling confidence are its 195/60 R15 Goodyear GT3 tubeless tyres and good looking seven-spoke alloys. The Fusion dismissed one hairpin after another and is great fun without being hairy. You have to keep its engine on the boil to enjoy what it’s capable of. Of course, it’s not recommended if you have your family in the back seats, those McShakes will be all over the car.
Diffusion
Overall, the Fusion is a great car to do both your city and highway duties, with a little bit of a hot hatch thrown in for those family men-enthusiasts amongst us. Not just that, it will keep your family happy with all those little storage bins here and there, and keep them safe too. It’s a modern and comprehensively engineered automobile with clever thinking built into it. Okay, it’s yet to be launched, but indications are that this fully loaded Fusion+ will retail at approximately Rs 6,50,000 – it may seem steep, but it’s got everything you’ll need, except a boot and a worthwhile urban activity.
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