It has teamed up with a six-speed, automatic transmission. The gears are adequately space, and it’s well-suited to this type of car. Let’s just say that regardless of the Sport sobriquet, the Fusion emphasizes comfort rather than driving dynamics. Unfortunately, despite the lack of the former, the Fusion isn’t big on fuel efficiency either: I averaged 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during my well-behaved road test. So if fuel efficiency is high on your list of priorities, the hybrid version just might work miracles for you.
On the other hand, I have to admit that the Fusion Sport calls on a very efficient all-wheel-drive system. With lots of traction, the Fusion Sport is one of the most logical choices for our temperamental winters.
Despite a relatively heavy weight of 1,650 kg, handling is good. Again, the all-wheel drive plays a big part. Steering isn’t precise enough, a little loose in the middle, especially for a Sport version. This is a problem compared to the competition, especially the Japanese models.
The brakes are good for this type of car, but not extraordinary. The suspension isn’t stiff enough to fulfil its sporty claim, but seriously, there’s nothing wrong with being comfortable in a sporty car!
Competition
Ford is a newcomer in a very important and broad segment, one that nonetheless shrinks dramatically when you start considering all-wheel drive as a criterion: you’re left with the Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited (from $36,995) and the Volkswagen Passat 4MOTION (around $40,000). If AWD isn’t a priority, you have to consider the big names at the very least: Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (from $31,795), Honda Accord EX-L V6 (from $35,390), Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 (from $31,495), Mazda6 GT-V6 (from $34,395), Nissan Altima 3.5 SE (from $29,998) and Toyota Camry SE V6 (from $31,350). The Ford Fusion Sport AWD starts at $35,299.
Conclusion
Ford has recently proved that it can produce very good cars, and the Fusion is one of them. Its mix of American and European styling is a success. It’s a family car designed for fans of the American automobile that might very well attract a few imported car enthusiasts, as it can definitely hold its own against foreign models. What’s more, Ford has reassuringly demonstrated that the reliability of its cars is clearly on the rise.
photo:Bertrand Godin
On the other hand, I have to admit that the Fusion Sport calls on a very efficient all-wheel-drive system. With lots of traction, the Fusion Sport is one of the most logical choices for our temperamental winters.
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| Ford endowed the Sport version with its 3.5-litre, 263-hp V6 mill. |
Despite a relatively heavy weight of 1,650 kg, handling is good. Again, the all-wheel drive plays a big part. Steering isn’t precise enough, a little loose in the middle, especially for a Sport version. This is a problem compared to the competition, especially the Japanese models.
The brakes are good for this type of car, but not extraordinary. The suspension isn’t stiff enough to fulfil its sporty claim, but seriously, there’s nothing wrong with being comfortable in a sporty car!
Competition
Ford is a newcomer in a very important and broad segment, one that nonetheless shrinks dramatically when you start considering all-wheel drive as a criterion: you’re left with the Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited (from $36,995) and the Volkswagen Passat 4MOTION (around $40,000). If AWD isn’t a priority, you have to consider the big names at the very least: Chevrolet Malibu LTZ (from $31,795), Honda Accord EX-L V6 (from $35,390), Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 (from $31,495), Mazda6 GT-V6 (from $34,395), Nissan Altima 3.5 SE (from $29,998) and Toyota Camry SE V6 (from $31,350). The Ford Fusion Sport AWD starts at $35,299.
Conclusion
Ford has recently proved that it can produce very good cars, and the Fusion is one of them. Its mix of American and European styling is a success. It’s a family car designed for fans of the American automobile that might very well attract a few imported car enthusiasts, as it can definitely hold its own against foreign models. What’s more, Ford has reassuringly demonstrated that the reliability of its cars is clearly on the rise.
photo:Bertrand Godin
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