People who buy mid-size sedans are generally looking for good value, reliability, comfort, room for the kids in the back and something that is half-decent to look at. 

They’re not going to start jumping up and down in protest if the car can’t do 0-100kmh in less than five seconds, and they don’t expect prestige interiors because they normally couldn’t care less about stuff like that and anyway it is beyond their price range.

However, Ford, who have a long and proud history of producing excellent cars in this sector, have a new mid-size sedan which offers everything their target audience is looking for and a whole lot more which you might not expect in a car that has a starting price of just Dh89,000.

The all-new Ford Fusion, which has been totally revamped, lives up to its name by combining a number of features including outstanding technology and driver assists that make this one of, if not, the best in its class.

To start with, this car looks more than half decent. The front grille looks a bit Aston Martinish, well, it does if you use your imagination a bit, and the modern, sleek design and nice alloy wheels give it the appearance of a much more expensive car, so aesthetically it’s a hit.

Inside, the Fusion is also impressive. Our SE model had leather seats, leather trimmed steering wheel, and pleasant soft-touch plastics. The instrument cluster is ultra-modern, although the car we had lacked sat-nav, and the screen in the middle of the rising centre console was far too small. 

Both of these things, and a few other little niggles, can be fixed with optional upgrades so it’s is no big deal and the interior is generally a spacious and pleasant place to be. 

The slightly more expensive models of the Fusion also offer technology to help stop you drifting out of your lane if you are tired, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and a blind-spot warning system.

You also get the latest version of SYNC and MYFord Touch technology which allows the driver to interact with the car’s infotainment system through voice control or touch-screen.

The Fusion is powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine which puts the power down to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. I was not expecting mind-blowing performance because that is not what this car is about, but it was a bit sluggish when driven in normal drive. 

The Sport mode offered improved acceleration which is more than adequate for a car in this market.

The handling is impressive thanks to a new upgraded suspension system normally found in more prestigious cars, electronic stability control and power-assisted steering which gives the driver precise feedback.

The Fusion also meets the highest safety standards and is 10 per cent stronger than its predecessor.

For me, the Fusion we tested was a bit underpowered, but for the market it inhabits it is outstanding, offering stunning value and great looks.

The UAE mid-size sedan sector may be dominated by Japanese cars like the Camry, but the Fusion is setting a new benchmark.

Why Buy It 
Incredible value 
Looks good 
Ideal family car 
Excellent technology 
Spacious

Why not 
No real reason but if you buy this car I would recommend you make sure it is fully-loaded with all the optional extras.

Fusion Specifications
Manufacturer: Ford 
Production: 2014 onwards
Class: Mid-size sedan
Body style: Four seater
Layout: Front wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 litre
Output: 175bhp
Torque: 237nm 0-100km : 9 secs (approx)
Transmission: Six-speed SelectShift auto
Kerb weight: 1,554kg
Top speed: 200kmh
Price: From Dh89,000

Rating out of 10: 8