Ford Fusion to Boost Dearborn's Stakes in the Car Game

Most importantly for Ford, the Fusion marks a return to a segment which the Dearborn-based automaker hasn't offered

The Fusion marks a return to a segment which the Dearborn-based automaker hasn't offered a strong competitor in since its Contour departed in 2000. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

a strong competitor in since its Contour departed in 2000. Of course, the Taurus has been Ford's bread winner in this segment for decades now, but outside of large government and company fleet purchases, it's nowhere near as competitive as it used to be when first launched. The Fusion will effectively replace the Taurus, and together with the Five Hundred will round out Ford's sedan offerings for the time being.

In the U.S. the Fusion will be available in three trim levels for 2006, the base S, mid-level SE and top-line SEL. The S will only come with the four-cylinder engine, connected to a five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic transmission.

Regarding safety equipment, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes will be available as part of an option package.

Fusion SE or SEL models will offer an optional 221-horsepower, 3.0-litre V6 that connects through to a six-speed automatic

The Fusion SE V6 will have a base price of $21,275 USD, shipping included, while a Fusion SEL V6 will be just under $22,400 USD. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

transmission. The Fusion SE V6 will have a base price of $21,275 USD, shipping included, while a Fusion SEL V6 will be just under $22,400 USD.

Other models to share the Mazda6 architecture will include a new midsize Lincoln dubbed Zephyr, and the U.S.-only Mercury Milan, both of which will become available this fall.

For the 2007 model year, all-wheel drive will most likely become an option in the Fusion, while a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain is expected to be available shortly thereafter.