good motoring
Fusion gets new lease of life
H. Kishie Singh

THERE was a news item a few days ago that said the cost of petrol may go up by Rs 4 a litre. It could punch a considerable hole in some pockets. It is not surprising that diesel is the obvious choice. In any case Indians have a love affair with diesel-powered vehicles. The Ford Fusion with a diesel engine has been introduced at a most opportune time. When originally introduced the Fusion had a 1600 cc Duratec petrol engine. It was also not quite clear to customers what segment the car was falling in. It was part hatchback, part SUV and was referred to as a crossover, whatever that means.

This confusion in the buyers’ mind did not set the cash registers ringing. The 1400 cc diesel engine, borrowed from the Fiesta, may give the Fusion a new lease of life. It promises 14 plus km per litre in the city and 18 plus km on the highway. This with the AC on. The engine features high pressure common rail diesel engine, four cylinders in line, eight valves and a single overhead cam with an 18.1 compression ratio. This is mated to a five-speed gear box. The engine is Bharat Stage111 compliant. The engine puts out 67 bhp.

The suspension is independent Mcpherson struts with off-set coil springs in front and semi-independent heavy duty twist beam with coil springs and separate twin tube dampers at the rear. All shock absorbers are gas filled.

What appeals most to me is the 15-inch wheels which give the Fusion a ground clearance of 198 mm. The Endeavour, also from the Ford stable, has a ground clearance of 210 mm. The Endeavour has a higher seating position, giving the driver a commanding view of the road. Sitting in the driver’s seat, one gets a clear view of the well laid out instrument panel. Other than the normal information, the driver also gets to know the fuel available before you run dry. Very useful. The steering wheel has the normal adjustments. There are any number of bottle holders, cup holders and cubby holes to stack goodies and help a person get organised. The huge storage space under the passenger’s seat is very original. There are map pockets in the doors. The luggage space is 337 litres. The rear seat not only folds but sinks to provide a flat floor and 1175 litres of space.

A sound system does not come as a standard fitment which is surprising in a car costing Rs 6,61,045. The petrol Ford Fusion costs Rs.5,72,045.

Sitting next to the Fusion is the new Ford Endeavour. The sheer size is intimidating. The new engine is a common rail diesel pumping out 143 bhp. On road and off road there is nothing to beat the Endeavour in performance. It is a 2.5 litre TDCI engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), which gives the Endeavour the oomph. The transmission is 5 speed with 4x4 transfer being manual. The front hubs can be locked by remote control.

The brakes have ABS plus electronic brake force distribution (EBD) system. Ventilated discs up front, self-adjusting drums at the rear. Tyres are of the largest size on any car in the country.

For your listening pleasure, the music system has a 6 CD player plus MP3 and, of course, AM/FM radio. The sound is delivered via 6 speakers. You have a choice of a DVD player, roof-mounted. The car has an in-car chiller.

The Endeavour comes in three versions. The 4X2 comes in a limited edition. The best fitment on this vehicle is the outside rear view mirror (ORVM), which houses turn indicators plus puddle lights. Puddle lights shine vertically down so you know when you are about to step into a puddle. Great idea. Pity its not available in all the models.

Then there is the 4X4 version. In my opion this is the one to buy.

The Endeavour SUV version comes with three rows of seats with AC vents for each row. The third row seating is good for those with short stature. Your knees are at waist level. Thankfully, these seats are removable.

The MUV Endeavour has side-facing seats at the rear which fold up and provide plenty of baggage space. The Endeavour 4X2 costs Rs. 14,75,700. The limited edition is priced at Rs 15,55,700. The 4X4 Endeavour is worth Rs 15,65,700.

Happy motoring.