But instead of bold and brutish, the Fusion is slim, trim and
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| Expect to see a lot of this, and a lot of three-bar chrome grilles. These defining features are pure Ford. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
thoroughly modern, a style set by those thin, vertical headlamps and triangular taillamps filled with fantastic and almost concept-like detailing. The rest of the Fusion's body is somewhat ordinary, a standard three-box sedan with good flow, accentuated with splashes of chrome about the window line and license plate holder for good measure. In other words, it's that dash of chili sauce to wake up the tastebuds after decades of blandness. The Fusion is the first vehicle to bear this new look, which Ford is banking on - you can see it in the Fusion-based Edge crossover that debuted at this year's NAIAS in Motor City, and on a number of concept cars and trucks, as well as, according to reliable sources, the mid-cycle update of the Five Hundred.
You must be thinking that with such a stylish exterior penned by a top European designer, the entirety of the Fusion's budget must have been spent, meaning remnants of the Tauruses' corpse underneath. If you find that this resembles your line of thinking, you're a pessimist who has little faith in Ford and probably a grizzly outlook on life in general and should probably stop watching the 11 o'clock news. The Fusion is one of several vehicles to be based off the new CD3 platform, which shares basic blueprint elements with the Mazda6, one of the best handling midsize cars ever made. Every aspect, however, has been modified by the Blue Oval to ensure that it's not just a 6 in different clothes. In all dimensions, from length, to height and track, the Fusion is sizably larger, ready to fully compete with Camry and Co.
In
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| Unexpected cold snap prevented all-out performance tests, and gave Fusion a bit of a runny nose. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
its research and development labs, Dearborn has genetically altered the 6, adding 13 percent greater rigidity to the 6 sedan's reasonably rigid skeleton, which should help to ward off any premature squeaks and rattles while boosting its passive safety. This strengthening was only one of the many advancements that Ford has made in its first completely digitized car. That's right, the Fusion was designed, simulated and engineered completely on computers, something Ford is very proud of. They're equally as proud that this is the first car they've made that comes equipped with the keyfob integrated into the key. What advancements the 21st century holds! I wonder what they'll come up with next...
A dusting of snow and frozen rain prevented any serious performance driving, but I have reservations about the Fusion's ability to entertain demanding drivers. The rack and pinion steering setup was tight, feeling heavy and deliberate when flung into the bends, taking complete control over the road beneath the 225/50R 17 tires, which believe it or not come standard with the SEL. The brakes, standard four-wheel discs with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) have good stopping power, but are marred by a slightly mushy pedal. Traction control can't be had on four-cylinder cars, and stability control can't be had at all, although the Fusion's cornering deftness really prevents a need for such electronic aids.
Enlarging the Mazda skeleton has worked in the Fusion's favour, putting
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| Bold nose and tail compensate for the blander bits in between. Chrome accents aid visual appeal, though. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
it more in line with midstream midsize cars. The long wheelbase makes for a smoother and more relaxed ride than its Japanese relative, cutting the fidget; softer-tuned springs and dampers dial the stiffness down. By American car standards, the Fusion is firm, which helps to preserve the sporting undertones. The additional rigidity, new rubber dampened suspension subframes as well as extra soundproofing material makes the Fusion quieter than the Mazda6, but it's not as hush-hush as a Camry.
