After an absence of over twelve years, Ford revealed plans to bring its Mondeo back to South Africa. Only this time, it will be known as the Fusion.
With the Fusion being shown to the South African motoring public at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show, it is set to be Ford’s first vehicle in the large sedan market since the discontinued Mondeo in the early 2000s. Of the new Fusion, Ford SA’s CEO Jeff Nemeth said: “The design, technology and quality advancements delivered with the new Fusion demonstrate the key role this model will play when introduced in South Africa.”
The Fusion makes use of Ford’s ‘Kinetic 2.0’ design language. The design is elegant and brings with it an air of sophistication and class, yet at the same time possesses a muscular appearance. This blend of design elements should strike a balance between the different tastes its potential buyers would have.
Inside, the Fusion boasts with all competitive or near the top of the class measurements. Not only does the cabin offer ample space, high-quality materials and LED lighting.
Features to enhance the experience of the Fusion include lane departure warning, driver alert, auto high beam, Bluetooth, Ford Sync, all-round power windows and remote entry. A highlight on the new Fusion will be the option of a 265 W premium sound system with an eight-channel amplifier.
Engine choices for overseas markets varies between a 92 kW 1,0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol and a 178 kW 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol. Likely options for the South African market are the 133 kW 1,5-litre turbo petrol and the 2,0-litre TDCI turbo diesel.
With its launch date yet to be confirmed, the Fusion is expected to be competitively priced.
– Charlen Raymond