Review of Honda Shine

Honda Shine has been Manufactured by Honda

Honda Shine

Honda Shine brings together the best of all that is sought in a motorcycle into one awe inspiring piece of automotive technology. Equipped with a host of advanced technologies like Multi Mapping CDI, Tumble Flow Combustion Chamber, Long Intake Pipe and Connecting Tube, CV Carburetor, 2 Way Air Jacket and Pulse Exhaust System, the newly developed 125 cc ‘Optimax’ engine delivers class leading 10.3 BHP which enables Honda Shine to deliver the best balance of pickup and mileage. Honda obviously feels this is what a majority of the Indian buyers want. The new Honda comes in twin-color codes with a tidy front fairing that harks of bigger bro Unicorn’s beak.

Compared to the Unicorn, the Shine has instruments that are boring, though the bike does well for itself with neat switches. A hefty and cleverly chiseled fuel tank comes with well-designed knee recesses and a familiar filler-cap in chrome. Accommodating 11litres of juice, this tank blends into boomerang-shaped side panels that lead backwards into a smooth brake-warning lamp. The Shine’s grab rail is straightforward and non-alloy. Lending relief lower down is a shiny chrome silencer heat shield. While the Shine will not immediately offer an electric start option, HMSI has announced this will form part of its package in July.

The bike’s four-stroke, air-cooled and single-cylinder engine has been termed ‘Optimax’ by the marketing brains, and is broadly a scaled down version of the Unicorn power plant. Power output is 10.3bhp at 7500rpm, a full bhp lower than its direct competitor—Bajaj’s Discover. One can expect the near vertically mounted 124.6cc Shine engine to offer refinement typical of Honda, although we must reserve any further comment till we actually test it. A CV type carburetor performs mixing duties on this bike, and breathes into the cylinder via a purposely long and thin induction manifold—that’s for faster air-fuel intake velocity and subsequently better volumetric efficiency.

Honda Shine

The Shine’s rubber-damped alloy-cylinder is built to permit beneficial tumble-flow character, which allows burning of a leaner mix. As on the Unicorn, there’s an offset crankshaft to minimize piston and cylinder friction, while the cylinder head is cast with twin-air channels that aid prompt cooling. The Honda Shine comes equipped with a 125 cc Opimax engine, delivering an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in 5.3 seconds. The engine is four-stroke, single-cylinder air-cooled. Honda Shine will not, initially, have a disc brake or a self-start. These models of Shine are expected to roll out by July.
Honda Shine offers 10.3 bhp of power @ 7500 rpm. The company claims that the Shine will run for 56 kilometers on a liter of petrol on Indian riding conditions, and that looks decent for a mid-size bike.

According to Honda, the Shine is equipped with puncture-resistant Tuff-up tube and a ‘Primary Kick’ for easy city riding. Honda Shine will be available in Wild Purple Metallic, Champion Blue Metallic, Black, Alpha Red Metallic and Geny Grey Metallic. After Honda Unicorn, this is the second bike offering by HMSI. Other two-wheelers manufactured by Honda in India include the Honda Activa, Honda Dio and Honda Eterno. The Shine has ample seating space for the rider and the pillion, making the ride a breeze. The seating position is engineered to minimize fatigue over long stretches. Honda says that the Shine is equipped with a host of advanced technologies like Multi-Mapping CDI, Long Intake Pipe, Tumble Flow Combustion Chamber, and Connecting Tube, CV Carburetor, 2 Way Air Jacket and Pulse Exhaust System.

Features

The bike features multi mapping CDI, tumble flow combustion chamber, long intake pipe and connecting tube, CV carburetor, two-way Air Jacket and pulse exhaust system, the 125 cc engine is termed as an `Optimax’ engine and will deliver 10.3 bhp. According to Honda the bike will deliver a mileage figure of 65kpl in city conditions. The `Optimax’ engine is essentially a scaled down version of the Unicorn’s 150cc motor. Our experience with Honda engines says that this engine should be as smooth and refined as the others are.

Honda Shine

The heel and toe shift operated gearbox is four-speed and shifts all up. Honda claims that the bike should deliver more than adequate power in the lower end of the power band. Honda engineers have been smart and given the bike slightly taller gearing ensuring that the bike manages to get higher speeds at lower engine revolutions. This should also assist the bike to manage the claimed fuel efficiency figure.

At the front the Shine gets telescopic forks, while the rear has conventional twin shocks. We were however disappointed to see the rear suspension as Honda could have offered the technologically advanced mono-shock that the Unicorn has. The bike also comes equipped with host of innovative features like puncture resistant Tuff-up tyre front and back. The self-start versions (drum brake as well as disc brake options) will be launched by July. It will be available in five distinct colors - purple, blue, black, red and grey.

Engine and Gearbox

The Shine has the better engine overall. The Shine’s engine feels more refined, no, more engineered, more fresh and due to its early torque peak, gutsier than the Yamaha. The Shine vibrates more than Yamaha, and it’s a noticeable difference. Purely because, the Yamaha does not vibrate AT ALL. Yes, no matter what the revs, the Yamaha is more or less silent and vibe free. It is an achievement, but as you will see, not without its pitfalls.

Honda Shine

But, the Yamaha has the classier gearbox. The Shine’s four-speed box shifts all up, which is a bloody irritant. If Honda were to pay me a dollar (why bother with a Rupee in conjecture, eh?) for every time I’ve found myself in neutral when I should have been in first, I’d be buying Bill Gates hi-tech house… about now. The shift quality is good, but the pattern sucks. The lever was scuffing my boots as well, so I had it hacked right off. Also, my bike seems to make a ‘zero’ shift now and then. The lever moves, but gets no work done. No false neutral… you’re just still in the same gear. The one-down, four-up Yamaha box is just butter smooth, always sure, ever positive. Perfect.

Handling

The Shine’s handling, expectedly, is as you would expect it to be. It goes around corner. That means no drama, no excitement, total compliance, you cannot complain. But that isn’t how it should be, right? On the other hand, the Gladiator is quite possibly the best handler in the country. With most of the Frazer’s chassis carried over intact, its eye-opening good. It’s friendly enough for novices but you can seriously play with it. As a colleague put it, ‘this is the bike to get your knee down on. I’m sure of it. No matter how much tomfoolery I do with it in a corner, it won’t bite.’ And that’s exactly how it is. I’d wager that falling off a Gladiator would require some serious stupidity.

Honda Shine

Technical Specifications

Engine Type 4 Stroke, OHC Single Cylinder, Air Cooled
Displacement 124.6 cc
Net Power 10.3 bhp @ 7500 rpm
Torque 10.9 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Rear Suspension 3 Step spring loaded hydraulic
Transmission Constant Mesh, 4 Speed Gear
Ignition Digital CDI (Multi-Mapping)
Starting Kick
Front Brake Type 130 mm Drum, 240 mm Disc
Acceleration (0-60 kmph) 5.3 seconds
Rear Tyre 2.75 – 18 48P (6PR)

Review of Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia has been Manufactured by Skoda

Skoda Octavia is a practical family car that also happens to be rather stylishly designed. With a choice of 6 engines, including the powerful 2.0 TDI, the new Octavia performs as well on the road as it does in the value for money stakes. When you consider that air conditioning is now standard on the entry level Classic models and alloy wheels are now standard on mid level ambient models, the price is even more difficult to fathom.

Now, the new Octavia is pretty spacious but if you really want to take the kitchen sink with you, the new Octavia Estate might be a better choice. With the rear seats folded down it can swallow a whopping 1,620 liters. Perhaps next year we should enter it in the ‘Small Family Car with a Massive Interior’ category instead. Octavia is a product of the Czech company that is now part of the Volkswagen family; the group has a worldwide reputation for very high level of build and interior quality for its vehicles. The Octavia with its stately elegant looks has an all European design, with a smooth, uncluttered streamlined body.

The rounded nose and the high waistline bear out its resemblance to another of its world-renowned family member - the Audi. The Octavia has the largest variants in its segment, from 2.0 petrol through a 1.9-turbo diesel and a new variant with a turbocharged high tech petrol engine - the Octavia RS. The Octavia RS is the star in the range with a turbocharged 1781 cc liter engine making 150 bhp and 21.4 kgm peaking at 5700 rpm that zips to a 100 kmph in under 9 secs. The diesel variant is amongst the best in its segment - powerful and frugal. With its 1896 cc turbo-diesel it has set the pace to match most petrol cars and is an excellent long distance vehicle. It provides an astonishing 18.9 kpl on the highway and 12.7 kpl within the city ambit.

Skoda Octavia

A new four speed automatic diesel variant is another recent addition to its stable, which is a great attraction to self-driven owners, although it remains less frugal than its manual variants. Its bold chassis and suspension and big tyres imbue the Octavia with the perfect balance between ride and handling. Whatever the surface or speed, this immaculate vehicle rides superbly. Skoda Auto has ensured the high standards for its models in India just as for its products in the best markets in the world. The Skoda Octavia by all standards would emerge from any Test as amongst the best family cars in the Indian market.

Comfort

Front and rear space have been improved significantly, and although it’s Golf based, the Octavia is now sufficiently large to actually compete in the Laguna and Mondeo category. Ride quality is very good. The supple suspension which helps it handle so well also means lumps and bumps are absorbed better. The Octavia looks distinguished in the kind of way that Lancias once did. With its prominent grille and conservative front end, there’s a gravitas to the Octavia that has carried over into the Fabia, becoming a Skoda family look. Designed to target the Far Eastern companies at the bottom of the medium range sector such as Daewoo, Proton and Hyundai, the Octavia was probably too successful for its own good. Not only did it beat these rivals on almost every subjective criterion you could imagine, it also ate into the sales of VW group rivals from allegedly more prestigious brands.

The boot is big enough to be hired out as a concert venue and the 60/40 split folding rear seats allows larger loads to be carried with ease. The seats however don’t fold completely flat. The interior design tends to conjure up words such as ‘sensible’ and ‘practical’ but never ‘interesting’ or ‘exciting.’ Finished in a dull grey, the new Octavia doesn’t convey that luxury feel the minute you get into it. Slivers of faux aluminum span the cockpit in an attempt to lighten what is otherwise a somber and lifeless ambience, but this feels like an afterthought. However, once you live with the car, begin to stroke and touch the interiors, you discover the sheer quality of the materials is astonishing. The older car’s interiors are superbly built but the new Octavia takes the game further and will shame many more expensive machines. Every surface has a pleasantly honed and substantial feel that would not be out of place in an Audi.

Skoda Octavia

The new dashboard is logically laid out with simple graphics and clear dials, while most of the major controls are housed in the centre section. The stereo is built into the centre console and operates from a large screen surrounded by ‘soft keys’ that aren’t always really intuitive, but otherwise, the switchgear is easy to navigate. The interiors feel very well crafted, from the solid door pads to the ‘slush-molded’ dash-top that gives a tactile impression of exceedingly high quality.

Though the new Octavia is badged a 1.9 TDi, it’s powered by an engine that’s quite different from the 1.9 turbo diesel found in the older Octavia. The new model gets VW’s pumpe-duse motor, which in 1.9-litre form pumps out 103bhp. This engine instantly feels livelier than the older Octavia’s. It’s responsive, eager and ready to leap into a gap in traffic or move away rapidly from a set of lights. But on the open road and goaded by the Octavia’s well-balanced chassis, you often need to work the engine harder than you’d think. The need to work the 1.9 motor exposes what is possibly the new Octavia’s biggest drawback: a lack of refinement. Maybe we expected the new Octavia to move the game on but the gruff engine is as noisy as the older model. Not only does it have awkward harmonics, but you can feel the engine vibrate through the pedals and gearknob. As if to make up, the slick gearshift with its short throw is a delight to use, and the ratios are well stacked.

With the independently-suspended VW Golf Mk5 platform as a base, the new Octavia, not surprisingly, comes with dynamics far ahead of the older car’s. It’s not that the older Octavia has bad road manners — in fact, it’s got the best ride and handling in its class. This means the dynamics of the new Octavia promise to be a quantum leap ahead of its rivals in India. The benefits of a well-sorted multi-link suspension set-up are immediately apparent. The new Octavia doesn’t pitch like the older model and is a lot more agile. It rides with real poise, the suspension dealing with all types of road surfaces in a quiet, controlled fashion and body control is generally very good. It’s only on long undulations taken at speed that the combination of a soft suspension and the weight of the iron-block engine up front can set the car’s nose nodding. Grip levels are decent even though the Octavia we drove was shod with modest 195/65-ZR15 rubber.

When Skoda launches the Octavia early next year, it is sure to take the game forward in the luxury segment. The car’s biggest weakness, a lack of legroom, so critical in our predominantly chauffeur-driven market, has been addressed. It’s now hard to find a serious chink in the new Octavia’s armour and if the car is priced correctly, Skoda has a sure-shot winner on its hands. That said, the fact that it is the VW Groups bargain brand is perceptible, especially on the inside. The interiors are solidly built, but lack the wry detailing of Volkswagens and the urban chic of Audis. Despite protest from Skoda engineers to the contrary, the feel is 100% German. It really is a toss-up between the 1.

Skoda Octavia

8 liter turbocharged models and the TDI 110 versions as to which is the most impressive. Lately, however, Skoda’s privileged market position has come under threat by the release of the similarly priced but jauntier SEAT Leon. Best to go for late 1999 and on cars, especially the SLX models which swapped a sunroof for electronic climate control and a single CD player. Equipment lists are par for the course, with all models apart from the base LXi getting ABS. GLXi, SLXi and SLX TDi models were all fitted with EDL traction control systems, should the urge to emulate a Skoda works rally driver overcome you. Should you require a bit more power and a few more bells and whistles, 1.6 GLXi with the 101bhp engine? The estate version worth more.

In the words of one dealer, Octavia’s are bulletproof. Certainly, they’re every bit as well put together as VW Polo or Golf a fact confirmed by VW Group in-house surveys. Still, check for wear to loading floors on the estate models and make sure that servicing has been properly carried out. (Estimated prices, based on a 1998 Octavia LXi 1.6) The old joke about doubling the value of a used Skoda by filling it with fuel has long gone. These days you won’t halve a Skoda’s value, but you can knock great chunks off an Octavia’s residuals by selling it on with a dodgy alternator. Whilst not recommended, if you were to close your eyes whilst driving an Octavia you’d think you were in a Volkswagen. Golf, Bora maybe even a Pass at, and when you did crash, the Skoda offers similarly good protection. Behind the wheel, the Octavia offers a more solid and confidence inspiring drive than many of its rivals. The body shell feel stiff and the ride is fairly firm.

Refinement is good, although the smaller diesel engines can become intrusive when worked hard. The gearboxes are the usual VW Group fare, slick and easy to use. The best Octavia for keen drivers are the 1.8T models. With a 0-60 time of only 8.5 seconds, there’s plenty of opportunity to let a BMW Z3 2.0 get a good view of your boot badge as, conditions permitting, the Octavia runs to its 134mph maximum. Despite Skoda’s image rehabilitation the brand is still not a magnet for keen drivers. The TDi 90 is good enough for most, with a reasonably sedate acceleration figure but a far more salient 43mpg in urban conditions. On a run expect the high fifties.

Skoda Octavia

All Octavia’s come with a three year/45,000 mile service and maintenance package in addition to a three year unlimited mileage warranty, so buy nearly new and this could all be yours. Trying to think of a more prudent used buy than the Skoda Octavia is hard work. Build quality is superb, and with new prices that competitive, the choice for used buyers is wide and represents good value. As word of Skoda’s excellence spreads, prices may well begin to firm. It’s only a matter of time before buyers realize that this is almost a Pass at for Polo money.

Road Test

Despite the huge fan club I never got on with the old Octavia. It always seemed to me to be a Pass at body on a Golf floor pan overhanging both ends far too much. Strange, because the Toledo is only half an inch shorter on the same wheelbase, but somehow contrives to look right to my eyes rather than wrong. So Spain always beat Czechoslovakia 2 to 1. No aesthetic problems with the new Octavia. Despite being two and a half inches longer than the old one, it carries its length off much better. It’s a handsome, individual looking car with a distinctive front grille, and an air of quality. We tried two versions, both diesels, first the 105PS 1.9 TDI PD, then the 140 PS 2.0 TDI 16v 6-speed.

The quality of the cabin impresses as much as the exterior. It’s solid, nicely put together using decent quality fabrics and plastics. Seat and steering wheel are adjustable in every plane apart from sideways. And there are plenty of cubbies and grippy holes to put things. Instead of being merely amiable, the 105 can lift its skirts and is a quick cruiser. There’s still plenty to come at 80 – 90 and no problem hitting 120. I’m emphasizing this here so you won’t think the 105 involves any significant sacrifice for much less money than the 140. It’s easily as quick as most people are ever likely to want it to be. Like the Golf V TDI 105 PD, fifth gear gives you about 30mph per 1,000 rpm.

It not only reaches the speeds, it also handles them with excellent road feel and stability in fast cornering. This counters a slight criticism that the ride is on the firm side of soft. It doesn’t crash and bang over pot-holes and ripples, but it doesn’t completely absorb them either. And a downer of the 1.9 TDI is that so far it remains Euro III, so is subject to an 18% rather than 15% BIK tax base for company car drivers. So, on to its more powerful big brother, the TDI PD 140 16v 6-speed. I had the same problem with this as I did with the SEAT Althea. At low speeds on tight roads in second gear it feels almost too powerful.

You get no power then too much of it all once, like a catapult. Obviously an owner would get used to this and adapt to it. But on first acquaintance it really wasn’t very pleasant. Where the car comes into its own is that, like the Golf V TDI PD 140, it’s a stunning main road high-speed cruiser. Top gear gives about 33.5mph per 1,000 rpm, so at 100 the engine is only turning a happy and quiet 3,000 rpm. This means it’s very relaxed, yet at the same time, between 85 and 95 you feel you’re bang on optimum power, and if that isn’t enough for you, you can block-change from 6th to 4th and whack past anything as if it isn’t there. So it’s a very safe over taker too. Which to choose between the 105 and the 140 depends on how much you have to spend and what sort of discount you can get.

Skoda Octavia

There is obviously a lot more to the Octavia range than these two diesels. The launch range includes a 75bhp 1.4 16v at a low £10,750. There will be automatic TDI PD 105s, a TDI PD 140 DSG and 1.6 and 2.0 liter FSIs with 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed Tiptronic or 6-speed DSG transmissions. The fire breathing petrol turbo will not come until next year, probably with 190 – 225 bhp. I have to mention a few minor faults on these early production cars and, of course, the benefit of road-testing by outsiders such as the gentlemen of the press means that these can be spotted, noted and put right before cars get through to customers. The rain-sensitive wipers are so sensitive they react to the blood of a splattered fly. The individual front climate controls did not work properly on one of the cars, giving the driver nice cool air while roasting the passenger.

It could be overcome with the fan on full, but definitely needed attention. The nearside rear door seal of the 140 developed a whistle while crossing the North Yorkshire Moors. And the sprung grab-handles can trap the ends of small fingers in their hinges when you pull them down. Should you go for one? Well obviously if a larger body, much bigger boot and lower price have more appeal to you than the status to be derived from buying Golf, then definitely. While the boot size, handling and general performance also make the new Octavia worth considering against cars the next size up, like the Mondeo, Vectra, Primera and Laguna. More importantly, Skoda has finally thrown off the old mantle of joke cars. The new Octavia is a proper, well-built car, in the same class as Golf. It’s a car to be proud of, if that wasn’t already Toyota’s line. In many respects Skoda is as much a value-champion as any of the Pacific Rim manufacturers, with the advantage of its sharing what Volkswagen is pleased to call ‘democratized quality’. And frankly there is little to distinguish a Skoda from a VW from a SEAT – only Audi manages to remain aloof, despite the obvious platform and power train sharing.

Even the interior of the Octavia – fascia, trim and textures – is as functionally discrete as that of the Golf, which it closely resembles. In fact, it could be argued that the Octavia’s cabin best illustrates the extent of Volkswagen’s influence in shaping Skoda’s image. The neat, rectilinear, centre stack is hallmark VeeDub, as is the soft-touch fascia material, the firm but comfortable seats, and the widespread use of grey trim that gradates vertically from dark to light in order to make the cabin seem lighter and (even) more spacious.

Skoda Octavia

The build quality, too, is indistinguishable from that of its German and Spanish cousins. Narrow shut lines, a superior ‘clunk’ to the doors, low noise levels, no annoying squeaks, millimeter-perfect panel and trim alignments – these factors and others give a clear indication that production and quality control procedures at Mlada Boleslaw are no less stringent than at Wolfsburg or Ingoldstatt. The only factor that diminishes the Skoda – that stops its passing itself off as a French or German car - is the company’s adherence to the overstated chromium-plated grille – it’s old-fashioned and very Daewoo (RIP). But from the driving point of view, few Skoda owners would consider themselves short-changed; especially since the 4×4 Estate appears to be as dynamically adroit as the Golf 4Motion.

Ride quality is not compromised by the Estate platform and cornering and road holding seems every bit as good as the donor car. It may be a Bonsai, blue-cross all roads Quattro but the Skoda Estate 4×4 is by no means a cheap impersonation. Indeed, Skoda makes no direct mention of its value pricing but rather claims that the Octavia range delivers ‘an extra bit of car for the money’. Does that ring any bells? Ford has sold a lot of cars on the same ticket and I see no reason why Skoda should not do the same.

Technical Specifications

Engine 1.9 TDI/66kW/90 bhp, 4-cylinder, in-line diesel
engine, turbocharger, intercooler, water-cooled, OHC, transverse
mounted, direct injection, two-way catalytic converter
Compression ratio 19.5:1
Cubic Capacity 1,896
Max. Power (kW [bhp] /rpm) 66 [90] 4,000
Max. Torque/rev (Nm/rev/min) 210/1,900
Max. Speed (km/h) 182
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) 13.0
Emission BS III compliant
Transmission Manual 5 speed fully synchronized
Transmission Type Front wheel drive
Suspension - Front McPherson strut with wishbone arms and torsion stabilizer
Suspension-Rear Compound link crank axle with torsion stabilizer
Brake - Front Disc brakes, with hollow brake wheels & single piston
floating caliper
Brake - Rear Drum Brakes
Steering System Direct rack and pinion steering, power assisted
Wheels 6J X 15"
Tyres 195/65 R15
Body Type 5 door, 5 seater, double space steel bodywork, fully
zinc-coated
Airdrag coefficient (Cw) 0.30
Storage Capacity of Boot (ltr) 528
Fuel Tank (ltr) 55
Fuel Diesel

Skoda Octavia

Standard Equipment Available in SkodaOctavia
Rider

Safety
Driver Airbag with front seatbelt pre-tensioners
Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
Height - adjustable driver and passenger seat
Height and angle adjustable front and rear headrests
immobilisers
Fog lamps Integrated in headlamps
Function
Tilt and Rake Adjustable Steering Wheel
Power Steering
Split rear seat 1/3: 2/3
Lashing eyelets in luggage compartment
Bad road package
12 V outlets in luggage compartment
Comfort
Electronic front and rear windows
Central locking with remote control and folding key
Multi-function Indicator
Air-conditioning (manual control)
Design
Outside mirrors and door handles in body colour
Bumpers in body colour with black protective strips
Interior in fabric upholstery
Chrome plated door knobs
Headlights height - adjustable
Clear Optic Headlamps
High mounted brake light, rear fog lamp

Skoda Octavia

Standard Equipment Available in SkodaOctavia
Elegance

Safety
Driver Airbag with front seatbelt pre-tensioners
Co-Driver Air bag
Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
Height and angle adjustable front and rear headrests
Two rear side seat headrests, height adjustable Immobiliser
Fog lamps Integrated in headlamps
Function
Tilt and Rake Adjustable Steering Wheel
Power Steering
Split rear seat 1/3: 2/3
Lashing eyelets in luggage compartment
Bad road package
12 V outlets in luggage compartment
Comfort
Electronic front and rear windows
Central locking with remote control and folding key
Multi-function Indicator
Climatronic electronically regulated air-conditioning
Design
Outside mirrors and door handles in body colour
Bumpers in body colour with black protective strips
Interior in Panama Partial Leather Upholstery
Chrome plated door knobs
Small leather package: steering wheel, gear level handle and
gaiter hand brake handle
15" Triton Light Alloy Wheels

Review of Maruti Versa

Maruti Versa has been Manufactured by Maruti

MARUTI Udyog Ltd launched the 1.3-litre `Versa’, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on Wednesday. Sporting a price of over Rs 5 lakh, the car is targeted at families and corporate buyers. The Versa is being launched in three variants, including two deluxe eight seater versions and a super deluxe 7-seater version. While the entry model Versa will be priced at Rs 5.15 lakh in Delhi showrooms, the other two variants will carry a price tag of Rs 5.45 lakh (DX2 model) and Rs 5.80 lakh (SDX) respectively. Maruti Versa is a multi utility vehicle and combines features of both the car and van. Maruti versa comes in three variants-Maruti Versa, Maruti Versa DX, and Maruti Versa DX2.

Versa has a most powerful and responsive 16 valves, 1298 cc engine generating 82 bhp at 6000 rpm, and controlled by a 16-bit Engine Management System. Versa has a higher Power to Weight ratio than any MUV, resulting in superior pick up and acceleration. Maruti Versa has several innovative features. Its flexi seating option enables you to adjust space as per your requirement. The Maruti Versa DX2 variant comes with twin AC. The Twin AC is 2 independent cooling units, one in front and one at the rear, for uniform all round cooling. The rear AC has independent controls and overhead ducts.

This utility car has a 1298cc petrol engine, with dimensions of 3675(L) X 1475(W) X 1905(H) mm and weights 930kg. It has wheelbase and turning radius of 2350mm and 4.5 meters respectively. It takes 6.26secs to reach from 0-60kph and has a fuel economy of 11kpl/12kpl on urban and highway. It also comes with factory fitted heater and has additional features like electronic multi trip meter molded floor and trunk carpets, cabin lamp, and is available in 6 colors. It has safety features like front and rear seat belts, collapsible steering column, side and front impact beams and childproof rear door and window locks. Variants available are 1.3 DX, 1.3DX2 and 1.3 SDX.

Maruti Versa

The Versa, at first glance conjures up a memory of the high-roof version of the Omni, but the picture vanishes as soon as it appears. The Versa is a universe apart, and as one takes in its looks, the evolution of ‘people mover’ is all too apparent to the eye. For one, the pout of a bonnet ahead instantly ensures better occupant safety during a frontal collision, while in terms of styling and fit and finish, the difference is perceptible too.

And, no, you haven’t been short-changed if you pop the bonnet and find only a radiator, a few essential-fluids flaps and the car jack inside – the Versa’s Esteem-derived, four cylinder, 1298 CC, fuel injected mill cosies itself beneath driver and co-passenger front seats. With 82 peak horses and 10.4 kgm of maximum hauling power, that’s liberal juice for lugging up to eight passengers, or about 600 kg, in payload terms.

Style and substance

The Versa is not going to win any beauty pageants. It’s not at all bad-looking from up front or side-on, it could even be termed as handsome, but a look at its derriere, and you know there’s something missing in the packaging here. A skirt below the rear bumper would help matters a lot by lending the vehicle a better-grounded appearance. Helped by the fact that the rubber is mounted on smart alloys, the SDX version looks a lot more purposeful than its other two siblings, though its roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated stop lamp doesn’t still lend that essential and missing character to the rear-end.

Maruti Versa

The Versa chattered into quiet life as the ignition key was cranked. Looking around, there was this inimitable Suzuki quality to the interiors; in fact one could draw almost direct comparisons with the Wagon R. Although those numerous cubby-holes and cup holders that liberally dot the original tall boy’s interiors were missing. The view of the road ahead was slightly more commanding though, thanks to the vehicle’s taller stance while the front two seats were comfortable enough – firm, supportive and ensuring complete support for the back. Overall ergonomics are above average too, with all controls falling to hand easily, especially that gear knob that slotted so effortlessly.

Six footer will feel quite at home behind the wheel, while the well endowed will welcome the tilt steering system in the top two versions. If you are in the rear seat, ride quality falls in the Wagon R/ Santro league and that means it’s not going to be too comfortable over long highways. There’s plenty of leg room to compensate however, while shoulder room is adequate enough to seat three weight-conscious adults side by side. Bigger built people will find it a bit of a squeeze for the shoulders; this is no Qualis or Sumo, remember? Seat up to eight people (seven in the SDX) from the office car pool and barely have enough room for overnight luggage, or keep reducing the passenger manifest until you have just the two of you and a month-load of camping luggage… the Versa will switch from business to pleasure and people to goods magically.

So what else is special to the Versa? While air-con is standard across trim levels, the top-end SDX and the one-rung-lower DX2 sport separate side-mounted air-con vents for rear passengers; the basic DX gets the usual facia blowers instead. The rear air-con vents are positioned directly above the windows, and this does a very efficient job of cancelling out the heat that comes through the wind-down glass in the first place. Electric power steering is common to all versions as is the digital trip meter and electronic tachometer. While you are at it Maruti, could you bung an air con unit into the poor old Omni too?

Maruti Versa

Fast forward

Driving the Versa is an enjoyable experience. With four passengers on board, the Versa pulls away rapidly, while the short ratio gearing adopted for its load-hauling applications makes it more drive able than the Esteem. Gearshifts can be executed snappily, and while the shifter doesn’t have the light crispness of the Esteem, it’s a lot less rubbery in quality when contrasted with other contemporary cars from the Maruti Suzuki bunch like the Wagon R.

The light clutch allows for slipping and repeated harassment of this robust unit even in a blazing, 38° Celsius ambient temperature doesn’t evince even the slightest hint of stickiness or burning. For those inclined towards high-revving take-offs, the Versa is quite game, though because of its rear wheel drive configuration, it is nearly impossible to spin up the tyres while launching the vehicle on a sand-free stretch of tarmac. Incidentally, over the silky smooth and newly laid stretches of road in and around Manesar, the Versa clocked all of 140 kph quite easily when spurred, but hang on till we do a road test for those performance numbers.

The power-assisted steering system makes light work of hauling the Versa around corners and combined with its 4.5 meter turning radius, is a boon while parking. The downside of this over-served system is that road feedback progressively gives out past 80 kph, combined with a degree of steering play that eases into the equation. So don’t expect responsive crispness of steering when you hustle this MPV towards and into three-digit speeds. The vehicle feels very stable at straight-line speeds, and this is aided to quite an extent by the matte-black air dam incorporated under the front bumper.

Maruti Versa

Reducing the airflow below, and therefore the resultant lift that occurs at high speed, makes the vehicle ’sit’ close to the road. With the windows up, crosswinds do not do much to affect straight-line, high speed dynamics. Drop a window at over 100 kph though, and the resulting turbulence will make the Versa meander gently from its designated line – nothing unusual or alarming. In fact it’s actually surprising that overall dynamics have been fine-tuned this well, considering the large surface profile this MPV presents.

The Versa, if provoked into the act, is tail-happy (and can be fun, as I found out) when it comes to taking fast corners. A special mention must be made of its lack of pitching while braking hard and no perceptible body roll when tackling faster turns. The quality of ride is good when the going is rough and at higher speeds, but with a complement of four passengers, the Versa tends to pitch a bit over the small undulations that might occur over a stretch of smooth road.

Design Engineering and interiors

The Versa was expected to provide an alternative to the long running but highly compromised Omni, offering more comfort, better safety and an all-round, more modern feel. To provide seven-passenger seating in a tiny footprint, the Versa has had to go vertical and melt into a one-and-a-quarter box shape, which clearly marks it out as an MPV. It is by no means a sharp-looking design, and in fact the narrow, tall proportions are a turn-off for many. It tries not to look offensive, but ends up being simply bland; details like the wraparound headlamps are quite nice, but overall, the slab-like surfacing, tiny wheels and van-like shape make it one of the less successful styling exercises.

Maruti Versa

Mechanically, it follows a traditional, simple van layout, with the engine placed longitudinally under the front seats, driving the rear wheels. The front suspension is independent, with Macpherson struts, with modifications to control body roll; the rear uses a non-independent, three-link set-up with a live axle and coil springs. The Versa is largely designed around the interior, which Maruti has tried to make as car-like as possible; it looks rather like the Wagon R’s dashboard, but there’s no getting away from the unfamiliar, high seating position. Visibility is great, and the short bonnet gives you a far greater sense of security than the bonnet-less Omni. The front seats are fairly comfy, but could have done with lower back support; ergonomics are fine, with all controls logically laid out and falling easily to hand. The steering wheel and driver’s seat are also height-adjustable.

The Versa comes in a few different versions, from the stripped-out five-seater DX standard, through the eight-seater DX and DX2 to the seven-seater SDX; these seats flip and fold in a number of combinations, making for a pretty flexible cabin. The middle seat in the SDX is comfy, but passengers in the two, third-row seats would be stuck for legroom. Although headroom is plentiful, width is mingy, and passengers will have to be good friends to survive a long journey sitting three abreast. The high floor also makes for a knees-up position, which is quite uncomfortable. Luggage space isn’t great with all three rows in place, but is adequate if the last row is flipped forward.

The Versa employs the same 1.3-litre engine and gearbox that do duty in the Esteem, albeit with a few changes to accommodate for the different purpose. The gearbox ratios are different, and the engine has had slight modifications to its head and valve gear. Both engine and transmission are reliable and run trouble-free, provided they have been serviced at the correct intervals. Problems that could crop up are few but do check the electrical system, especially if the previous owner has fitted additional accessories like a video screen and DVD player. Stay away from a potential buy if you feel that the installation of these components has not been done by a professional.

Maruti Versa

Tracing an electrical problem can prove to be a nightmare. Also check the tyres. The Versa comes with 13-inch 155/80 size radials as standard. Many owners have shifted to wider and lower profile 175/70 size tyres that improve the handling and grip considerably. Mileage will drop but only slightly, so if the car you are looking at has these tyres, it is a good thing. Tyres on the Versa usually last for around 35,000-40,000km, but prematurely worn tyres could mean the alignment is out which, in turn, is indicates the car might have been involved in a shunt. Check the areas around the front suspension, the differential at the rear and its housing for signs of crash damage.

Also, if possible, get the car up on a ramp and check the underbody for signs of damage. Open the bonnet, and check the radiator mounting and the upper panel for evidence of a front-end collision. Also check the uneven or broken sealant lines under the bonnet for telltale signs of an accident. The Versa body is not prone to rusting, so if you do see signs of rust, walk away. It could be due to a bad repair job after an accident. On a test drive, find an open stretch of road and brake hard. The car should brake in a straight line, without pulling to either side. The brakes and brake linings last for around 35,000km after which they need attention.

The Versa interiors tend to looks scruffy after use, but this is not much of an issue as a simple shampoo job will set things right. The steering wheel and the gear lever too turn shiny after use. The Versa comes in three trim levels. The DX1 which has one air con, the DX2 with two separate compressors, a feature found only on more expensive vehicles, and the SDX, with alloy wheels, a roof spoiler and graphics pasted on the sides. The air con is generally trouble-free and requires a service around 30,000km.

Maruti Versa

Other areas to check are the steering boot, the tie rod ball joints and the wheel bearings which may need work around the same odo reading due to general wear and tear. Spare parts for the Versa are expensive due to the high content of Japanese parts in the car. This could be a problem — so buy one only if you are sure it is in good shape.

The Versa is a very driver-friendly car and is easy to drive and park in town because of its high seating position and easy controls. It can carry eight people in relative comfort, and comes with the Maruti’s mighty service backup. Also look at Maruti’s True Value second-hand car mart. As always, the car will be slightly more expensive, but will come with a six-month guarantee on engine and drive train components. Come to think of it, it doesn’t look too bad either.

Maruti Versa

Technical Specifications

Dimensions  
Overall length 3675 mm
Overall width 1475 mm
Overall height 1905 mm
Wheelbase 2350 mm
Wheel track                      Front 1280 mm
                                           Rear 1290 mm
Turning radius 4.5 mts
   
Weight  
Unladen weight Versa - 930 kg, DX - 975 kg, DX2 - 985 kg
Laden weight Versa, DX & DX2 - 1585 Kg
   
Engine  
Type 4 stroke cycle, all aluminium water cooled SOHC, MPFI
Cylinders In-line 4
No. of valves 4/cylinder
Piston displacement 1298 cc
Bore x stroke 74 x 75.5 (mm)
Compression ratio 9.0 ± 0.2
Maximum output 82 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Maximum torque 102 Nm (10.4 kgm) @ 3000 rpm
   
Transmission Manual 5 forward, all-synchromesh, 1 reverse
   
Chassis  
Steering Rack & pinion, power assisted (DX & DX2)
Brakes                              Front
                                           Rear
Booster assisted ventilated disc
Booster assisted drum
Suspension                    Front

                                           Rear

McPherson strut with torsion type roll control device
Coil spring with three link rigid axle and isolated trailing arms
Tyre size 155/80 R 13 LT
   
Capacity  
Seating DX & DX2 - 8 persons & Versa - 5 persons
Fuel tank 40 litres

Review of Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion has been Manufactured by Ford

The 2006 Ford Fusion has been the recipient of warm reviews and is a top contender in the ‘midsize family car’ segment. In fact it is not the kind of car that blends into quiet obscurity; but rather commands a second look with its aggressive stance and angular profile. The interiors are luxurious, warm and inviting. It has an appealing, easy- to- decipher instrumental panel, plenty of storage options, plush seating and innumerable convenience features. The Fusion now offers ten inventive stowage spaces. Its high ground clearance, a finely tuned suspension and excellent turning and cornering capabilities make the Fusion a nimble and fun car to drive.

Ford Fusion comes with 16 valves, 1.6 L lightweight alloy block engine that generates a maximum power of 101 ps @ 6500 rpm. The engine is tuned to run optimally in Indian conditions and has been developed and calibrated specifically to provide a balanced combination of drivability and low emissions. Ford Fusion car is available in two variants - Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion+. Both the variants come with hydraulically operated and power assisted steering system. A high ground clearance, optimized suspension and small turning radius make Ford Fusion agile and fun to drive. Special attention has been given to Ford Fusion’s chassis to ensure high level of stability.

Build & Styling

The 2006 Ford Fusion is a juxtaposition of aggressive-reserve and class. Attractive headlamps give it a funky appeal as they trace an alluring path into the hood and fender lines while also enhancing visibility at the front corners. The three chrome bars add to its intrinsic appeal. The front bumper has two chrome strips that match the ones on the grille giving it a svelte appeal. A wide track and vertical tail lamps with chrome trim at the rear and wide tyres with 15″ Alloys wheels give the Fusion a flamboyant silhouette.

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion’s design is a combination of upper crust chic and utilitarian elements. Soft-touch materials figure on the dash and door, leather trims, the leather wrapped steering wheel, and a storage bin in the dash are among some of the features that add to its refined aura. It has a spacious stowage area and a split-folding rear seat paves way for ample legroom in the rear. The instrument panel on the dashboard is easy to navigate. All the control buttons are of a convenient size. The center stack is simple and practical. There are convenient storage options placed in suitable locations. Additional storage is provided in the door pockets, front seatback pockets and center console.

There is ample leg room in the rear, because of the comfortably shaped front seatbacks. The back seat feels immensely spacious. Head and leg room dimensions are adequate. The Blue Oval’s latest offering is straight out of left-field. We acquaint ourselves with the future of family motoring. It’s unique, it’s intelligent, and it’s the first of its kind in this country. Meet the Ford Fusion, conceived to take urban drivers a step above the rest - literally. Ford calls the Fusion an Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) but true to its name, it’s actually a mixture between a hatchback, MPV and SUV - all rolled into one very distinctive shape.

The Fusion’s design is what sets it apart from the monotony of everyday hatchbacks and saloons. Basically, the Fusion is a jacked-up version of the current Fiesta hatchback on sale in Europe (in fact, it’s based on the same platform) but the styling is distinctly SUV. The high bonnet-line, prominent grille, beefy bumpers and large block-like headlamps give it the look of an off-roader, as do the pronounced wheel arches and a thick rubbing-strip across the lower body.

Ford Fusion

The rear quarter-glass and raked front windscreen are very MPV, however. The D-pillar, housing vertically-stacked tail-lights, is upright to liberate great headroom for the rear passengers. The tailgate drops down to bumper level, making the boot very accessible, as it has no load lip to haul heavy items over. From the rear, the beefy bumpers and flat tailgate make the Fusion appear a cross between an SUV and a hatchback.

The Fusion has the same wheelbase as the Ikon, but the similarities end there. Where the Ikon looks sharp and sleek, the Fusion is blunt and square. The Ikon is a conventional sedan, while the Fusion is a hatchback. Parked side-by-side, the Fusion looks far larger than the Ikon, and towers over its sibling. And it’s this height, partly thanks to the large 15-inch rims, which makes it so practical for the cut-and-thrust of urban traffic. Standing taller than most cars, the Fusion has oodles of road presence, perfect for our ‘might is right’ driving. You’re likely to be given a wide berth by unruly drivers who’d now hesitate before chopping across your bows.

The increased height has other practical advantages too. For one, the larger wheels and generous ground clearance will let you play hopscotch through the potholes in Mumbai’s streets. It comes with 195/60 R-15 tubeless tyres, and while we feel the tyre profile maybe too low to cushion the occupants from our roads, the Fusion’s ground clearance of 195mm (15mm better than the Ikon) will tame even the largest speed breakers. The instant you slip behind the wheel, you know you’re not sitting in an ordinary car. You don’t have to climb into the Fusion like you would in an SUV, nor do you have to crouch down to get in like you would in a regular sedan or hatch. In the Fusion, the seat height is at the perfect level for you to simply slide in and out.
There’s lot of glass area so there are no big blind spots, and you get a panoramic view out of the wide windscreen.

Ford Fusion

Sitting high up gives you a sense of control and makes parking or maneuvering through traffic a lot easier. Once you’ve stopped admiring the view, you can settle down inside and discover all the useful and intelligent bits and pieces Ford has packed into the interior. The dashboard is pretty clear and logically laid out. The military-style circular air-vents and ribbed storage box on top of the sharply chiseled dashboard are a reflection of the Fusion’s rugged image. However, the dashboard plastics feel cheap with their shiny, hard texture and that’s a shame since all the controls and switches have a nice, high-quality feel. Previous Ford owners will recognize some switchgear as typically Ford, like the rotary control for the electric power mirrors (only available on the high-end version) the power-window switches at the rear come from the Ikon.

Creating a taller car creates more legroom, and the higher roofline of the Fusion means two six-footers get business-class seats up front with no chafed knees or feet. It’s easy to get comfortable in the driver’s seat thanks to generous seat travel and a steering wheel, which is adjustable for height (but not reach). The seats are pretty supportive, and the squab has loads of under-thigh support. The rear seat benefits from the tall roof as well. Passengers can sit higher up and more comfortably and not in the ‘knees-up’ position that most saloons with a low-roof line force you into. The flat centre section and generous width of the back seat makes sitting three abreast more comfortable than most other mid-size cars. The smart-looking, ’shingle-style’ headrests are easy to adjust, and the rear passengers get treated to individual roof lights too.

But it’s the versatility of the rear seat that is the real talking point of the Fusion. It comes with what Ford has dubbed a 40:20:40 split seat. There’s a provision for a centre console (the ‘20′ part of the split), a useful accessory that can be easily fitted by removing the centre squab. It’s cleverly designed with a generous storage box and a couple of cup-holders, and it also doubles up as an armrest. The way the base of the rear seats folds upwards like a movie-theatre chair is another clever touch and allows you to pack tall items in the cabin which wouldn’t otherwise fit in the boot. It’s something we first saw in the Honda City in Thailand, but sadly the Indian-made City only comes with fixed rear seats.

Ford Fusion

The rear seats fold forward with a 60:40 split like most hatchbacks, but don’t have a second fold. As a result the load floor isn’t completely level, but thanks to the high roof you can still pack in a lot of luggage. The boot itself is not very deep but is pretty tall and hence big bags can be stored vertically. There is a useful tie-down net and other pockets to tuck away small items. In fact, Ford has tried to carve out storage space out of every nook and cranny in the Fusion. The front seat hasn’t been spared either. The squab lifts out to reveal a very useful storage area where you can hide your valuables. Even if your car is broken into, it’s unlikely the thief will look under the seat - unless he owns a Fusion or has read a copy of this magazine! The door pockets and glove box aren’t really large, but there’s a nice slot for your CDs below the single CD-changer, standard on the high-end model.

Inside and Out

For anyone who, after the 1996 Taurus, lost all hope in Ford’s ability to create an attractive, original sedan, it’s time to re-examine those beliefs. Aside from the 1997 Honda Prelude headlights and 1992 Honda Prelude taillights, this look is all Ford’s own, and in fact will serve as inspiration for future Blue Oval models. Have you noticed how automakers recently started coming up with corporate “faces”? Take a look at those three chrome bars, for they now form Ford’s.

On the inside, you get the idea that the Fusion didn’t get an infusion of class. Materials covering the dash are grainy and coarse, the “piano black” plastic trim is artificially shiny and reflective, the fonts and analog clock are pure cheese, and the stereo is a square peg in a trapezoidal hole. Stick with the cloth seats, because if you want leather with the slightest hint of quality, you’ll have to do a lateral move back to Mazda or an upward move to the identical Lincoln Zephyr (the Mercury Milan, another Fusion clone, is no help). The leather on the steering wheel especially needs an upgrade; holding hands with such a low-grade tool honestly makes driving a little less pleasurable. Lastly, while some automakers can make an all-black interior look slick and sleek, the Fusion’s just looks dark and dank. You’d think these guys would be better at it, having pioneered the idea in 1915.

Ford Fusion

There are a few ergonomic downgrades as well. The steering wheel controls are too numerous and complicated, and their sameness works against the idea of eyes-off operation, which is the whole point of steering wheel controls to begin with. The SEL model’s mushy-buttoned automatic climate system is also a bit of a pain in the ass (though that’s true of most auto units), the turn signal has a weird upward tilt, and on cars without sunroofs, what are the map lights doing way back in the center of the ceiling? Even the keyless entry system has issues, its buttons not being in the best arrangement and containing trunk and panic buttons that are too easily triggered, I discovered embarrassingly.

On the positive, everything is legible, there are plenty of storage spaces (including an extra center console atop the dashboard), and Ford has modernized its power windows and locks to the ideal. I also liked Ford’s unique take on wiper controls, which make sense in their own way and offer more variability in intermittent mode than do most cars. Overall, it’s good enough to get by. You can tell Ford put some effort into the audio by the sheer strength of the Fusion’s big, bad bass. Even on the default setting you can cause your own little private thunderstorm. There’s more power than crispness here - the sound is kind of blatty and not completely satisfying - but the Fusion stands ahead of some others by offering MP3 playback on every model, six standard speakers on all but the base S model, plus a 6-disc changer and 8 speakers on the optional Audophile system. Seating, also, is enough to get by.

The front buckets are roomy enough for the vast majority of profiles cause no pain, and the telescoping steering column helps anyone find the perfect position. They don’t feel as sporty as they could be, though, considering the Fusion’s mission. Kind of flat, like you’re sitting on a protruding poof of foam. But I guess they’re comfortable. That assessment carries over to the rear. Mazda’s 6 have the distinction of being the tightest mid-size sedan; the Fusion’s marginal increases help neutralize that. But the Fusion has a cushion that’s slightly mushy at the front edge, making leg support a bit of a do-it-yourself affair. The more pressing issue is how cheapness crept into safety matters: the Fusion’s rear head restraints - all two of them - are a joke: basically two extra vertical inches of foam.

Ford Fusion

This is an issue shared with the Focus, meaning if you want a Ford sedan in which 60% of the occupants won’t snap their necks in a rear-end collision, you’ll have to step up to the Five Hundred. Side and side-curtain airbags are at least available as options, as are antilock brakes and all-speed traction control; though a full-scale stability control (the kind that brakes individual wheels) doesn’t exist. Luckily, the Fusion has continued the Ford tradition of high scores in frontal crash tests, and the computer knows when to turn off the passenger’s air bag. At the hind end you’ll find one of the best trunks in the business. It’s nice and wide, nice and tall, suspended by struts, and could knocking down the back seat be any easier? Just pull two in-trunk levers and boom, your already-high 15.8 cubic feet nearly triples in volume.

Chassis and engines

The rest of the chassis designs come over pretty much intact from Mazda. That includes a short/long arm front suspension, a multi-link independent rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. There’s nothing startling in all this - and nothing wrong either. Ford is shipping the Fusion out with two different “Duratec” engines and both are shared with the Mazda. The base four is an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, DOHC four making 160 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 150 pound-feet of peak torque at 4000 rpm. The optional V-6 displaces 3.0 liters, has DOHC heads, a total of 24-valves, and makes 221 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 205 lb-ft of peak torque at 4800 rpm. While these two engines are shared with Mazda, they’re actually both built in North America. The four comes from Ford’s engine plant in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the six comes from that venerable institution, Cleveland Engine Plant #2 in Ohio.
The Fusion also shares its six-speed automatic transmission — a required companion to the V-6 — with the Mazda6. Amazingly compact, this transmission looks like it ought to be hanging off the side of Harley-Davidson instead of transmitting power in a 3280-pound sedan.

Unfortunately Ford doesn’t provide any way for the driver to positively control the selection of ratios manually - the conventional transmission control only shows a single “L” indents below “D” which apparently keeps the transmission from heading into the overdrive fifth and sixth gears and not much else. Four-cylinder Fusions will come with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Ford didn’t have any four-cylinder Fusions on hand for sampling. Ford is selling in three different trim levels. At the base is S starting at $17,995, the SE will likely be the popular model while the SEL caps the line by loading on all sorts of luxuries including 17-inch wheels and automatic climate control. All three come with the four standards, with the six available in SE and SEL.

Ford Fusion

All three are great-looking cars. Taking styling themes established by Ford’s 427 concept car during the 2003 auto show season, the lines are handsome from every angle, but particularly so from the front where the three bold chrome slats make up the grille and the headlights manage the neat trick of being both somewhat rectangular and swooping up into each front fender. If there’s one problem with so many cars in this class it’s that they’re boring looking. The Fusion, in contrast, is simply delightful looking.

And that continues inside where the cabin is trimmed with a lot of soft-feel plastic and a lot of airbags. The dash is well balanced with a hooded binnacle in front of the driver covering four round gauges (the Speedo and tach are big, the temp and fuel meters no-so-big) trimmed in fake brushed aluminum. The center stack includes all the audio and ventilation controls laid out with intuitive operation in mind, and there’s a neat round clock that adds some sense of elegance to the environment. The four-spoke steering wheel packs some redundant ventilation and audio controls for ease of operation.

Yes, the seats are nice. But what’s better is that there’s enough room to enjoy them. In stark contrast to Ford’s old Contour, the big seat has enough like room so that a six-footer can sit behind a six-footer with enough comfort for a lunch run. If the driver is five-eight, that six-footer might even be comfy for a couple of hours back there. And of course - this is a car designed for American tastes - there are plenty of cup holders.

Ford Fusion

Every Fusion comes with standard (and required) dual-stage airbags for the front seat occupants. Optional are seat-mounted side airbags for the front passengers and side curtain airbags for both the front and rear passengers. In this tough market segment, Ford may have scored some points by making those entire bags standard (as Hyundai has with the six standard airbags in the new Sonata). But price is a critical element to selling in this segment too.

Interior Features

In keeping with its European influence, Ford has chosen to go with the soft touch for surface materials, which is expected in a luxury car but not in a mass-market car. The dashboard is a straightforward design that runs horizontally across the car’s width with just a binnacle above the instrument pod. It contains four small gauges that are easy to read as they are separated from each other rather than overlapping and the figures are in a large font. Decent sized control buttons for the radio and climate controls should please everyone.

The center stack is simple, but nothing to write home about. The car we drove had a dark charcoal interior so everything was finished in black. The optional two-tone interior, especially the dark stone and camel with faux wood trim looks more inviting. A convenient storage bin on top of the dashboard features a large clamshell lid and it’s big enough to hold a phone or small camera as well as maps and the like. The center console, door pockets, and front seatback pockets provide additional storage.
Rear-seat passengers will find a decent amount of leg room with nicely shaped front seatbacks that allow for plenty of foot space. Head and leg room measurements don’t put the Fusion at the top of its class, but the back seat feels roomier than the numbers suggest. The Fusion has a good-size trunk with a flat floor and low lift over. The scissor-type hinges avoid the annoyance of luggage being crushed by gooseneck hinges. All Fusion models include a 60/40 split rear seatback, which allows for a generous amount of pass-through space.

Ford Fusion

Driving Impressions

The Mazda6 and Ford Focus have established themselves as class-leading cars when it comes to handling. Ford openly admits that it’s taken these traits from the two cars to make sure the Fusion inherits the same attributes. Judging by our all-too-brief test drive in a V6-powered Fusion SEL we can say they have succeeded. On the road, the Ford Fusion feels bigger than it looks, but it handled curvy mountain roads above Hollywood with ease. The rack-and-pinion steering was precise with just the right amount of weight to make the driver feel connected to the road without being twitchy. In the past, a car that handled well often came with a stiff ride. That’s certainly not the case with the Fusion. Its long wheelbase and wide track puts the four wheels at the corners for good handling and a better ride. The front suspension is a short/long arm design while the rear wheels are anchored through a multi-link setup. Improved bushings and hydraulic engine mounts keep vibration and road noise to a minimum.

The 221-horsepower V6 engine provides enough power, although the Fusion will not likely be mistaken for a sports sedan. According to Ford’s own tests the Fusion can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds, a reasonable performance though not as quick as the V6 versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The six-speed automatic transmission is very smooth. Shift into Drive and it works well. However, drivers who want more control won’t find it here. Shifting from D to L only locks out fifth and sixth gears. Also, there’s no indicator showing the driver what gear it’s in at any given moment and around town it’s difficult to tell by feel.

The Fusion V6 manages 29 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. That’s quite respectable for a V6 and the four-cylinder model with the five-speed manual betters this figure by a couple of miles per gallon. We have not yet had the opportunity to try a Fusion with a four-cylinder engine. Considering the improved performance, smoother six-speed automatic transmission and almost identical fuel consumption, the V6 model is probably the best value for most buyers. Because of this, Ford expects more than half of Fusion buyers will opt for the V6 models.

Ford Fusion

Stretching the 6’s width and wheelbase by 2.1 inches and its length by 3.4 inches spotted the Fusion in the upper half of the mid-size segment, where the Accord, the Nissan Altima, and the Toyota Camry live. Ford raised structural stiffness by 10 percent, increased braking capacity, widened the wheel tracks, and moved the maximum tire size up a notch from 215/50VR-17 to 225/50VR-17. Under the hood, Mazda’s spunky 2.3-liter four and Ford’s trusty Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 are back for another go. The most notable powertrain upgrade is a new Aisin six-speed automatic that’s standard in the V-6 Fusion and some Mazda 6 models. The platform-sharing train usually derails about now with well-intentioned softening and weight hikes. Fortunately, Ford resisted the temptation to squish the suspension and to layer in hundreds of sound-deadening pounds.

The Fusion is a fit fighter with no weight gain, tight damping, stout brakes, and interior trim more reminiscent of Audis than Altimas. Hurling the Fusion through North Carolina mountain bends, we felt two of Vought’s top three priorities: more attitude than the Camry, more ability than the Accord. The steering talks to you in self-assured tones, never asking for a mid-turn correction. The wheels stroke through eight inches of travel to soak up bumps and maintain equilibrium. The body refuses to pitch and roll when heavy feet tread the pedals. One fault is an automatic that won’t play the sport-sedan game. In lieu of a manual-shift mode, there’s an L position calibrated to provide engine braking into turns and delayed shifts when you pour on the go juice while exiting bends. Something was amiss during our drive, resulting in full-throttle up shifts far in advance of the 6550-rpm redline.

Walkaround

The Ford Fusion actually has presence, amazing in a segment where most cars blend in. Some people like the aggressive, angular look, some don’t. It starts with the large headlights that rise up into the top edge of the front fender, which features a crisp fold along the top edge that runs all the way back along the edge of the roof to the trunk. Three thick chrome bars across the grille also make the car look more up market than its pricing might suggest. The front bumper almost disappears as there are two chrome strips below it that match the ones on the grille.

Ford Fusion

The Fusion has a wide track, which makes it stand out on the freeway when viewed from behind. A high trunk line and large triangular taillight clusters with chrome trim give the rear end a classy look, not unlike some newer Cadillacs. Overall, the Fusion is slightly smaller than the Taurus it replaces, but it has much the same dimensions as its competitors. Although the Fusion shares the same basic floor pan as the Mazda 6 its wheelbase is two inches longer and it is an inch or so wider. Ford also says it is a stiffer bodyshell than the Mazda6, which is good.

Specification

Engine
Fusion Fusion+
Engine Displacement (cc) 1596 1596
Max. Power (ps/rpm) 101 / 6500 101 / 6500
Max. Torque (nm/rpm) 146 / 3400 146 / 3400
Cylinders 4 Cyl. In-Line 4 Cyl. In-Line
Construction All Aluminum All Aluminum
Fuel System SEFI SEFI
Emission level Euro 3 Euro 3

Ford Fusion

Transmissions
Gear ratios:
1st 3.58
2nd 1.93
3rd 1.28
4th 0.95
5th 0.76
Final Drive Ratio 4.25
Reverse Gear Ratio 3.66

Ford Fusion

Suspension
Front "Independent
MacPherson Struts with offset coil spring/damper units, dual path
body mounts and stabiliser bar
Rear Semi-independent twist-beam, low
package coil springs & twin-tube dampers.
Shock Absorbers (Front & Rear) Gas Filled
Brakes
Overall Length (mm) 4018
Overall Width (mm) 1720
Overall Height (mm) 1529
Wheel Base (mm) 2486
Ground Clearance (mm) 198

Ford Fusion

Interior Dimensions
Dimensions Front (mm) Fusion+
Legroom 1045 953
Headroom 1017 981
Shoulder room 1358 1325
Fuel
Fusion Fusion+
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol Unleaded Petrol
Fuel tank capacity 45 L 45 L
Safety
S - Standard. O -
Optional. na - Not Available.
Side Door Intrusion Beams S S
Collapsible Steering Column S S
Engine Immobilizer S S
Day-Night Inside Rear View Mirror S S
Central Locking S S
Front Fog Lamps S S
Rear Fog Lamps S S
High Mounted Stop Lamp S S
Dual Horn S S
Fuel Cut-off Inertia Switch S S
Child Safety Rear Door Locks S S
Keyless Entry with Auto Re-locking - S
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - O
Door Ajar Indicator S S
Head Lamp On - Door Open Warning Buzzer S S
Comfort and Convenience Fusion Fusion +
S - Standard. O -
Optional. na - Not Available.
Air Conditioning S S
Heater S S
Power Steering S S
Power Windows S S
Radio/ CD Player - S
Roof Antenna S S
4 Speakers S S
Tilt Adjustable Steering S S
Height Adjustable Front Seat Belts S S
Headlamp Levelling S S
Driver Seat Height Adjust - S
Manual Adjustable Outside Mirrors S -
Electric Adjustable Outside Mirrors - S
Rear Defogger S S
Intelligent Front & Rear Wash/ Wipe S S
Electric Tailgate Release S S
Front Map Reading Lights S S
Theatre Dimming Interior Light with
Courtesy Delay
- S
Rear Reading Lights - S
Remote Tailgate Opening (From Outside) - S
Leather Steering with Aluminium Shells
on Spokes
- S
Leather Wrapped Gear Knob - S
Boot Stowage Net - S
Dashboard Center Stowage Bin with Flip
Top Lid
S S
Retractable Grab handles with Coat
Hooks in Rear
S S
Front & Rear 12-V Power Outlets S S
Removable Ash Cup S S
Rear Ashtray S S
Seats & Door Inserts Premium
Jaquard
Plush
Velour
Front Passenger Seat Under-Stowage S S
Rear Seatback - Fold Down S S
Rear Seatback 60:40 Split Folding S S
Rear Cushion Frame 60:40 Split
Folding-up
S S
40:20:40 Rear Seat Cushion S S
Driver Seat Utility Pockets - S
Passenger Seatback Pocket S S
Tachometer S S
Low Fuel Warning S S
Power and Performance Fusion Fusion +
S - Standard. O -
Optional. na - Not Available.
Power steering S S
4.9 metre turning circle radius S S
Front suspension - MacPherson struts S S
Rear suspension - Heavy duty twist beam
system
S S
Brakes: front disc/rear drum S S
Tubeless tyres S S
Alloy Wheels - S