GOOD SPACE AND CLEVER TOUCHES BUT POOR QUALITY
The Fusion’s interiors are a mixed bag. Flat surfaces, a few well chosen bold creases and mildly retro detailing like the circular air vents give the interiors a no-nonsense, functional look.
However, the interior quality leaves much to be desired and it appears that Ford’s accountants had the upper hand here. The mouse-grey seat fabrics look drab and the plastics, with their shiny, hard texture, feel cheap and tacky. The silver finish on the centre console looks like it’s been painted on in a hurry and the central storage box on top of the dash, though useful, opens and closes with a nasty ‘clack.’
The switchgear too doesn’t have a solid feel and the window winder buttons have been borrowed from the Ikon. Ford hasn’t changed the orientation of the column stalks for right-hand drive and the bonnet release latch is also near the left-side footwell.
The gear-lever with its brushed silver insert and bellowed rubber boot at the base is the only redeeming feature and it nicely matches the silver inserts in the small Mondeo-like steering wheel. The audio system, which comes with a single CD-player, sounds good and is easy to use.
The front seats are set nice and high and you get a great view of the road, and the nicely tucked-away A-pillar does not obstruct vision. The seat is adjustable for height and so is the steering wheel, thus it’s easy to find a comfortable position.
However, on long drives, you discover the seat could do with more support. The seat squab is a bit too short and your backside begins to ache after a couple of hours behind the wheel. Also, we missed the absence of a dead pedal for the left foot. The rear seats are extremely generous by hatchback standards, especially the width, which can take three average-sized adults without too much of a squeeze. The high seating position means you don’t have to sit in a knees-up position and getting in and out is easy.
Headroom is superb too, even for six-footers. Legroom is decent but with the front seats pushed all the way back it does get a bit cramped. The backrest is a little too vertical and overall comfort though good is not on par with the Honda City.
Where the Fusion’s interiors score is in sheer practicality and utility. A lot of thought has gone into making maximum use of every inch of space. The dashboard has several useful storage areas apart from the fair-sized glovebox. You get a recess and storage box on the top and lots of cubbyholes and recesses in the centre console. The removable ashtray doubles as a cup holder.
The Fusion’s best party trick is the front and rear seats that tilt forward to offer more storage space and versatility. The tray under the front seat is a nice hiding place and the small ‘kangaroo pouch’ on the front edge of the front seats is again extremely useful. Luggage space is the best among hatchbacks and the 40:20:40 split seats add to the versatility. There’s a useful net to hold loose objects and the sturdy parcel shelf at the rear is well made.
An innovative feature is the removable rear armrest which again has a plethora of storage options. The armrest, which comes with its own smart carry case, clicks into the central recess after lifting out the centre seat squab. The roof-mounted reading lights for the rear passengers is another great touch.
There are other clever ideas too like the intermittent wiper setting in which the delay can be programmed and the rear wiper automatically comes on when you select reverse and the front wipers are working.
Ford has wisely modified the air-con system, which now boasts a scroll-type compressor, a larger evaporator as well as a better performing condenser. And we were duly impressed with the performance. The air-con managed to cool the Fusion’s large cabin in no time and compressor noise too was very low.