What's it like?
While the Fiesta is one of the best superminis to drive, it doesn't quite have the practicality of some of its rivals. So you'd think that the Fusion - a taller, more spacious version of the same car, would be just about the perfect supermini, right? Wrong.
The big problem is that although there's more space and a bigger boot, it isn't much more practical than the Fiesta. And, it's substantially more expensive. There's decent room in the back for a couple of adults, but oddment storage is limited and the rear seats aren't removable.
On the other hand, the handling is almost as good as the Fiesta's, despite the Fusion's taller stance. There's a bit more body roll in corners, but it's well contained. The ride is even firmer than the Fiesta's, and because the Fusion is distinctly heavier, performance is a bit more laboured.
What are the running costs?
The Fusion was between £500 and £1000 more expensive than the equivalent Fiesta when it was new, so it isn't quite as affordable as its smaller sibling, despite weaker retained values.
There's not much in it, though. If you find a three-year-old Fusion, you'll pay a bit less than half of the car's original price.
The Fusion's fuel economy isn't as good as the Fiesta's, either, by virtue of the larger car's extra weight. Again, though, there's not a drastic amount in it. Both petrol cars will better 40mpg and both diesels are capable of achieving more than 60mpg. The 1.4 TDCi is the best performer with an average of 64.2mpg.
Insurance groupings for the Fusion range between 4 and 6 for the petrol cars, while the diesels will command either a group 4 or 5 premium. Servicing costs are no more expensive than they'll be on a Fiesta - very low, in other words.
Which one should I get?
There are four engines. The 78bhp 1.4-litre and the 99bhp 1.6-litre petrols need to be worked hard, and the 1.4 can struggle out of town. The diesels are better, with a 67bhp 1.4-litre and an 89bhp 1.6-litre to choose from. Their low-down pull makes them easier for daily use, but they cost more to buy, so don't make much sense financially. For reasons of cost alone, we recommend sticking to the cheapest 1.4 petrol.
In terms of trim, it's probably best to avoid the entry-level 1 model as it's too basic. You'll get anti-lock brakes and central locking, but that's about it.
Second-rung 2 models are much better, with air-con, powered front windows, remote central locking and a CD player. 3 models also have alloys and an alarm. Plus models have larger alloys and privacy glass.
The Fusion was face-lifted in 2006. Trims were renamed Style, Style Climate, Zetec, Zetec Climate and Plus, and slightly revised. Remote central locking and a CD player also became standard across the range.