Offered in a wide variety of trims, powertrains and equipment levels, the Fusion has something to please everyone in the market for such a car. If the S and SE versions don’t have enough content for you, the SEL offers goodies such as 17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated rubber, fog lamps, power front seats, dual-zone climate control, the SYNC multimedia system, power windows and cruise control.
But you don’t have to stop there. Our test car is also equipped with the Chrome Sport Appearance Package that tacks on 18-inch alloys, a sport suspension, a rear spoiler, heated front seats and specific interior trimmings. Dressed in Blue Flame Metallic, it looks pretty good.
However, the giant three-blade razor that doubles as a front grille doesn’t quite get a unanimous thumbs-up. Personally, I think it’s fine, but some said it was overdone.
Refined drive
The car drives and behaves extremely well, especially when considering its age. It benefits from a refined ride, a quiet suspension and even a sporty character to go with its appearance.
Two V6 engine options are available in the Fusion, but for most people, we think the 16-valve, 2.5-litre 4-cylinder will do a fine job. With 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, and connected to a 6-speed automatic, our Fusion scooted to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 16.7 seconds at 142 km/h.
The low engine speed on the highway, 1,800 rpm at 100 km/h, also helps keep fuel economy high. Our average of 9.4 L/100 km isn’t spectacular, but we’re happy with that number.
Although the transmission includes a manual mode, the rocker switch on the shift lever is far from ideal when you’re in need of a little spirited driving; we tried it once, and it rows through the gears fairly quickly, but otherwise we’re leaving the tranny manage itself, which it does very well.
Decent amount of space and big trunk
While certain dashboard surfaces are rough, overall the fit and finish is very likeable. Newcomers in the segment, such as the Kia Optima and the Suzuki Kizashi, feel richer inside, though.
Curiously, the Fusion’s curved rear window distorts the view out back. It’s not a big deal, mind you; it’s just that every car and truck following you is tall and narrow. We feel as though we’re being chased by a flock of Toyota Echo sedans.
The SYNC system is a pretty capable system, allowing the driver to summon up a particular band, song or music genre by voice command. In addition, the touch-screen responds quickly to finger input. The climate control buttons on the bottom of the centre stack however, are small and not easy to manipulate while driving.
Options hike up the price
The $26,199 Fusion SEL may offer a decent amount of equipment for the asking price, but our test car was also stuffed with the Driver’s Vision Package (blind-spot monitor, rear view camera, backup sonar and rain-sensing wipers), the Moons & Tunes Package (power sunroof, Sony 12-speaker surround sound system) and a navigation system. Total: $34,199 before taxes, freight and delivery charges.
Sporty sedan rivals include the Mazda6 GT-I4 ($35,790 loaded), the Nissan Altima 2.5 SL ($33,898 loaded), the Suzuki Kizashi SX ($30,495), the Kia Optima EX with navigation ($32,095) and the soon-to-arrive 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
We shouldn’t be surprised that the Fusion is selling so well. In the first half of 2011, the Ford was the bestselling mid-size sedan in Canada, edging out the Hyundai Sonata in 2nd place. As we said earlier, with so many Fusion choices, shoppers can spec out one that suits their needs and budget, and they get a darn good car in the deal.
There may be roomier, sportier, better-finished or more fuel-efficient alternatives, but when we round up all of the Fusion’s virtues, we think it’s still a player. Maybe more than it ever has been.
By Michel Deslauriers, photo :Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com
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