Translate This Page

Français/French Deutsch/German Italiano/Italian Português/Portuguese Español/Spanish 日本語/Japanese 한국어/Korean 中文(简体)/Chinese
Simplified
Select Language:

Top Blogs

Subscribe via email

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

AddThis Feed Button

Saturday, April 26, 2008

New Ford Fusion

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 9/15 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.6L In-line 4, 100 bhp
1.4L TDCi Inline-4, 67 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights


Spacious and sleek.
Excellent ergonomics.
Comfortable seating.

Pros

The perfect midsize family car.
Elitist interiors.
Crisp handling.

Cons

Could use a more powerful engine.

Overview

The 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 fine-tuned suspension, and excellent turning and cornering capabilities make the Fusion a nimble and fun car to drive. The Fusion is available in five attractive colours viz. Panther Black, Diamond White, Paprika Red, Moondust Silver and Platinum.

Powertrain & Performance

The Fusion is available in four variants: 1.6 Duratec Petrol, 1.4L TDCi Diesel, Plus 1.6 Duratec Petrol, and Plus 1.4L TDCi Diesel. The 1.6 Duratec variants are equipped with a 16-valve, 1.6L 100 bhp engine that dishes out 146 Nm of torque. This engine has been developed specifically for the Fusion and provides a combination of drive-ability and low emissions (which makes it extremely environment-friendly). The 1.4L TDCi variants are pulled by a 67 bhp turbocharged diesel engine with peak torque of 160 Nm.

The manufacturer claims that an aluminium block and head makes Fusion one of the smallest, and lightest car with the latest engine design from Ford. Steering assist absorbs rough driving and makes for an agile and precise steering response. It provides a smooth and responsive drive quality and optimises comfort to the driver while parking, driving or negotiating corners.

A long wheelbase and wide track make for great handling and ride as the four wheels turn a corner. Steering is precise and transmission is seamless. Courtesy its strong body structure, the Fusion offers a smooth ride and some remarkably impressive handling.

Build & Styling

The 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 taillamps with chrome trim at the rear, and wide tyres with 15-inch alloys wheels give the Fusion a flamboyant silhouette.

The Fusion's design is a combination of upper-crust chic and utilitarian elements. Soft-touch materials figure on the dash and door; leather trims, 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. Driver's seat is height-adjustable in the 'Plus' variants.

The instrument panel on the dashboard is easy to navigate. All the control buttons are of a convenient size. The centre 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 centre console. There is ample legroom in the rear because of the comfortably shaped front seatbacks. The back seat feels immensely spacious. Head and legroom dimensions are also adequate.

The Fusion Plus variants come standard with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) technology.

Suzuki GSX-R1000 Motorcycle

New price £8,799
Used price range £2,200-3,975
Engine size 999cc
Power 176bhp
Top speed 186mph


Overall verdict

The first Suzuki GSX-R1000 set new superbike standards in 2001, the second one did it again in 2003 and this, the third full Suzuki GSX-R1000 update, went straight back to the top of the superbike tree in 2005 and stayed there, pretty much ever since. The reasons for the Suzuki GSX-R1000's dominance are simple. Sublime, lithe ergonomics and handling, radical styling and full-on usable power.

Engine

Under pressure from its rivals, the Suzuki GSX-R1000's capacity was raised from 989cc to a full 999cc. The result is a claimed 175bhp at the crank – putting the Suzuki GSX-R1000 on a par with the competition on paper but in truth giving the bike an advantage as Suzuki horses are often more muscular than those of other manufacturers when it comes to a dyno shoot-out. If you want the boss, the Suzuki GSX-R1000, pretty much, is it.

Ride and Handling

The all-new chassis was designed to bring as much weight as possible together in the middle of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 but Suzuki also decided to move the weight down, making the centre of gravity as low as possible. The result is that the Suzuki GSX-R1000 boasts fantastically sharp steering and ‘flickability’ without any significant trade off in stability.

Equipment

The K5/K6 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is standard fare, early 21st century kick-ass superbike. Neat alloy controls (pegs, bars, levers) dainty but comprehensive instrumentation and, er, not a lot else. When it comes to cutting-edge speed, less is always more… as the Suzuki GSX-R1000 demonstrates.

Quality and Reliability

Fair enough. Suzuki’s top end bikes are better than most if looked after (although you have to fastidiously clean them through winter) and there have been no major reliability issues with the Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Value

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is cheaper than a Fireblade and still, arguably, the best superbike most of the time. Due a replacement in 2007 so plenty of discounts are currently available. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 costa a lot of money, but you get an awful lot of bike for that money.

Model History

2005: Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 launched available in black/grey, blue/white or yellow/black colourschemes.
2006: Suzuki GSX-R1000 K6. Colour changes only, now in black or red/black.

Other Versions

Limited Edition all-black Suzuki GSX-R1000 launched in 2005.
Suzuki GSX-R1000 Phantom. Road legal Yoshimura silencer and special black/silver paintscheme launched in 2006.

Honda CB1300S Motocycle

New price £6,999
Engine size 1284cc
Power 113bhp
Top speed 136mph


Overall verdict

Classic early superbike lines crash head-on with a practical top fairing and an inexpensive ABS option to make the Honda CB1300S a competent tourer-cum-commuter that’s a pleasure to ride with above average handling, plenty of practical touches and a low seat height. Read any Honda CB1300S review and you'll find nothing but praise for the way the Honda CB1300S gets you from A to B with minimal fuss.

Engine

The Honda CB1300S's powerplant is based on the old CBR1000, this 16-valve, 1284cc DOHC motor feels unstressed and lazily powerful enough to get by on just the top two gears. The fuel-injection on the Honda CB1300S is smooth (smoother than the naked version thanks to an improved 32-bit processor just like the whiz-bang Honda CBR600RR) and snatch-free.

Ride and Handling

Heavier riders who like to ‘press on’ might find the Honda CB1300S's suspension running out of ideas quickly, but for the average rider the set-up works well. For a more relaxed ride the Honda CB1300S's bar riders can be rotated through 180-degrees to shift the bars forwards by 20mm. The Honda CB1300S's four-piston Nissin brakes are superb, with plenty of feel and power.

Equipment

The Honda CB1300S clocks are amazingly comprehensive, with even a function to remind you of birthdays and anniversaries! A HISS ignition immobiliser can be backed up by an official Honda CB1300S U-lock and alarm. ABS is an inexpensive option for the Honda CB1300S at just £100.

Quality and Reliability

The Honda CB1300S is nicely built, with a stainless steel exhaust to help ward off the worst of the British winter. The Honda CB1300S paint’s thick, too, but keep the fork legs free of winter salt or they quickly develop a nasty case of psoriasis.

Value

New or used the Honda CB1300S represents a whole lot of bike for your money. Secondhand Honda CB1300S prices are stable and owners tend to be considerate owners who pamper their machines.

Model History

2003: Naked Honda CB1300 introduced.
2004: Faired Honda CB1300S version launched.

Other Versions

Honda CB1300: Naked version.

BMW F800GS Motorcycle

New price £6,695
Engine size 798cc
Power 85bhp
Top speed 130mph


Overall verdict

BMW's new F800GS is virtually unique: a 750/800 class adventure bike, that to most degrees offers the best of both worlds. It’s light, slim and perky enough to be a credible off-roader yet it’s also substantial, grunty, roomy and potentially sufficiently well equipped to tackle crossing continents. It’s also got a price that’s hugely tempting too.

Engine

Derived from the F800S unit, but with a more upright block, the BM parallel twin is intoxicatingly invigorating. 85 horses might not sound like much, but its more than enough. It’s perky and fruity, has a deliciously raspy exhaust note and is responsive, progressive and yet yearns for more and more revs up to the redline. Wring its neck and duck yours behind the reasonable screen and you’ll see 125mph, which is more than ample, thankyou. The rest of time it just delivers what and when you want it.


Ride and Handling

Unlike the 1200GS the 800’s no monster. Though tall and ‘proper’ the 800GS is lithe, slim and light, enough to both remind of conventional, single cylinder enduros, from, say KTM, and to make it a doddle, at least compared to the 1200, to manhandle and manouvere, thanks to masses of steering lock, decent suspension, lightness and assured weight distribution.

Equipment

Being a BMW the F800GS's fairly basic standard but with the usual myriad of accessories and factory fitted options available. Different seats, screens and bars are available; as are the usual sophisticated luggage systems plus creature comforts like sat nav, heated grips and the like.

Quality and Reliability

BMW rules again. Although there have been occasional hiccups in recent years, there should be little to worry about with the new F800GS. The F800S/ST upon which it’s based has proved mechanically reliable and solid and the engineering is proven. Unusually, for a BMW though, you’ll have to maintain a drivechain.

Value

At £6999 the price is possibly the new GS’s biggest trump card of all. That represents fabulous value compared to the £2000 dearer 1200 version and there really is nothing else close to it in terms of all round ability. But if you want better value still, got for the in many ways identical £5495 F650GS.

Model History

2008: BMW F800GS launched.