New Ford Fusion debuts in South Africa with new integral link rear suspension for optimised interior comfort and refinement

Adaptive LED headlamps, SYNC 2 voice control and Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking also debut

Fusion also offers new 10-inch digital-analogue instrument display, as well as Pre-collision alert with Head-up display.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 20 January 2015 – The new Ford Fusion leverages innovative driver assist technologies, an advanced chassis structure, and high quality interior to deliver superior comfort and refinement.

Fusion introduces a new integral link rear suspension for improved ride comfort and interior noise reductions and offers Ford’s new SYNC 2 voice control connectivity system with 8-inch touchscreen for easy operation of phone, entertainment and climate systems.

Additional technologies include Ford’s first adaptive LED headlamps in South Africa and Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking, which contributes to a simplified driving experience.

“The new new Fusion uses Ford’s latest innovation and technologies to deliver the most refined and user-friendly Fusion driving experience yet,” said Kuda Takura, Brand Manager for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “From systems that guide drivers hands-free out of parking spaces to seats that heat on demand, the Fusion is focused on the occupant from start to finish.”

Lighting the way with advanced technology

New Fusion’s adaptive LED headlamps combine the daylight-mimicking light clarity of full-LED headlamps with Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System, which adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to match the driving environment. The system can choose one of seven settings according to vehicle speed, ambient light conditions, steering angle, distance to the vehicle in front and windscreen wiper activation.

The new Fusion features an advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring Perpendicular Parking, which enables drivers to detect suitably-sized parallel parking spaces and reverse hands-free into spaces parallel to the road and side-to-side with other cars.

This advanced parking feature is supported by both Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers of traffic passing in front of or behind their parked Fusion; and Side Parking Aid, which delivers an on-screen visual representation and audible warning of obstacles to the sides of the vehicles, as well as to the front and rear.

Control climate and more with voice commands

The SYNC 2 system offered in Fusion enables drivers to control key in-car systems using simple, natural voice commands and a high-resolution 8-inch colour touchscreen. Connectivity is delivered via Bluetooth, USB and SD card ports.

Users can select music from a connected MP3 device by asking SYNC 2 to play an artist or track, while cover art is also displayed on screen with compatible devices. Drivers can place hands-free phone calls using the command “Call <name>”, without first having to give the command “Phone”, while the system is in audio or another mode.

“We have developed SYNC 2 so it is simple and intuitive for drivers to use, and it seamlessly switches between touchscreen and voice commands,” said Christof Kellerwessel, chief engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe. “Drivers will be able to control more in-car systems than ever before, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”

Fusion drivers can also control the interior climate using voice commands including “Max AC” to cool down quickly, or more specific commands such as “Temperature 20 degrees”.

The new Fusion’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system has been fine-tuned for quieter operation. The system also helps optimise interior comfort with automatic climate control able to maintain a temperature variation of less than one-degree even in extreme climates. Rear cabin occupants benefit from dedicated air-vents.

In addition, new Fusion features an air-quality sensor that automatically switches on air recirculation when pollution is detected, and a humidity sensor that enables pre-emptive measures against flash-fogging of window interiors. The system can cool from 55 degrees C to 18 degrees C in just 15 minutes.

New chassis for improved refinement

The first model in Africa to be built on Ford’s new global CD-segment platform, the new Fusion will debut Ford’s new integral link rear suspension configuration for improved refinement alongside more dynamic performance.

The new suspension design delivers the compliance required for greater comfort, while retaining lateral stiffness for enhanced steering and handling. It also allows the wheel to move rearwards on impact with bumps. This delivers improved impact absorption for a smoother ride and reduced noise levels.

Integral link rear suspension contributes to road noise reductions of around three decibels in the rear and two decibels in the front, supported by additional sound deadening material within the underbody shields, wheel arch liners and front and rear doors to block tyre noise. The number of holes within the body shell also has been reduced to minimise noise transfer.

Wind noise is reduced to levels previously only experienced in the premium segment through optimised window pillar and door mirror shape, enhanced door and window seals, and improved interior noise absorption. A wind noise level of 21.1 sone – a metric for loudness – is an 8% improvement over the previous generation Fusion. The thickness of the rear window glass is increased by 0.4 millimetres, helping reduce passing traffic noise for rear seat passengers.

More seals have been added between the bonnet and front wings, and the engine bay sound insulation changed from fibreglass to foam, contributing to a reduction of between 1.5 and 2 decibels for powertrain noise transmitted to the cabin.

Further fine tuning of handling and ride comfort is delivered with active systems including Torque Vectoring Control, Pull-Drift Compensation, Active Nibble Compensation, and Torque Steer Compensation.

The introduction of Electric Power Assisted Steering to Fusion also enables steering weight to adapt and match the “comfort,” “normal” and “sport” chassis settings of Ford’s Continuous Control Damping. Drivers will notice a greater difference between the chassis characteristics delivered by the three settings.

Quality and convenience

Inside, Fusion drivers are greeted by an optional 10-inch digital-analogue instrument cluster. The customisable colour display delivers animated notifications for features such as Lane Keeping Alert.

A sleek, wrap-around centre console design delivers a sporty, cockpit-like feel, and the centre console features a symmetrical design that is accessible to both the driver and the front seat passenger – as is the large, open flow-through storage bin in front of the gear selector.

A soft-touch instrument panel and flock-lined central front storage area and glovebox are representative of the high material quality and craftsmanship throughout. Chrome surrounds and accents also are delivered for the air-vents and soft touch controls.

Smart-design front seats feature a thinner seat back – enabling rear seat passengers to enjoy additional legroom without sacrificing comfort for driver and front passenger.

“The new Fusion offers a sophisticated suite of features and technology that enhance driving, comfort and convenience like no other car in its class,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.