In Canada, we prefer compact cars, but in the USA, mid-sizers are more popular. There are several reasons that explain why we buy smaller vehicles including higher fuel prices, tighter budget and higher sticker prices.
Yet, a base mid-size sedan isn't much more expensive than a fully-loaded compact. What do you prefer? Okay, the mid-size car won't have as many features, and might now be as fuel-efficient, but it could compensate well in ride comfort, refinement and space.
Adequate engine
The 2.3-liter inline-4 under the hood of the Fusion SE develops 160 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the 5-speed manual transmission, the car performs vigorously but not ferociously; 0-100 km/h sprints take 9.5 seconds. However, the clutch and the shifter work very well.
This engine, which is also found in various Ford and Mazda products, becomes rather buzzy at higher RPMs. On the highway, the 4-cylinder powerplant raises the noise level in the cockpit; the base engines in the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are quieter.
As for fuel consumption, my average of 10.9 L/100 km isn't bad, but again, it's not as good as what the Honda and Toyota 4-cylinders can accomplish.
The Fusion always had good reflexes, and it's also the case with the SE model. Despite a little body roll, the car hangs on in curves and is pretty confident when pushed harder. The steering is communicative and well calibrated.
Still beautiful
The Fusion's been on sale for three years now, and I think it's aging very well. The sedan's shape isn't a work of art, but it's still attractive with its simple yet beautiful silhouette.
The headlights that extend up into the hood and the chromed grille give the Fusion a look that sets it apart from the sedans to originate from Japan and Korea, among others. The taillights remind me so much of the '90s Honda Prelude, a car that I really liked.
Inside, it's a sea of grey, but it's not depressing. The fake carbon fiber trim panel on the centre stack won't convince anybody, but it reduces the dashboard's monotony a bit.
 |
| The sedan's shape isn't a work of art, but it's still attractive with its simple yet beautiful silhouette. |
Yet, a base mid-size sedan isn't much more expensive than a fully-loaded compact. What do you prefer? Okay, the mid-size car won't have as many features, and might now be as fuel-efficient, but it could compensate well in ride comfort, refinement and space.
Adequate engine
The 2.3-liter inline-4 under the hood of the Fusion SE develops 160 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the 5-speed manual transmission, the car performs vigorously but not ferociously; 0-100 km/h sprints take 9.5 seconds. However, the clutch and the shifter work very well.
This engine, which is also found in various Ford and Mazda products, becomes rather buzzy at higher RPMs. On the highway, the 4-cylinder powerplant raises the noise level in the cockpit; the base engines in the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are quieter.
As for fuel consumption, my average of 10.9 L/100 km isn't bad, but again, it's not as good as what the Honda and Toyota 4-cylinders can accomplish.
The Fusion always had good reflexes, and it's also the case with the SE model. Despite a little body roll, the car hangs on in curves and is pretty confident when pushed harder. The steering is communicative and well calibrated.
Still beautiful
The Fusion's been on sale for three years now, and I think it's aging very well. The sedan's shape isn't a work of art, but it's still attractive with its simple yet beautiful silhouette.
The headlights that extend up into the hood and the chromed grille give the Fusion a look that sets it apart from the sedans to originate from Japan and Korea, among others. The taillights remind me so much of the '90s Honda Prelude, a car that I really liked.
Inside, it's a sea of grey, but it's not depressing. The fake carbon fiber trim panel on the centre stack won't convince anybody, but it reduces the dashboard's monotony a bit.
 |
| This engine becomes rather buzzy at higher RPMs. |