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Ford aims to fuse MPV and 4x4
Ford reckons its new Fusion will fill the gap between people carriers and off-roaders to create a new niche in the market when it arrives this summer.
Billed as an 'urban activity vehicle', the Fiesta-based Fusion aims to offer enough space for a young family, chunky styling and a taller more commanding view of the road.
Ford says passenger and luggage space is maximised thanks to its upright design, and the boot gets a boost in capacity from split fold-flat seats. Driver, passenger and side airbags come as standard, with curtain airbags on the options list.
Ford also promises the car will retain the small car handling of the new Fiesta, although greater ground clearance should make small work of speed humps around town.
Engines initially on offer include the new 1.4-litre 67bhp TDCi diesel, which was developed in conjunction with the French PSA Group. Petrol power comes from a 1.4-litre 79bhp or 1.6-litre 99bhp unit.
Official figures are not yet available, but Ford is aiming to achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of around 64mpg for the diesel, down to around 43mpg for the more powerful petrol engine. Emissions will put each of the cars into the lowest possible company car tax categories.
Acceleration times to 60mph vary between 15.5 seconds for the diesel to 10.9 for the 99bhp petrol.
The Fusion should cost between £11,000 and £15,500, although official prices have not yet been set.
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