Technical
The Fusion is available in two trim levels, SE and SEL. Both can be selected with one of the two engine choices. They are a 160 hp 2.3L 4-cylinder or a 221 hp 3.0L V6. The 4-cylinder can be had with either a 5-speed manual or automatic. The V6 is only delivered with a 6-speed automatic. Brakes are 4-wheel discs. Steering is speed-sensitive power assisted rack and pinion and the suspension is fully independent.
On the road
The V6 is very energetic but what really impresses me is how well the automatic transmission works. It is quick on its toes, very responsive and a solid performer. The combination of the two makes for a quick and spirited driving experience. Average returned fuel consumption hovered around 10L per 100 km.
The brake pedal is firm and stopping distances are very reasonable. Pressure modulation is quite achievable for smooth stopping. The suspension displays a smart compromise between spirited handling and comfort; a must for the North American market. Its travel is generous and impressively well controlled. At no time did it give the impression that it could not handle the dips and ruts of our wonderful roads.
Steering, although reasonably precise and well assisted, suffers at the hands of a dreadful lack of on center feel. Driving on country roads quickly becomes unpleasant when repeated side-to-side corrections need to be made. The rack and pinion seems to be entirely disconnected when the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position.
Comparison
The Mazda6 vs. the Fusion. These two cars both share the same platform. This means that the underpinnings of the two are nearly identical. The Fusion's chassis is slightly longer and wider for more interior room. Both cars use the same 4 and 6-cylider engines and even share the same transmissions. One of the Mazda6's principal attractions is its phenomenal driving dynamics. The Fusion, because of this, is actually one of the best driving Ford sedans in a very long time. The Mazda6 still displays a sportier drive and has an edgier exterior design. The only real advantage to the 6 is its better basic warranty. To chose between the two, it really depends on whether the buyer wants a smoother or sportier drive.
Safety
The car has standard dual front air bags, available side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, traction control with the V6 and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a Good result) in frontal impacts for both front occupants. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the Fusion "Average".
Conclusion
Ford is a company that has been struggling quite a bit in the recent past. Although they have an interesting line-up of cars, they fall short in many instances to others, namely Toyota. The Ford Fusion is a sign of a revival at Ford. The design, the drive and the final product is some of the best that has come from Ford in many moons. The Fusion is a force to reckon with in the tough midsize car segment and should be considered when shopping for one of these cars.
Good stuff:
Engine and transmission combo
Ride
Not so good stuff:
Steering
Tan interior
Competitors:
[link artid="31484"]Honda Accord[/link]
Pontiac G6
Volkswagen Passat
Mazda6
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima
The Fusion is available in two trim levels, SE and SEL. Both can be selected with one of the two engine choices. They are a 160 hp 2.3L 4-cylinder or a 221 hp 3.0L V6. The 4-cylinder can be had with either a 5-speed manual or automatic. The V6 is only delivered with a 6-speed automatic. Brakes are 4-wheel discs. Steering is speed-sensitive power assisted rack and pinion and the suspension is fully independent.
On the road
The V6 is very energetic but what really impresses me is how well the automatic transmission works. It is quick on its toes, very responsive and a solid performer. The combination of the two makes for a quick and spirited driving experience. Average returned fuel consumption hovered around 10L per 100 km.
The brake pedal is firm and stopping distances are very reasonable. Pressure modulation is quite achievable for smooth stopping. The suspension displays a smart compromise between spirited handling and comfort; a must for the North American market. Its travel is generous and impressively well controlled. At no time did it give the impression that it could not handle the dips and ruts of our wonderful roads.
Steering, although reasonably precise and well assisted, suffers at the hands of a dreadful lack of on center feel. Driving on country roads quickly becomes unpleasant when repeated side-to-side corrections need to be made. The rack and pinion seems to be entirely disconnected when the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position.
Comparison
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Safety
The car has standard dual front air bags, available side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, traction control with the V6 and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a Good result) in frontal impacts for both front occupants. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated the Fusion "Average".
 |
Conclusion
Ford is a company that has been struggling quite a bit in the recent past. Although they have an interesting line-up of cars, they fall short in many instances to others, namely Toyota. The Ford Fusion is a sign of a revival at Ford. The design, the drive and the final product is some of the best that has come from Ford in many moons. The Fusion is a force to reckon with in the tough midsize car segment and should be considered when shopping for one of these cars.
Good stuff:
Engine and transmission combo
Ride
Not so good stuff:
 |
Steering
Tan interior
Competitors:
[link artid="31484"]Honda Accord[/link]
Pontiac G6
Volkswagen Passat
Mazda6
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima
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