Not to say that the Fusion is a simple vehicle, with plenty of thought
going into the ergonomics and design, but the instrumentation couldn't be any simpler. The raised gauges on the instrument panel, with their XXXL-sized font type, aren't sporty but couldn't be any more clear - or larger for that matter. Much the same can be said about the digital climate control, with its wide readout and oversized buttons, located on the lower shelf of the two-tiered centre console. And then there's the analogue clock, an object of outspoken elegance, which is lost amongst the piano black lacquer trim and sporty interior shapes.
On the upper shelf of the centre console, you'll find the stereo with its big head-unit and friendly looking buttons, which are easy to find and operate while driving. Flushly integrated into the dash, the standard stereo, with MP3-CD capability, is a device definitely geared towards a younger crowd; on neutral settings it's extremely bass-heavy, so much so that it often overpowers songs. Best stick to hip-hop, dub and house, surely not the type of music that Five Hundred owners have on their mix tapes.
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its cabin, the trunk is suitably large, made even more useful by its square shape, and low-loading deck. The trunk itself can accommodate an enormous 444 litres (15.7 cu-ft) of cargo, which is up there with the segment leaders, but should you need more space, just pull the two tabs located on the trunk's walls that release the latches, folding down the 40/60 split rear seat. It's a nice thought on Ford's part, and a real convenience seeing as you don't have to walk around the vehicle when your cargo won't fit.
Perhaps one of the most impressive things about the Fusion is its pricing. Value for the money, which the Fusion definitely has, considering its extensive standard features list, is a given, but the engineering and driving performance? That's usually extra - a lot more extra, but not so with the Fusion. A base SE model starts at just $22,999, undercut only by the ABS-less Hyundai Sonata, while a four-cylinder SEL model like my tester, has a list price of $25,299. Options for the SEL include leather-trimmed seats with 427 Concept-style oatmeal-coloured stitched seats, power sunroof and a 6-disc Audiophile-Mach sound system capable of making ears bleed.
If ownership of a car has more meaning to you than to get you from
A to B - a transportation appliance - the Fusion answers a call that most midsize vehicle buyers merely ignore. Ford has shown that it can produce a good looking product that's actually fun to drive, while being spacious, practical and efficient. With a range full of cars like the Fusion, Ford should be able to turn itself around, making a name for itself as the builder of drivers' vehicles - a parallel of its image in Europe. After an era of boring midsize Fords, the Fusion is step in the right direction, taking Ford where it needs to be.
Specifications (Ford Fusion SEL i4):
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| With oversized fonts, and few gauges, the Fusion's instrument panel only tells you what you really need to know. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
On the upper shelf of the centre console, you'll find the stereo with its big head-unit and friendly looking buttons, which are easy to find and operate while driving. Flushly integrated into the dash, the standard stereo, with MP3-CD capability, is a device definitely geared towards a younger crowd; on neutral settings it's extremely bass-heavy, so much so that it often overpowers songs. Best stick to hip-hop, dub and house, surely not the type of music that Five Hundred owners have on their mix tapes.
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| Cargo isn't neglected: lid raises on struts with no obtrusive hinges, and there's even a trunk-mounted lever which folds the rear bench down. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Perhaps one of the most impressive things about the Fusion is its pricing. Value for the money, which the Fusion definitely has, considering its extensive standard features list, is a given, but the engineering and driving performance? That's usually extra - a lot more extra, but not so with the Fusion. A base SE model starts at just $22,999, undercut only by the ABS-less Hyundai Sonata, while a four-cylinder SEL model like my tester, has a list price of $25,299. Options for the SEL include leather-trimmed seats with 427 Concept-style oatmeal-coloured stitched seats, power sunroof and a 6-disc Audiophile-Mach sound system capable of making ears bleed.
If ownership of a car has more meaning to you than to get you from
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| Out of the whole interior, this flimsy bin lid was the only serious fault. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Specifications (Ford Fusion SEL i4):
- Price Range (Fusion SEL i4 MSRP): $25,299 - $30,839
- Price as Tested (MSRP): $25,299
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 160 hp, 156 lb-ft of torque, 2.3L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,831 / 1,834 / 1,417 / 2,728 mm (190.2 / 72.2 / 55.8 / 107.4 in)
- Curb Weight: 1406 kg (3101 lbs)
- Tires: 225/50R17
- Capacity (trunk): 447 L (15.8 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.2 / 6.9 L/100 km (23 / 34 mpg)
- Observed Fuel Economy: 8.0 L/100 km (29 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 km comprehensive, 60/100,000 km powertrain
- Competitors: Buick Allure, Chevrolet Malibu / Impala, Chrysler Sebring, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta / Passat
- Website: www.ford.ca
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