WHATEVER Ford actually means by the definition of its new car as an "urban activity vehicle", it looks likely to be one of those at home in a great variety of motoring situations.

Fusion, as it is called, is just that: a fusion of styling cues from hatchback and multi-purpose-vehicle together with a dash of sports utility vehicle. Ford says that as an urban activity vehicle it creates its own niche and also fills a "white space" in the small-car market.

Martin Leach, vice president of product development for Ford of Europe adds: "This new vehicle reflects the growing diversity and changing expectations of our urban customers. It takes strengths that are typically associated with other vehicle classes and combines them into a small car product for the first time."

Although Ford reckons Fusion should appeal to young and old, much of its sales are expected to be taken up by young urban families.

So there you have it.

Just to provide a little background, the Fiesta-based Fusion is the showroom version of the technically much more advanced Fusion Concept, first seen at last year's Frankfurt Show. The Concept provided an insight of the goodies to come, like a 1.1-litre three-cylinder direct injection petrol engine and an electronic transmission, but the production car will be using more familiar technology.

Fusion will come with three engine options. There is a 79bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 98bhp 1.6-litre unit, both with variants used in the Focus and new Fiesta, and fitted with a precision electronic throttle, plus the latest 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel producing 67bhp, 118lb/ft of torque and, in the Fiesta, excellent all-round economy.

Ford describes Fusion as having "the solidity, robustness and road presence of an SUV (sports utility vehicle), the large package space of an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) and the dynamic, agile qualities of a small car".

Among its selling points are a high driving position with car body height and wheel designs set for good ground clearance and ride comfort. The rugged mini-4x4 look is really just that, a look, because its raised front-wheel drive platform is really designed to cope with speed humps and kerbs, rather than lumpy off-roading feats.

In addition to "white space" Ford also talks about Fusion's "cubed-out" architecture. This is its rear-end shape which goes on to provide as much seating and easy-to-use load space as possible. The body is a little longer (4020mm), wider (1708mm) and quite a bit taller (1503mm) than the typical small car.

Headroom at the front for example is 1017mm, while legroom (1045mm) and shoulder room (1358mm) are good, while for those in the back there is knee clearance of 34mm and headroom of 981mm.

The rear of the car is squared-off, with the boot sill nicely low enough to help when loading or unloading heavy items. In fact the tailgate cuts into a deep rear bumper.

Luggage and stowage space is well proportioned. The boot provides 337-litres of space, so big enough for most bulky items, while the 60/40 split rear seatback folds flat to provide an extra load length, just fine for flatpacked furniture.

The raised front seat position allows for more stowage space under the passenger seats, and there is a flip-top bin in the fascia, similar to that in the Galaxy. The front passenger seat can fold flat to act as a picnic table or worktop.

The standard Fiesta suspension is modified a little for the Fusion, which helps accentuate its solid looks by being fitted as normal with 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. A seven-spoke design is on the options list.

Safety features include dual-stage front airbags as standard, as well as side airbags for those sitting up-front. Full-length side curtain airbags are available as an option. Other safety precautions are provided by three-point belts for all, and a brake pedal assembly designed to minimise driver lower leg injury.

Security includes a special anti-theft system, with a perimeter alarm available, remote central locking, and the spare tyre in the boot, rather than slung underneath it.

One great thing about the Fusion, especially for those people who do a lot of their driving in towns, is that its suspension has been designed to cocoon everyone inside from the normal shocks of city driving, capable of handling speed humps and uneven road surfaces without too much discomfort.

Also because of its minimal overhangs front and rear. It should be easy to slip into some of the tightish parking spaces common to York.

Updated: 12:13 Friday, February 22, 2002