Beefed-up suspension
The regular Fusion walks a line that favours ride comfort over deft handling characteristics, and that’s life as it should be in a car that is intended to please the masses. That said, the chassis underpinning the Fusion is pleasantly spirited, which means that it serves as a great foundation for building upon.
The Fusion Sport takes those handling capabilities to a whole new dimension. No, we’re not talking BMW 3-Series here but we are talking composed, lively handling dynamics that are secure, balanced and predictable – aka fun to drive.
This is a car that will, in the real world, please those that appreciate extended handling thresholds but are unwilling to sacrifice ride comfort or tolerate sticker-shock to get it. Ford has struck a bit of a sweet spot here.
Value
The Fusion Sport with its potent engine and AWD traction is stickered at $35,299. Some may bristle at the thought of paying something in the mid-30s for a Fusion but don’t make that mistake without spending time behind its wheel and examining the extensive array of content found within as standard equipment. About the only option available is voice-recognition navigation.
In addition to power and traction, standard Sport accoutrements include heated leather-trimmed power-operated seats, premium Sony audio with surround sound, Ford SYNC communications and entertainment technology, dual-zone climate control, exterior temperature, power moonroof, automatic headlamps, fog lamps and SecuriCode keyless entry.
Safety has not been overlooked either. Standard equipment here includes AdvanceTrac ESC (Electronic Stability Control), 4-wheel antilock brakes, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert, Reverse Sensing System with Rear View Camera plus a comprehensive array of airbags providing protection to front and rear seat occupants.
When the full assortment of included equipment is factored-into the equation, along with the outstanding driving pleasure imparted by the Fusion Sport, it’s clear that this week’s tester is a value leader in the mid-size performance sedan segment. It’s also an aesthetically appealing vehicle, which sets new parameters for the venerable Fusion.
Wrapping the Fusion Sport
When Ford offered-up its new Fusion Sport for a road test, I was nonplussed about the opportunity thinking that ‘Sport’ was just another label to be discredited by the same old, same old. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
A Fusion has never been a vehicle that I have yearned for in my driveway until now. Ford has given the 2010 Fusion Sport the credibility to occupy that spot.
photo:Rob Rothwell
The regular Fusion walks a line that favours ride comfort over deft handling characteristics, and that’s life as it should be in a car that is intended to please the masses. That said, the chassis underpinning the Fusion is pleasantly spirited, which means that it serves as a great foundation for building upon.
The Fusion Sport takes those handling capabilities to a whole new dimension. No, we’re not talking BMW 3-Series here but we are talking composed, lively handling dynamics that are secure, balanced and predictable – aka fun to drive.
This is a car that will, in the real world, please those that appreciate extended handling thresholds but are unwilling to sacrifice ride comfort or tolerate sticker-shock to get it. Ford has struck a bit of a sweet spot here.
Value
The Fusion Sport with its potent engine and AWD traction is stickered at $35,299. Some may bristle at the thought of paying something in the mid-30s for a Fusion but don’t make that mistake without spending time behind its wheel and examining the extensive array of content found within as standard equipment. About the only option available is voice-recognition navigation.
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| The 3.5-litre V6 powering the Sport also produces 249 pound-feet of torque @ 4,500 rpm. |
In addition to power and traction, standard Sport accoutrements include heated leather-trimmed power-operated seats, premium Sony audio with surround sound, Ford SYNC communications and entertainment technology, dual-zone climate control, exterior temperature, power moonroof, automatic headlamps, fog lamps and SecuriCode keyless entry.
Safety has not been overlooked either. Standard equipment here includes AdvanceTrac ESC (Electronic Stability Control), 4-wheel antilock brakes, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert, Reverse Sensing System with Rear View Camera plus a comprehensive array of airbags providing protection to front and rear seat occupants.
When the full assortment of included equipment is factored-into the equation, along with the outstanding driving pleasure imparted by the Fusion Sport, it’s clear that this week’s tester is a value leader in the mid-size performance sedan segment. It’s also an aesthetically appealing vehicle, which sets new parameters for the venerable Fusion.
Wrapping the Fusion Sport
When Ford offered-up its new Fusion Sport for a road test, I was nonplussed about the opportunity thinking that ‘Sport’ was just another label to be discredited by the same old, same old. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
A Fusion has never been a vehicle that I have yearned for in my driveway until now. Ford has given the 2010 Fusion Sport the credibility to occupy that spot.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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