2006 Ford Fusion Preview

Now that I've got hauling on the mind, the Fusion should also move off the line rather quickly. At 1,407 kilos (3,101 pounds) in

Either the 160-hp 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder, or the 210-hp 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 should allow the Fusion to keep up with its rivals. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

base trim, a hair lighter than the Camry and just over the Accord and 6 curb weights, its 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder should allow the Fusion to keep up with its rivals. The base engine produces 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, which is, give or take a few ponies, inline with the majority of cars in this segment, except those, like the Buick Allure, which offer a standard V6.

Of course, a standard V6 can't be as fuel efficient as a four, which is the reason all the Asian brands and Ford chooses to equip its base car with the miserly engine. While exact figures are not yet available, Mazda achieves 9.4 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 7.3 on the highway when the 4-cylinder, which makes slightly more horsepower and torque than the Fusion, is mated to the standard 5-speed manual. Considering the base Mazda6 offers lively performance, and the Fusion

Ford promises dynamic handling to go along with the Fusion's sporty styling. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

doesn't way much more, the entry-level engine should be popular with budget conscious consumers.

For those wanting more get up and go, however, a 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 is optional, sporting 210-horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. While not as powerful as the top-line Camry, Accord or 6, the Fusion, in fully loaded form, is lighter than all three and offers a sophisticated 6-speed automatic as well, which should be enough to kick out the same spirited levels of performance its rivals deliver without the fuel economy drawbacks that normally come with larger displacement engines.