The big news is the long-awaited Hybrid variant that includes a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder that runs an Atkinson cycle and that works hand in hand with an electric motor and battery pack to provide a combined output of 191 horsepower. The hybrid also features a CVT automatic. Like the Escape Hybrid, the electric Fusion can run on battery power alone, but up to about 75 km/h before the combustion engine helps out.
No fuel economy figures have yet been published for the Canadian-spec Fusion Hybrid, but the US model has a city rating of 41 mpg, or 5.7 L/100 km. The US fuel ratings are now tougher than in Canada, but Ford claims an 8-mpg improvement over the Camry Hybrid, or a 1.4 L/100 km difference.
Standard equipment
The Fusion SE includes air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, a 6-way power driver's seat, SIRIUS satellite radio, cruise control, wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps, an alarm system and six airbags. Mechanically, it also features 17-inch wheels with P225/50R17 tires, disc brakes with ABS as well as a stability-control system.
The SEL adds a mandatory automatic transmission, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, a dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, SYNC and alloy wheels. Options include the 3.0-litre V6 and all-wheel drive.
The Fusion Sport gets the bigger V6, all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, a blind-spot monitor, aerodynamic add-ons, a power sunroof, rear park assist with camera, 18-inch wheels with P225/45R18 tires, an upgraded sound system with 6-CD changer and 12 speakers, a power front-passenger seat and heated leather seats.
Finally, the Fusion Hybrid offers roughly the same equipment as the SEL but adds rear park assist, a 6-CD changer and a dazzling LCD instrument cluster that displays the hybrid powertrain at work.
A navigation system and a remote starter are optional on SEL, Sport and Hybrid models, while the sunroof, SYNC and a 6-CD changer are available on the SE.
Conclusion
Pricing for the 2010 Fusion ranges from $22,799 for the base SE to $35,299 for the Sport AWD version. The 4-cylinder SEL will probably be the volume seller and starts at $25,799, while the Hybrid will carry a base price of $31,999.
It's not a total redesign, but the 2010 Ford Fusion should be a solid improvement over the current and competent Fusion. The mid-size sedan market is a tough one, and Ford's contender has all it takes to battle its numerous rivals. In addition, the Hybrid version is expected to give the Camry Hybrid a serious challenge.
photo:Ford
No fuel economy figures have yet been published for the Canadian-spec Fusion Hybrid, but the US model has a city rating of 41 mpg, or 5.7 L/100 km. The US fuel ratings are now tougher than in Canada, but Ford claims an 8-mpg improvement over the Camry Hybrid, or a 1.4 L/100 km difference.
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| The long-awaited Hybrid includes a 4-cylinder that works hand in hand with an electric motor and battery pack. |
Standard equipment
The Fusion SE includes air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, a 6-way power driver's seat, SIRIUS satellite radio, cruise control, wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lamps, an alarm system and six airbags. Mechanically, it also features 17-inch wheels with P225/50R17 tires, disc brakes with ABS as well as a stability-control system.
The SEL adds a mandatory automatic transmission, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, a dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, SYNC and alloy wheels. Options include the 3.0-litre V6 and all-wheel drive.
The Fusion Sport gets the bigger V6, all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, a blind-spot monitor, aerodynamic add-ons, a power sunroof, rear park assist with camera, 18-inch wheels with P225/45R18 tires, an upgraded sound system with 6-CD changer and 12 speakers, a power front-passenger seat and heated leather seats.
Finally, the Fusion Hybrid offers roughly the same equipment as the SEL but adds rear park assist, a 6-CD changer and a dazzling LCD instrument cluster that displays the hybrid powertrain at work.
A navigation system and a remote starter are optional on SEL, Sport and Hybrid models, while the sunroof, SYNC and a 6-CD changer are available on the SE.
Conclusion
Pricing for the 2010 Fusion ranges from $22,799 for the base SE to $35,299 for the Sport AWD version. The 4-cylinder SEL will probably be the volume seller and starts at $25,799, while the Hybrid will carry a base price of $31,999.
It's not a total redesign, but the 2010 Ford Fusion should be a solid improvement over the current and competent Fusion. The mid-size sedan market is a tough one, and Ford's contender has all it takes to battle its numerous rivals. In addition, the Hybrid version is expected to give the Camry Hybrid a serious challenge.
photo:Ford
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