Ford Fusion Diesel TDCi For?

The a/c works well too, though the lack of climate control is astonishing, as is the absence of electrically adjustable ORVMs! You'll appreciate the 6-speed intermitant wiper settings in such a season. Okay, deviating from the "oh-so-nice" experiences of our's, allow me to share one particularly troublesome incident. I call it the let's-see-who-can-open-the-hood game. Ban tried, I tried, Ban tried and then I tried again. And then it came off. Yes, the hood-release lever came off in my hand, and to our horror, the bloody hood was still locked! It took some more of that 'Hulk-Hogan' effort from us to finally unlock the bonnet. How I wish we'd shot a video of this act and showed it to Ford to tell them that something should be done about this. I mean, firstly they palce the hood-release lever on the wrong side, and then it operates like this!

Finally getting done with this 'task' and inspecting the fluid levels, we carried on. Opened the doors, seated myself on the captain's chair while Ban was still gathering himself back from the mother of all hood-opening activities he'd experienced in a long, long time! "So Ban, how're the seats?" "Okay-ish. I found the under-thigh support missing" he declared. I agree with him. With my taller stature, my bums were asking for more support. But I would surely praise Ford's efforts as far as the interior space is concerned. Legroom is in abundance and owing to its height, the head-room is substantial as well. The boot is pretty spacious too, and with a low loading lip, it adds to the ease of loading or unloading of things. The parcel shelf helps add to the utility factor. While talking about the interior, I want to make one point: the road noise and the thumps from the suspension were quite evident in the cabin. And holy-mother, that exposed black-painted metal portion below the rear seat looks hideous.

There are some trade-offs you will have to accept. The suspension issue being one. The dampers have been worked upon to soak the irregularities of the road better, but the noise does intrude into the cabin. It delivers good ride quality, but you hear the suspension working while at it! I also liked the high ground clearance which enabled us to drive over big puddles and potholes with composure. "I second your thoughts", Ban said, adding "I noticed quite a bit of body-roll while we were on the go. Am I correct?" Absolutely pal, you're correct. The hanlding is lethargic and the under-steer kills it at high speeds. The heavier diesel engine is one of the reasons for the pronounced under-steery nature. But there are certain good points as well. I like the grippy nature of those 15-inch Goodyear(s) and also the bite from the brakes which was complimented by good feedback from the brake pedal. You also tend to enjoy your time driving the car because of the steering and gearbox.

The Ford Fiesta has been acclaimed for its steering and gearbox, and the Fusion carries that trend forward. While Fiesta is a delight, Fusion tries to be. Though a tad heavy at low speeds, I like the feel of the steering and the size is apt. The response from the steering wheel is great and it results in instant tun-ins and direction changes. But one thing that I disliked was a little Salsa that the steering wheel does when the tyre hits a pothole. Gearbox is very positive. The good feel of the tranny is enhanced by the slick, short-throw characteristic and the cogs are well spaced out to manage the torque curve.

So all in all, it is a good car, yes. Well, a bit confused, but good. It does now know if it a mini-SUV or a proper, pukka hatchback or a sedan. It does not know what exaclty her segment is. It is in a segment of itself. It is trying to be a 3-box, a hatch and SUV at the same time. And it breaks my heart to say that it fails at that. You'll love her for somethings. You'll hate for many. And when you hear that it goes forover seven and a half lakh, your abhorrence will over power whatever soft spots you had for her. Fusion - it does not have a music system. It does not have electrically adjustable ORVMs. It does not offer climate control, alloy wheels, ABS, airbags even as an option! Cars much cheaper offer such equipment level.So the Fusion falls short. By quite a margin. I could narrate a jeremaid on this car! But we'll just pray now. Pray for Ford. Pray for the Fusion.