Long-term test: Ford Fusion 2,0 EcoBoost Titanium
As a bona fide member of the One-Ford product portfolio, the Fusion (or Mondeo as it’s still badged in UK markets) arrives in South Africa at a time when its parent company, both locally and internationally, is enjoying renewed market penetration and sales momentum. However, as models like the EcoSport and Ranger clamber their way to the top of their respective segments you have to think the Fusion’s rise to the top may be a slightly more of a challenging.
Having previously “owned” a Mazda6 for a 20 000 km test in 2009 I concluded that, based purely on value-for-money and packaging (let alone refinement), the 6 could easily have been the default choice, at the time, within the segment. It wasn’t though. Just as then, it’s the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class that dominate what’s left of this SUV-ravaged South African executive sedan landscape.
Where less fashionable rivals, including the (previous and current generation) 6, Honda Accord, Peugeot 508 and now, arguably, the Fusion get off on the right foot is in the value they offer. In the case of my new Ford the standard features list is a comprehensive one. Titanium specification includes full-leather upholstery (heated front and rear), keyless entry, and a 390W Sony audio system. Also fitted is Ford’s Sync 2 touch-screen infotainment system with voice-activation for every function; including the standard dual-zone climate control temperature settings. On this note I’m hoping the air-conditioning unit adapts to the Cape climate sooner rather than later. Currently the small change between 21-degrees Celsius and 21,5 is the difference between a cool breeze and an uncomfortably warm puff.
I like that the striking Kinetic design family nose (complete with Titanium spec black mesh grille), together with 18-inch alloy wheels, manages to reign in the otherwise protracted dimensions of the Fusion. That said it’s thanks to the car’s 4 869 mm length that both interior and packing space is at a welcome premium. It’s also why I’m grateful for the standard reverse camera.
Standard LED daytime running- and fluid-like indicator lights complement full LED tail lamps to add further distinction to this top-of-the-range package.
It’s been entertaining explaining the notable exhale of air emanating from below my Fusion’s bonnet to unsuspecting passengers. Indeed the lift-off turbocharger dump valve flutter on my 2,0-litre EcoBoost-powered model is more pronounced than I had anticipated. I’m enjoying it, though I’m not certain how broad this traits appeal among owners within this executive-orientated segment will be.
Mated with a six-speed automatic transmission progress to date has been as refined as it is assured. To date, with the car predominantly fulfilling the role of a weekly commuter, I’ve registered an average fuel consumption of 10,7 L/100 km.
After 1 month
Current mileage: 2 704
Average fuel consumption: 10,7 L/100 km
