An under-rated revelation

The Ford Fusion was very under-rated by motoring correspondents when it was launched in the UK, writes Reg from Codsall.

Most of them described it as a Ford Fiesta with pretensions, and said: "Just buy a Fiesta instead - they're cheaper!"

The brand build-up by Ford was almost non-existent. It was so below the radar that when I went looking for a car to replace my N-registered Fiesta, I didn't even know the Fusion existed.

Passing Furrows' Shrewsbury showroom three and half years ago I was browsing the cars on display and was intrigued by the Fusion.

With no preconceptions, and not knowing at that time that it used the same platform as the Fiesta, I was attracted to its unusual boxy looks.

I hadn't seen any on the road at that time - they were not selling well and were quite scarce, but my wife and I agreed to a road test and we were immediately impressed by how easy the car was to enter and sit in.

The higher ride height makes quite a significant difference and, for anyone who's had a back problem, this is a really important plus point for the car.

I liked the idea of an affordable, practical estate car that had all the benefits of the Ford pedigree, such as easily available and cheap spares due to commonality with other Ford vehicles, high build quality and tried and tested handling.

I've never driven a Ford that was not a joy to drive. The Fusion was a revelation.

Acceleration, handling, internal noise levels, comfort, entertainment, fuel economy and overall cost of ownership were all very acceptable.

I've now done some 50,000 miles and can't fault it. It is a very practical every-day car that does "what it says on the tin" and I'm pleased to see that many more people feel the same.

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