By Jason Woosey at Nasrec
Johannesburg Motor Show - Watch out Passat, Sonata and Optima - Ford is making a return to the large sedan market in South Africa.
Set to be launched within the next year - that’s about as specific as Ford is prepared to get at this stage - the Fusion is Ford’s latest global sedan; in fact it’s also sold as the latest version of the Mondeo in European markets.
It’s armed with what is arguably the best manifestation of Ford’s latest ‘Kinetic’ design language and its interior stylists have gone a long way to ensure that the cabin has a premium feel, thanks to high-quality materials and LED lighting.
MOTORVATION
It’ll have the gadgets to match, offering driver assistance features such as lane departure warning, driver alert and auto high beam. Another highlight will be the option of a 265W premium sound system with an eight-channel amplifier.
Ford’s PR machine is remaining mum on the local engine line-up, but you can expect a version or two of Ford’s new EcoBoost turbopetrol line-up to feature.
Overseas versions are offered with everything from a 92kW one-litre three-cylinder to a 178kW two-litre four. The most likely options for South Africa are the 133kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol and two-litre TDCI turbodiesel.
KEY ROLE
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 progress Ford’s engineers have achieved in fuel economy and emissions through the EcoBoost petrol engines will allow customers the opportunity to drive a large car without feeling the need to sacrifice on space, performance, driving enjoyment or the selection of driver assistance technologies."
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