The Ford Fusion safety record centres on a decent four-star Euro NCAP crash test score, helped by the reinforced side impact door beams and rigid body structure. The seats are fitted with anti-submarining ramps, to increase occupant safety by preventing passengers from sliding under their seatbelts in head-on collisions. Side and curtain airbags are optional, and you have to pay extra for ESP.

Security is pretty good and all Fusion models come with remote central locking, deadlocks and an immobiliser, but the Zetec model misses a standard alarm.

You won’t have many complaints about Ford Fusion practicality. If you need a lot of space then the Fusion is a good choice. It doesn’t look particularly elegant – inside or out – but it certainly does the job well. With a big boot, large cabin and split-folding rear seats, the Fusion can store an impressive load of more than 1000 litres, further helped by the flat-folding front passenger seat, which enables the stowage of longer items.

However it lacks any clever flat-folding rear seating system and isn’t as versatile as other small but spacious cars like the Honda Jazz.