The 3.0-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engines in the SEL and Sport models, respectively, develop 240 and 263 horsepower. Although not a necessity, they provide extra punch that was appreciated on Quebec City's hilly streets, but fuel consumption can get up there if you're naughty with your right foot.
As for the Hybrid, we participated in a fuel economy challenge, but we unfortunately didn't win. We did end up with a low average of 5.5 litres per 100 km, and the car drives as well as any conventional Fusion. However, we did notice a lot of powertrain hissing when we lowered the windows; not a big deal, but bystanders might think your car has a problem.
Yet if we drove the SE I4 model as slowly as we did with the Hybrid, we might have ended up with an average of about 7.5 L/100 km.
Pricing and competition
The 2010 Fusion S starts at $21,499, and an SE costs $22,799. Add $1,200 on both of them for the 6-speed automatic, since a 6-speed manual is standard.
Moving up in equipment, the SEL I4 carries a $25,799 sticker and comes with the automatic only, while a V6 version is $28,799. All-wheel drive is optional on the SEL V6 and costs $30,799. Finally, the Sport AWD rounds out the gas-powered-only product offering with a $35,299 MSRP, which is stepping into the Lincoln MKZ's territory.
At $31,999, the Hybrid isn't a striking deal, but might be worth it just for the amazing dash display that includes two LCD screens and a bunch of meters, gauges and tree branches with green leaves to help improve your consumption even more.
The Fusion has a lot of rivals, ranging from the Chevrolet Malibu, the aforementioned Camry and Accord, the Nissan Altima and the Mazda6.
Conclusion
We felt that the SE model with the 2.5-litre engine was the most comfortable. It's well-equipped for its asking price, and we expect it to be a good seller in Canada. However, the absolute deal is the base S, which includes A/C, 16-inch alloys, power amenities and stability control.
With five trim levels and four powertrains, the 2010 Fusion has a model for just about anyone in the market for a good, comfortable and stylish mid-size sedan. America strikes back, finally.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
As for the Hybrid, we participated in a fuel economy challenge, but we unfortunately didn't win. We did end up with a low average of 5.5 litres per 100 km, and the car drives as well as any conventional Fusion. However, we did notice a lot of powertrain hissing when we lowered the windows; not a big deal, but bystanders might think your car has a problem.
Yet if we drove the SE I4 model as slowly as we did with the Hybrid, we might have ended up with an average of about 7.5 L/100 km.
Pricing and competition
The 2010 Fusion S starts at $21,499, and an SE costs $22,799. Add $1,200 on both of them for the 6-speed automatic, since a 6-speed manual is standard.
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| The 2010 Fusion S starts at $21,499, and an SE costs $22,799. |
Moving up in equipment, the SEL I4 carries a $25,799 sticker and comes with the automatic only, while a V6 version is $28,799. All-wheel drive is optional on the SEL V6 and costs $30,799. Finally, the Sport AWD rounds out the gas-powered-only product offering with a $35,299 MSRP, which is stepping into the Lincoln MKZ's territory.
At $31,999, the Hybrid isn't a striking deal, but might be worth it just for the amazing dash display that includes two LCD screens and a bunch of meters, gauges and tree branches with green leaves to help improve your consumption even more.
The Fusion has a lot of rivals, ranging from the Chevrolet Malibu, the aforementioned Camry and Accord, the Nissan Altima and the Mazda6.
Conclusion
We felt that the SE model with the 2.5-litre engine was the most comfortable. It's well-equipped for its asking price, and we expect it to be a good seller in Canada. However, the absolute deal is the base S, which includes A/C, 16-inch alloys, power amenities and stability control.
With five trim levels and four powertrains, the 2010 Fusion has a model for just about anyone in the market for a good, comfortable and stylish mid-size sedan. America strikes back, finally.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
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