Fusion

Vehicle: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport AWD 3.5 V6
Price as tested: CDN$36749

Performance: Other than the introduction of hybrid to Fusion, the biggest highlight is the addition of a more powerful engine. During our initial test drive of the original Fusion, we found out power is the biggest issue with this otherwise nice car. For 2010, Ford added a 3.5 liter V6 in addition to the 3.0 liter; as well as upgraded the base 2.3 liter 4-cylinder to 2.5 liter.

This excellent 3.5 liter V6 is only available with the Sport AWD. It has 263 horses and 249 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. The sluggishness of the 3.0 liter has addressed dramatically with the latest 3.5 liter. As it provides plenty of power thoroughout the rev range, even if it carries the additional weight of AWD. While the impressive low-end torque of 249 lb/ft arrives at 4500rpm seems high, it works exceptionally well without any hestiation as the smaller engine. On the other hand, the variable valve timing has helped Fusion’s top range a whole lot without feeling breathless. The throttle response is quick and abrupt. The sweet 6-speed manumatic is the only gearbox offers in the Fusion. It has to be considered as one of the smoothest and quickest manumatic available in the family car class. The 1st gear is low enough for peppy acceleration, on the other hand, the 6th is tall enough for comfortable cruising. The manumatic mode has reacted fast to driver input without lazy to up and downshifts. This gearbox is the perfect match for this willing engine to provide exceptional performance. Something that Fusion needed since day 1.

Handling: While the original Fusion has been known for its rigid and stiff chassis, as well as sure-footness handling; the addition of AWD has added an extra bracket of security to the already good car. Our tester comes with the sports suspension, which have firmer damping characteristics to provide a more exciting driving experience. It really worths the extra pennies to opt for Fusion’s sports suspension as it provides an ideal balance of ride and handling. The cornering abilities of the standard Fusion already judged as one of the best in this segment, the sports suspension has taken it into another level. This Fusion feels every bit as good as any German sports sedan costing thousands more. The steering is sharp and provide plenty of driver feedback, it also doesn’t feel twitchy. On the other hand, the AWD is a perfect partner to Ford’s Advance Trac with Electronic Stability Control. Before the ESC steps in to save the driver from any crashes, the AWD is the one who steps in by detecting the offending wheel. If there is any offending wheel which is detected to be slippage, the very good AWD system would step in. If all else fails, ESC would step in before the vehicle heads into a crash. That also means ESC only steps it necessarily without being instrusive. Everything else has been worked exceptionally well altogether. Push through corners, the Fusion exceeds with controlled body rolls and safe understeer which expected from a mid-size family sedan. You know what’s most surprising of all is how the ingedients put together. The Fusion provides decent amount of driving pleasure and road feel which are lack in some of its rivals. Another delightful surprise is how well this sports suspended Fusion rides. Its damping characteristics has sorts of European supple feel, which doesn’t feel softly sprung nor overdamping. Ford engineers have dialed in enough firmess for driver without sacificing comfortable ride for passengers.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the new Fusion’s brake feels as confidently as the vehicle itself. The stopping distance is short. While the brake feel and modulation are solid. It doesn’t have any softness to the pedal feel of previous Ford products. On the other hand, the ABS only steps in at the right time at the right place which is a godsent.

Interior: Ford’s interiors really have come a long way in recent years, the new Fusion is no exception. Gone is the cheap plastic pieces in the old car, in with the softer and classier plastic materials. The rest is the environment that is a very nice place to spend time in. Both the dual zone climate control and Ford’s In Sync system have worked really nicely. The leather seats on our Sport model provide plenty of support for both thigh and leg.

At the back of the Fusion, it got uninstrusive trunk hinges, which means it won’t crashed into any groceries put underneath. That’s despite of the somewhat high liftover, Fusion’s trunk is quite spacious and easy to load cargos into. However, it doesn’t have any handle to access to the trunk except from the keyfob or trunk release inside. If you consider as one of the doors to access to the interior, it needs a damn handle for god’s sake!

Conclusion: Ford has done a marvelous job of revamping the Fusion. Its not only getting an AWD, which adds a significant marketing bonus to the Fusion range. It also solved what Fusion really needed in day 1, and that’s power. With both 3.5 liter and an AWD, Fusion can finally fly with any of the top contenders in this competitive family car segment. If you are looking for a family car that has both pace and grace, its hard not to overlook the Fusion.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Ford Fusion
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Performance: 4.25/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Vehicle: 2006 Ford Fusion SE V6 with Enhanced Safety Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$28044

Handling: Fusion’s driving dynamics is a pleasant surprise given its based on the award-winning Mazda6 platform. The fundamental of Fusion’s chassis is simply excellent because its solid-as-a-rock without any rattles and cracks that were so common on previous Ford platforms. Its front double balljoint SLA and rear multi-link suspension have done a very good job of absorbing all the roughness on the road without losing the driving communication that is so famous with this platform. The result is a family sedan that is as fun-to-drive as anywhere else in its class, with a sense of European solidity. The steering feels heavy enough without all those loose feeling of most American products. On the other hand, its downright precise and responsive. The communication is solid and feedback is reassuring. As for ride quality, Ford engineers have given the springs and shocks right rates as it absorbs both large and small bumps comfortably. It rides as good as anything else in its class. Just like its handling, Fusion has some European influence with its supple ride quality. As expected from a mid-size family sedan, both the understeer and body rolls are very well-controlled. The understeer is mild when pushed hard into a corner.

Performance: Fusion is powered by 2 Duratec engine units. A 2.3L 4-cylinder with 160 hp and 156 lb/ft of torque or the 3.0l V6 24-valver in our tester. This powerplant is good for 221 horses and 205 lb/ft of torque. With maximum torque arrives at 4200 rpm, it lacks the sharp bottom end of most of its competitors. Just like other Duratecs, this powerplant also lack the well-honed refinement of its European and Japanese competitors. The saving grace has to be its responsive 6-speed automatic tranny. Its smooth-as-a-nut with proper gear ratios, its very willing to up and downshifts per driver’s demand. The throttle response is more than acceptable in this V6 Fusion. Just like the low-end, Duratec’s top-end also feels somewhat rough when pushed. Ford has promised to upgraded this Duratec30 into Duratec35 with 3.5L and at least 250hp, they also promised a much more refined powerplant that will due next year. Although Duratec30 is quick enough for target audience of Fusion, it feels underengined for enthuisasts in most occassions given how well it handles. Duratec35 just can’t come soon enough for the Fusion.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, Fusion’s braking performance is excellent even under rainy conditions. The stopping distance is short and fade-free. Brake pedal is firm and easily modulated. The EBD also has distributed the braking power even during hard braking.

Interior: Just like the rest of the car, Fusion’s interior is a another pleasant surprise. Other than a few cheap pieces, its interior has finished much better than Fords of old. Gone are the nasty materials with plain design and dreadful stereo buttons. Ford designers have smart enough to put stereo above the HVAC. Despite the HVAC placed low behind the shifter, its rotary knobs are ergonomically enough without taking your eyes off the road. The velour seats are comfortable and supportive. The use of materials won’t make you feel like a rental Taurus, instead it feels classy and expensive even in our base SE tester. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. All the buttons for trip computer and traction control are placed right on top of the dashboard for easy access.

The back seat space is equally well-layout as the front. With plenty of head and legrooms. The center armrest also feature 2 cupholders. The biggest surprise has to be the center position. It feels as comfortable as other two passengers sitting on the sides.

Except for the high trunk liftover, Fusion’s trunk is well-carpeted with uninstrusive trunk hinges and 40/60 split fold-down rear seats. Its also deep enough to swallow most cargoes.

Conclusion: If the Fusion is an indication to Ford’s future direction, it means this giant is finally back in the “car” game. Its good enough to run with anything else in its class. It has nice handling, its comfortable and looks sharp. When Ford finally drop the Duratec35 underneath Fusion’s hood, this puppy could be a splash hit as the original Taurus 2 decades ago.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 FORD FUSION SE V6
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.25/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5