Ford is counting on its all-new Fusion sedan to breathe new life and a fresh attitude into the mid-size sedan segment.
That's a formidable task, especially when you consider the Fusion is designed to compete against the likes of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
With the competition in mind, not only did Ford provide Fusion with an athletic, bold, edgy design theme, but they also gave it plenty of substance beneath its skin.
Thanks to its ownership of Mazda, Ford has utilized a modified version of the successful Mazda 6 platform for its foundation of the new Fusion.
By the way, two other cars will share Fusion's platform - the Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. With three distinctly attractive mid-size cars, Ford is hoping to grab some market share in this segment.
The design of the Fusion was inspired by the wildly popular Ford 427 concept car that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003.
I like Fusion's strong, muscular three-bar grille (borrowed from the 427) that spans across the multi-element projector-beam headlamps.
I also like Fusion's long, wide stance. Fusion looks smart and elegant. If there were no blue oval, I doubt you'd recognize it was a Ford.
Helping fill the gap between the Focus and the Five-Hundred, Fusion is offered with either a 4-cylinder or V6 engine.
The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 160 horsepower, can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter V6 provides 221 horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Currently, Fusion powers the front wheels. An all-wheel drive model will be available for '07 and a hybrid-electric version will be offered in '08.
Fusion is about 10 inches shorter than Five-Hundred but still offers plenty of room for tall folks like me. Even with the front seats all the way back, there's enough legroom for rear seat passengers.
To make sure there'd be enough room for passengers to get in and out of the Fusion, Ford's engineers went so far as to slip on size 14 shoes.
Fusion also features a large 15.8 cubic-foot trunk and standard 60/40 split and fold-flat rear seats to provide extra space for long items.
While Fusion's cabin is roomy and comfortable, I noticed that it seems a bit noisier than its competitors. Also, I didn't care for the placement of the ignition cylinder on the steering column. That requires the driver to reach around the steering wheel, and without a lighted ring, finding the cylinder at night can prove to be challenging. I prefer having the ignition cylinder in the instrument panel.
Fusion is offered in three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. Pricing for the S (4-cylinder) starts at $17,795. The top-of-the-line SEL (V6) is priced at $22,360.
The base S rides on 16-inch wheels/tires and features full power accessories, keyless entry, air conditioning and an MP3-compatible CD stereo. The SE adds a six-way power driver seat, audio controls on the steering wheel and an upgraded audio system.
The top-of-the-line SEL model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer, foglamps and automatic climate control.
It should be noted that ABS and side airbags are optional, even on the SEL. But Fusion is one of the more entertaining rides in this segment.
With a standard 4-wheel independent suspension and standard 4-wheel disc brakes, Fusion is fun to drive. My tester was an SEL model with the 160-hp I4 and 5-speed manual gearbox. I recommend the V6 for those who demand quick acceleration, but the 4-cylinder and manual gearbox lower the admission price and push highway fuel economy to 31 mpg.
The 2.3-liter I4 engine was adequate for most driving, but felt underpowered when our Fusion tester was loaded up with four full-size adults and a trunk full of groceries.
We don't typically drive all week with a full load and our Fusion was loads of fun when empty. The suspension system is nicely tuned to provide an agile ride with minimal body sway, and just the right amount of give for absorbing bumps.
Fusion proves that Ford has stepped it up several notches in hopes to be a real player in the highly contested mid-size sedan segment. Now, it's up to consumers to decide.
2006 Ford Fusion I4 SEL
Engine: 2.3-liter (160 hp) I4
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 23 city/31 highway
Base Price: $18,985
As Tested: $22,830 (including $650 for destination)
Website: http://www.ford.com |