The Ford Fusion has established a rather unusual niche for itself as the tall car that's great in the city. But for those more upwardly mobile denizens of the urban jungle, Ford have released a Fusion with a whole lot more equipment that makes it one of the more interesting choices around for the modern family.

Think for a moment about how we use our cars. The days when we could get by with a 'normal' family hatch are probably slipping behind us now, the market lagging behind in that realisation. Vehicles with more flexible seating systems and enhanced visibility but which don't end up looking like a wheelie bin are likely to represent the next wave in buying preferences. Maybe Ford has jumped into this market before it's had time to mature with the Fusion, a car that has raised a few puzzled eyebrows amongst buyers, but a drive in the Fusion Plus may well convince them to ditch their prejudices.

Instantly identifiable by its big 16-inch alloy wheels and body styling kit, the Fusion Plus looks a good deal beefier than Fusions we've become accustomed to and more like the original design study. The silver mesh front grille looks a little different and the car's more purposeful stance removes the fresh air visible in the standard car's wheelarches. Tinted privacy glass is fitted which not only helps to keep the interior cool but also helps to differentiate the Fusion Plus from its humbler siblings.

"The piece de resistance of the Fusion Plus has to be the DVD rear seat entertainment system."

There's also what Ford dub a "rear seat activity console' which is probably the most flowery term for a storage bin (10.7 litres) we've yet heard. Granted, it also contains an auxiliary power outlet so that yet more electronic gizmos can be run from the back seats. There are also four new stowage pockets for small bits and bobs: one on the front edge of the driver's seat cushion, one on the inner face of the driver's seat backrest and one on each corner of the rear seat cushions. which may well raise some eyebrows should an officer of HM Customs take a good look around the interior of your vehicle. The interior fabrics are a little Plusher and the loadspace carpet features some integrated protective runners.

Four engine choices are offered, the popular 1.4-litre TDCi common rail turbodiesel that generates 67bhp, a more powerful 90bhp 1.6-litre TDCi, or a pair of 16v petrol units - a 1.4-litre powerplant that's good for 79bhp or a 99bhp 1.6-litre engine. Driving dynamics do justice to Ford's hyperbole and act as a clear yardstick for the rest of the sector. Should you want to expend less effort in the city, a 'clutchless' Durashift version is also available.

In designing the Fusion for urban families, a number of key criteria had to be met. These elements included a higher driving position to give good all round visibility, body height and wheel designs optimised for ground clearance and ride comfort so that Fusion drivers can easily shrug off kerbs, speed humps and the worst urban potholes. So-called 'cubed-out' architecture maximises seating space while the same philosophy maximises the luggage space by providing a squared-off rear header and a flat load floor.

That driving position is a full 75mm higher than you'd find in a Fiesta and it's longer but slightly narrower too. The bumpers and rubbing strips followed intensive research into how cars become damaged in the urban environment. Should you contrive to take the car's name somewhat literally and meld it with something else, it's good to know that you've an Intelligent Protection System that will intervene with dual stage front air bags that sense the type and severity of the impact. Side airbags are available for front seat passengers and optional curtain bags provide side-impact head protection.

The Fusion has lately been revised, with restyling for the bumpers and grille, revised headlamps and tail lamps, thicker body side mouldings and body coloured handles and mirrors on selected models. Inside, a redesign concentrates on improving the feeling of quality and space. Highlights include a smarter fascia with easier to read instruments and a soft-feel upper section to the instrument panel. It's certainly a big improvement on the cheap-feeling plastic of the original model.

The high seating position gives a commanding view of the road ahead and there's a wonderful sense of airiness about the cabin. As well as offering the usual split/fold rear seats, the Fusion also allows the front passenger seat and the rear seats to fold flat, although the operation isn't as slick as in some rivals. Even with the seats in an upright position, the boot is impressive with a standard luggage volume of some 337 litres. Should you need to slide luggage out from the rear, Ford have thoughtfully designed the Fusion with no rear loading lip. The elevated seating position also allows for extra stowage space under the passenger seats, whilst the fascia features a flip-top bin like the Galaxy with the main instruments are housed in a neat oval binnacle.

The Fusion Plus certainly has what it takes to convince even the most sceptical family motorist that this is one of the trendier ways of transporting two parents and two kids yet to hit the market. That said, many will still fail to see the benefit of paying extra for a car that rides on Fiesta underpinnings and doesn't handle quite as adroitly as its more conventional sibling.

That said, isn't it time to readjust our priorities and think of what we really need family cars for? As a vehicle that will likely spend upwards of 60% of its time in urban environments, the Fusion Plus - especially in TDCi diesel form - is a commonsense solution to a problem few realise they have. Enhanced visibility, ease of parking and built in systems to lower the stress of carting the kids about take the hassle out of motoring and that has to be well worthwhile.

TOP 5 FUSION DEALS

The results below show the top FUSION deals on buyacar

	Ford Fusion 1.6 TDCi Plus 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £213	Saving £2,696	Price £11,994
	Ford Fusion 1.4 Plus 5dr Auto Estate
	ETR	Mthly £204	Saving £2,516	Price £11,374
	Ford Fusion 1.6 Plus 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £207	Saving £2,531	Price £11,459
	Ford Fusion 1.4 TDCi Plus 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £205	Saving £2,573	Price £11,602
	Ford Fusion 1.4 Plus 5dr Estate
	ETR	Mthly £196	Saving £2,409	Price £10,981

typical 11.09% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000