2005 FORD Fusion European 1.6L 5MT FWD (101 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Ford introduced the European Fusion range in 2002 and, just three years later, it came with an upgrade for its crossover vehicle

While most carmakers started to introduce station wagon shapes on their small-segment vehicles, Ford took another path and made the Fusion, which was a longer wheelbase Fiesta. It also increased the ground clearance making it better suited for unpaved roads or parking over curves in cities. It resulted in a better car than the Fiesta while still remained the same fuel-efficient vehicle.

For the mid-life cycle refresh, Ford adopted new headlights with orange turn-signals on top of the swept-back headlights, while the non-facelifted version featured clear lenses over yellow bulbs. The front bumper received a new design and sported vertical side scoops that flanked the lower grille. Along with the updated version, Ford dropped the rubber strips from the bodywork. In the rear, the 2005 Fusion featured new taillights with taller reversing lights.

Ford made the most significant changes inside the car, where it introduced a completely new dashboard. It added a small storage area above the glove-box on the passenger side, ideal for a mobile phone. For the redesigned center-stack, it included a new CD-radio that supported Bluetooth connectivity. Inside the rounded instrument cluster, which resembled the one existing on the Mondeo MKII, Ford installed a new instrument panel. Its fuel and coolant-temperature gauges were moved upward, and all dials received chromed rings around them.

Ford offered the Fusion with the same engine range, all upgraded to Euro4 emission rules. They were paired to a five-speed manual, while the automatic version was not available.