Anderson speaks at the 2014 Ford Fusion unveil event.
Ford Middle East and Almana Motors, the local Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer, have launched the all-new 2014 Ford Fusion at the Qatar Motor Show, which runs until Tuesday at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
“The Ford Fusion is a game-changer on all fronts thanks to its rich array of unexpected features and segment-first or even segment-exclusive technologies that truly make it stand out from the rest,” said Paul Anderson, marketing director of Ford Middle East.
The sedan redefines mid-size expectations with seven technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch.
A sleek silhouette and fresh face are among the key characteristics of the all-new Fusion, which according to Anderson is the result of a challenge thrown to Ford’s global teams to develop a midsize car “with a jaw-dropping design and groundbreaking fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers.”
Bill Hechme, general manager of Almana Motors, said: “With the launch of the all-new Fusion, the Ford range in Qatar now features award-winning products across the board. This is a great car, true to the new generation of Ford vehicles, featuring outstanding quality and craftsmanship, class leading safety, unmatched technologies and fuel economy and above all, tremendous value.”
In Qatar, the all-new 2014 Ford Fusion is available in the S and SE series, and comes with a 5-year/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty, as well as a comprehensive 3-year/60,000km free service and maintenance package.
The Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.
Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed.
The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.
Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.
Both SYNC and MyFord Touch help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher centre console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.
Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.
Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimised, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.
“This really is a driver’s car,” said Anderson. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering, a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to premium European brands configurations.”
Careful tuning by Ford’s vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.
Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10%, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.
The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.
The optional inflatable rear seat belts that Ford debuted on the 2011 Ford Explorer are now available on Fusion for the first time.
In the event of a collision the rear belts inflate, distributing the load over a larger area and reducing the risk of abdominal, chest and shoulder injuries for rear passengers.
The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy on both the 2.5L I-4 and 2L I-4 EcoBoost (late availability) engines, paired with an automatic six-speed transmission. Fusion is available in the Middle East with a front-wheel drive application.
BELOW:
The all-new 2014 Ford Fusion (front right) at the Qatar Motor Show. PICTURE: Nasar T K
