What is it?
2003 Ford Fusion
What's special about it?
Combining the best aspects of a hatchback, an SUV and a minivan to become what Ford is calling an Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV), the Ford Fusion debuted in production form at the 2002 Geneva Auto Show.
Boasting small car maneuverability with midsize car interior size and comfort, the Fusion offers roomy space for five adults and is expected to appeal to young, urban families. And while it might not be as exciting as some of the concept vehicles plying these same UAV waters (Nissan Yanya, Toyota UUV), the Fusion is ready to roll down the assembly line later this year, and might even wind up in the United States in a Ford dealership near you.
If that happens, the Fusion is going to need a different engine. In Europe, it will be available with a common-rail diesel or a choice of two gas engines, one displacing 1.4 liters and the other displacing 1.6 liters. This isn't enough power for our shores. Neither are the other hardware specifications impressive: front disc and rear drum brakes, front struts matched to a rear twist-beam axle, 15-inch wheels with 195/60 tires. Booooooring.
But this is intended to be a functional, not a fun, vehicle. As such, the Fusion looks promising. It provides the tall seating position people want in an SUV, plenty of storage space inside the cabin and a large cargo area once the 60/40 split-folding rear seat is flipped down. Notably, the load floor is level with the rear bumper, and there isn't a lip between the bumper and the cargo area, making it easy to slide things in and out of the vehicle. Making the Fusion even more flexible is a fold-flat front passenger seat.
The Fusion is equipped with something Ford is calling an Intelligent Protection System (dual-stage front airbags with crash-severity sensing). Also available are side airbags for front passengers and head curtain airbags for both rows. Three-point seatbelts are provided for all five seating positions.
Modern athletic shoes inspired exterior styling, alleges Ford. Evidently, the designers were shopping at Thom McAnn rather than The Foot Locker. Something needs to be done to jazz this puppy up before it comes Stateside, or the Pontiac Vibe is going to dominate with the target demographic.
Why should you care?
This UAV concept isn't new: Nissan and Mitsubishi tested these waters over a decade ago with the Stanza Wagon, the short-lived Axxess and the Expo. None of these sold well to Americans, but now that the PT Cruiser is a success and Toyota is about to launch the new Matrix, Ford figures the time might be right for the Fusion in the United States. — Christian J. Wardlaw
2003 Ford Fusion
What's special about it?
Combining the best aspects of a hatchback, an SUV and a minivan to become what Ford is calling an Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV), the Ford Fusion debuted in production form at the 2002 Geneva Auto Show.
Boasting small car maneuverability with midsize car interior size and comfort, the Fusion offers roomy space for five adults and is expected to appeal to young, urban families. And while it might not be as exciting as some of the concept vehicles plying these same UAV waters (Nissan Yanya, Toyota UUV), the Fusion is ready to roll down the assembly line later this year, and might even wind up in the United States in a Ford dealership near you.
If that happens, the Fusion is going to need a different engine. In Europe, it will be available with a common-rail diesel or a choice of two gas engines, one displacing 1.4 liters and the other displacing 1.6 liters. This isn't enough power for our shores. Neither are the other hardware specifications impressive: front disc and rear drum brakes, front struts matched to a rear twist-beam axle, 15-inch wheels with 195/60 tires. Booooooring.
But this is intended to be a functional, not a fun, vehicle. As such, the Fusion looks promising. It provides the tall seating position people want in an SUV, plenty of storage space inside the cabin and a large cargo area once the 60/40 split-folding rear seat is flipped down. Notably, the load floor is level with the rear bumper, and there isn't a lip between the bumper and the cargo area, making it easy to slide things in and out of the vehicle. Making the Fusion even more flexible is a fold-flat front passenger seat.
The Fusion is equipped with something Ford is calling an Intelligent Protection System (dual-stage front airbags with crash-severity sensing). Also available are side airbags for front passengers and head curtain airbags for both rows. Three-point seatbelts are provided for all five seating positions.
Modern athletic shoes inspired exterior styling, alleges Ford. Evidently, the designers were shopping at Thom McAnn rather than The Foot Locker. Something needs to be done to jazz this puppy up before it comes Stateside, or the Pontiac Vibe is going to dominate with the target demographic.
Why should you care?
This UAV concept isn't new: Nissan and Mitsubishi tested these waters over a decade ago with the Stanza Wagon, the short-lived Axxess and the Expo. None of these sold well to Americans, but now that the PT Cruiser is a success and Toyota is about to launch the new Matrix, Ford figures the time might be right for the Fusion in the United States. — Christian J. Wardlaw
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