This diesel of the Fusion (and Fiesta) uses an engine bought in from Peugeot-Citroen; unsurprisingly, it’s also to be found beneath the bonnets of some 206, 307 and Citroen C3 models.
It drives very sweetly. Especially in low-speed acceleration, it’s less tremulous than many four-cylinder diesels and revs willingly up to about 4400rpm for ultimate acceleration – go beyond and the power recedes as the engine runs out of puff.
To be critical, our car also showed a slight tendency to surge below 1500rpm on a steady gas pedal (almost as if the driver had forgotten to put the choke in, on an older car). Also, we had to be careful not to engage the (light) clutch too quickly, with too few revs – an abrupt stall could result. Otherwise, this modestly powered 1.4 is a little charmer, with an easy mid-50s mpg, easily taken beyond 60mpg without trying very hard.
However, its performance could well be its biggest limitation in a fairly commodious load carrier like this Fusion. More’s the pity, therefore, that the (admittedly less refined) 16-valve 92bhp version (available in the C3) isn’t on offer here.
As things stand, this Fusion diesel perfectly exemplifies the difference between power and torque. It’s willing to lug up hill, or accelerate in reasonable fashion in its higher gears, to keep up with the traffic – no complaints at such times. Yet when best overtaking ability is called for, to seize a chance to get past the slower vehicle in front, the accelerative spurt is just not there.
Our full test of the 1.6 petrol version goes into detail about the Fusion’s accommodation features and its general road manners.
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AT A GLANCE
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considering size, price and rivals
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Controls/displays
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Handling/steering
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Comfort
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Overtaking Ability
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Fuel Economy
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Space/practicality
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Security,
theft of
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theft from
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LIKES ...
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- lined facia-top box with lid
- portable console 'pot' and clever under-seat storage
- the same passenger's seatback tilts to become a table
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and GRIPES
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- iffy station clarity on radio
- no front grab-rails in roof with Relfex pack option
- exhaust warms load floor on one side
- minor instruments/digits illegible in daylight
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VERDICT
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With the Fiesta and Mazda 2 sharing the same engines and basic design, we feel that this slowest and heaviest Fusion is unconvincingly struggling to find a distinct and definitive role for itself. Admittedly, it does have the most interior space, particularly in the load area, but this underlines the Fusion’s need of more power than this docile diesel provides. It’s also less composed than the other two in matters of ride, handling and steering. Despite a recent price reduction, it still remains the most expensive (if you want air conditioning, ABS and alloys, the Mazda 2 TS2 gets you on the road for less) before the haggling, that is.
Perhaps the Comfort Plus version will help the Fusion to appear to some, more of an MPV and less like the taller-built estate car it really is. But we doubt it.
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Car Test
