The 2.3L retains the 160 hp but torque increases from 150 lb/ft to 156. The V6's horsepower jumps to 221, up from 210. Torque rises meekly
from 200 lb/ft to 205. The 2.3L can either be mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic and the V6 gets a 6-speed automatic. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard as is a fully independent suspension.
The on-road test consisted of lapping the Circuit accompanied by aninstructor to help us with finding the best lines through the course, especially for those that have never been on this track, namely me. What these laps revealed is that Ford seems to have done a good job finding a happy medium between the all-important handling and comfort aspects of driving a car. Through the chicanes, the Fusion has a tendency roll but grip remains constant throughout. Before entering the curves, a solid application of pressure to the brake pedal reveals confident braking power even from reasonably high speeds. The pedal is firm and it is easy to modulate.
The available 4-cylinder SEL for testing was mated to the 5-speed manual
transmission, as the 5-speed auto will only be offered at a later date. Power delivery is smooth however the travel of the shifter through the gate lacks precision and feeling. The V6, although missing the pizzazz of Honda's 3.0L, does a nice job of getting the near 3 200 lb sedan up to speed. The 6-speed automatic swaps gears effortlessly however would be best served by a manual mode especially when negotiating curves on the track. On the street, I am confident that it will do a fine job overall.
If the Ford Five Hundred put out what little fire there was left at Ford, the Mustang set the barns'a'blazin. The new Fusion will hopefully maintain the renewed energy and life that is now flowing in the Ford design studios.
The future of the Fusion is going to be very bright. Ford intends on offering an AWD and a Hybrid version, Ford's second after the Escape
Hybrid. The opportunity for a coupe and convertible may also present itself should the market desire such cars. A station wagon may also be in the works. Personally, I am hoping for an ST or GT trim that will incorporate the turbocharged 2.3L I-4 and an AWD drive train.
Price range begins at a reasonable $22,995 for the base SE 4-cylinder. A fully optioned out SEL V6 will top out around $32,000.
Good stuff:
Styling
Interior room
Pricing
Not so good stuff:
5-speed manual shifter linkage
Competitors:
Pontiac G6
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
Mazda 6
 |
The on-road test consisted of lapping the Circuit accompanied by aninstructor to help us with finding the best lines through the course, especially for those that have never been on this track, namely me. What these laps revealed is that Ford seems to have done a good job finding a happy medium between the all-important handling and comfort aspects of driving a car. Through the chicanes, the Fusion has a tendency roll but grip remains constant throughout. Before entering the curves, a solid application of pressure to the brake pedal reveals confident braking power even from reasonably high speeds. The pedal is firm and it is easy to modulate.
The available 4-cylinder SEL for testing was mated to the 5-speed manual
 |
If the Ford Five Hundred put out what little fire there was left at Ford, the Mustang set the barns'a'blazin. The new Fusion will hopefully maintain the renewed energy and life that is now flowing in the Ford design studios.
The future of the Fusion is going to be very bright. Ford intends on offering an AWD and a Hybrid version, Ford's second after the Escape
 |
Price range begins at a reasonable $22,995 for the base SE 4-cylinder. A fully optioned out SEL V6 will top out around $32,000.
Good stuff:
Styling
Interior room
Pricing
Not so good stuff:
5-speed manual shifter linkage
 |
Pontiac G6
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
Mazda 6
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