The first Fusion hit the streets in 2006, and we quickly appreciated its looks, its character and comfort. But since then, the heavy hitters in the mid-size sedan segment have all been redesigned and have grown in muscle and girth. Compared the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, the Fusion aged quicker than expected.
But in a few weeks, the 2010 Fusion will arrive with a round of improvements and additions that make the car much more enticing. The most significant change is obviously the arrival of the Fusion Hybrid model. Other trim levels include SE, SEL and Sport.
Modern appearance
The Fusion didn't get a total redesign, and looks pretty familiar from its profile, but the front and rear fascias are new. The car's shnoz looks futuristic, as the three-bar chrome grille that composes Ford's corporate face is bigger and extends above the slimmer headlights. The bumpers are sportier and the taillights are also reshaped.
Inside, the car gets a new dashboard which houses improved climate controls and an instrument panel that glows blue instead of the old green and red. The seats are redesigned and are more comfortable, according to Ford. The interiors of each trim level are dressed up differently, as the SE gets a brushed finish, the SEL gets woodgrain trim and the Sport model obtains an anodized finish and red or blue patchwork on the leather seats.
More power
The base SE and SEL get a new 2.5-litre 4-cylinder which produces 175 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to new 6-speed transmissions, manual or automatic. The SEL V6 features the same 3.0-litre unit as last year, but retuned to generate 240 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. The Lincoln MKZ shares its 3.5-litre V6 with the Fusion Sport, delivering 263 horses and 249 pound-feet. Both V6 engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode.
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| The Fusion didn't get a total redesign but the front and rear fascias are new. |
But in a few weeks, the 2010 Fusion will arrive with a round of improvements and additions that make the car much more enticing. The most significant change is obviously the arrival of the Fusion Hybrid model. Other trim levels include SE, SEL and Sport.
Modern appearance
The Fusion didn't get a total redesign, and looks pretty familiar from its profile, but the front and rear fascias are new. The car's shnoz looks futuristic, as the three-bar chrome grille that composes Ford's corporate face is bigger and extends above the slimmer headlights. The bumpers are sportier and the taillights are also reshaped.
Inside, the car gets a new dashboard which houses improved climate controls and an instrument panel that glows blue instead of the old green and red. The seats are redesigned and are more comfortable, according to Ford. The interiors of each trim level are dressed up differently, as the SE gets a brushed finish, the SEL gets woodgrain trim and the Sport model obtains an anodized finish and red or blue patchwork on the leather seats.
More power
The base SE and SEL get a new 2.5-litre 4-cylinder which produces 175 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to new 6-speed transmissions, manual or automatic. The SEL V6 features the same 3.0-litre unit as last year, but retuned to generate 240 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. The Lincoln MKZ shares its 3.5-litre V6 with the Fusion Sport, delivering 263 horses and 249 pound-feet. Both V6 engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode.
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| Inside, the car gets a new dashboard and an instrument panel that glows blue. |