Get a better view is how the new Ford Fusion is being promoted. Local Ford agents, the Gasan Automotive Division, of Mriehel, launched this latest model earlier this month in Balluta Bay, St Julian's.
Addressing the launch, Gasan's Ivan Grech said the Fusion is a new generation of small cars from Ford. Gasan chose the Main Street Restaurant because it is in an urban environment synonymous with small cars and for the "better view" one gets with in higher places.
Mr Grech described the Fusion as "ruggedly stylish, spacious and agile", combining the attributes of sport utility vehicles, multi-activity vehicles and small hatchbacks to create a vehicle with "a unique character".
Despite its small-car footprint, the Fusion provides more space for the modern family's everyday needs in a body structure that offers great protection without sacrificing the manoeuvrability that is essential in city traffic, he added.
"Ford had defined this new car as the first urban activity vehicle and we expect it to appeal to a new generation of young people (and young at heart!) embracing urban life around Malta," Mr Grech said.
Typical Fusion customers lead active lives, want practicality in load space with flexibility to carry everything from a pushchair or carrycot to the everyday items of a small business. They appreciate the rugged exterior that not only differentiates it from other cars in its class but provides the driver with excellent visibility and greater road presence in busy urban environments.
The Fusion has a suspension system more adapted to local roads, a driving position that is 90 mm higher compared to the Ford Ka, and its dimensions (4,020 mm long, 1,721 mm wide and 1,528 mm high) are greater than the typical small car.
There are three engine versions, two petrols of 1.4 litres (80 bhp) and 1.6 litres (100 bhp) and the second-generation common rail TDCi 1.4-litre diesel (68 bhp), and three trim levels. The entry level is the Ambiente, the Comfort includes CD radio, central locking with remote, electric windows and power mirrors, and the top-of-the-range Ghia.
Standard equipment on all models includes air-conditioning, driver and passenger air-bags, power steering, leather steering wheel, radio-cassette, fold-flat 60:40 rear seats and a host of oddment compartments.
The Gasan Group is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary and the Ford Motor Company its 100th in car production. The Fusion is just one new car in the Ford range to be launched this year. Prices for the Fusion start at Lm6,800 for the petrol and Lm7,600 for the TDCi.