Big Six checks out the latest offering from Ford, the all new Fusion sedan, which packs one hell of a punch.
The new Ford Fusion offers excellent refinement and craftsmanship; technologies including Ford’s adaptive LED headlamps, and Multi-Contour Seats; and sophisticated design.
“Fusion is the most technologically advanced Ford vehicle ever introduced in South Africa,” said Mark Kaufman, vice president for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “From convenience technologies such as SYNC 2 and a new Active Park Assist, to safety technologies including Pre-Collision Alert with Head-Up Display, Fusion adds a range of safety and security features for drivers in busy urban environments.”
Detecting hazards
Ford’s new Pre-Collision Assist with Head-Up Display detects a potential collision and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings. The system processes information collected from a windshield-mounted camera, and radar located in the bumper, and checks it against a database to help distinguish people from typical roadside scenery and objects.
If a collision becomes imminent, the driver will first receive an audible and visual warning. Should the driver not respond, the system then shortens the time required to apply the brakes by reducing the gap between brake pads and discs. If there is still no response from the driver the brakes are applied automatically and the vehicle speed is reduced.
The new Fusion can also apply automatic braking to mitigate or avoid a collision with a vehicle ahead. Active City Stop operates at speeds of up to 40 km/h. At higher speeds new Pre-Collision Assist uses radar and camera technology which allows it to scan ahead and automatically apply up to full braking force to help the driver mitigate or avoid many types of rear-end collision.
Radar technology further enables the new Distance Indication feature and Adaptive Cruise Control technology. Distance Indication provides an intuitive visual interface to inform the driver of the time gap to the vehicle ahead. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically maintains a chosen distance from the vehicle ahead.
