Although the transmission includes a manual mode, the rocker switch on the shift lever is far from ideal when you’re in need of a little spirited driving; we tried it once, and it rows through the gears fairly quickly, but otherwise we’re leaving the tranny manage itself, which it does very well.
Decent amount of space and big trunk
Size-wise, the Fusion is not as imposing as the Honda or the Toyota, but you will find a good amount of room inside; headroom and legroom dimensions are about average for the mid-size sedan segment. The trunk, however, is huge at 467 litres, only 2 shy of the class-leading Mazda6’s cargo hold.
While certain dashboard surfaces are rough, overall the fit and finish is very likeable. Newcomers in the segment, such as the Kia Optima and the Suzuki Kizashi, feel richer inside, though.
Curiously, the Fusion’s curved rear window distorts the view out back. It’s not a big deal, mind you; it’s just that every car and truck following you is tall and narrow. We feel as though we’re being chased by a flock of Toyota Echo sedans.
The SYNC system is a pretty capable system, allowing the driver to summon up a particular band, song or music genre by voice command. In addition, the touch-screen responds quickly to finger input. The climate control buttons on the bottom of the centre stack however, are small and not easy to manipulate while driving.
Options hike up the price
The $26,199 Fusion SEL may offer a decent amount of equipment for the asking price, but our test car was also stuffed with the Driver’s Vision Package (blind-spot monitor, rear view camera, backup sonar and rain-sensing wipers), the Moons & Tunes Package (power sunroof, Sony 12-speaker surround sound system) and a navigation system. Total: $34,199 before taxes, freight and delivery charges.
 |
| The interior appearance doesn’t look as rich as what’s found in the Kia Optima and Suzuki Kizashi. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Decent amount of space and big trunk
Size-wise, the Fusion is not as imposing as the Honda or the Toyota, but you will find a good amount of room inside; headroom and legroom dimensions are about average for the mid-size sedan segment. The trunk, however, is huge at 467 litres, only 2 shy of the class-leading Mazda6’s cargo hold.
While certain dashboard surfaces are rough, overall the fit and finish is very likeable. Newcomers in the segment, such as the Kia Optima and the Suzuki Kizashi, feel richer inside, though.
Curiously, the Fusion’s curved rear window distorts the view out back. It’s not a big deal, mind you; it’s just that every car and truck following you is tall and narrow. We feel as though we’re being chased by a flock of Toyota Echo sedans.
The SYNC system is a pretty capable system, allowing the driver to summon up a particular band, song or music genre by voice command. In addition, the touch-screen responds quickly to finger input. The climate control buttons on the bottom of the centre stack however, are small and not easy to manipulate while driving.
Options hike up the price
The $26,199 Fusion SEL may offer a decent amount of equipment for the asking price, but our test car was also stuffed with the Driver’s Vision Package (blind-spot monitor, rear view camera, backup sonar and rain-sensing wipers), the Moons & Tunes Package (power sunroof, Sony 12-speaker surround sound system) and a navigation system. Total: $34,199 before taxes, freight and delivery charges.
 |
| The SYNC system is a pretty capable system, allowing the driver to summon up a band, song or music genre by voice command. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |