2010 Ford Fusion: A better car and a more complete line
While most manufacturers try to pass off their intermediate sedans as full-size vehicles, Ford makes a point of keeping a separate model for each category. They’ve got the Taurus, which is very big, and the Fusion, which is a little less bulky than many of its rivals. And this year, the Fusion sets out to be a more conservative intermediate sedan. With more moderate dimensions, it’s looking to garner attention from those who no longer want to drive larger sedans like the Accord, Camry, Altima, and so on. In addition, Ford has created a number of different versions and engines in the hopes of appealing to a broader audience. It seems that, even though the intermediate sedan market is in decline, Ford still considers this segment pretty important.
Esthetically, the new Fusion has innovated very little. With a more modern front end, it is more attractive, but the changes are far from a stylistic revolution. Maybe that stands to reason since the vehicle has not been completely redesigned. Overall, however, I’ve got to admit that the Fusion still has a certain elegance designed to please almost everyone. And allow me to add that the new Sport version is a real looker, with its aerodynamic skirts, rear wing and 18-inch rims.
On board, everything is much the same, so don’t expect to be blown away. The fit and trim is well done, and the style is sober and well-planned, but the dashboard is definitely not out-of-this-world. Once again, Ford’s solution has been to add a splash of colour to the dashboard gauges on the Sport version. In the end, there’s nothing to dislike about it.
One thing I genuinely appreciate about this vehicle is the higher driving position, the comfortable seats and the general feel of the interior. Everything is ergonomically positioned, the visibility is good and the driver’s position gives you a sense of absolute control over the vehicle. And believe me, the same cannot be said of the Altima or Malibu.
A festival of engines
Now in its fifth year, the Fusion is available with a choice of four engines. Of these four, three are genuinely interesting, while the 3.0-litre V6 is a bit disappointing. I know that Ford has relied on this engine for years and that it is now fairly reliable, but its rough performance and high fuel consumption are still big turn-offs for me. If you’re looking for a V6, go for their new 3.5-litre V6 with 263 hp. It can even be paired with AWD for great performance and power. Sure, fuel consumption is still high, but not higher than that of the old V6, which is considerably less appealing.
The way I see it, the best choice, however, is the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine combined with either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. Not only is this engine flexible but it only uses about 9 L/100 km. Ford believes – and rightly so – that this engine (available in three versions) will be by far the most popular in Canada.
And the fourth engine?
Ah yes, that would be the hybrid. Called the Fusion HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), this sedan uses a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and a remarkably good continuously variable transmission. The result of this combination is quite decent performance, with an honest level of power and better fuel consumption than all of its rivals (compared to the Camry, Altima and Malibu hybrids). In fact, only the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius surpass the Fusion HEV in terms of consumption. In fact, these three vehicles are the only ones eligible for a federal government tax credit, available to anyone purchasing vehicles with an average consumption of 5 L/100 km or less. Personally, I managed to get an average rate of 5.1 L/100 km out of it, and not without making a few enemies on the road, because in order to get that kind of result, you need to be extremely patient and gentle on the accelerator.
Driving a Fusion HEV is something of a unique experience. With several different graphics called Smart Gauges appearing on the dash, this car gives you a better understanding of its mechanical workings and thus teaches you how to drive in a more environmentally considerate way. It even goes so far as to reward good driving by giving you a leaf rating. More leaves on the display indicate greener driving...
Road capabilities?
The Fusion is the kind of sedan you just never get tired of driving. Set yourself up right and you’ll enjoy decent comfort, great soundproofing and balanced road handling. I mean, it’s not quite as dynamic as a Jetta, but its road capabilities are clearly a cut above its competition. Thanks to great equipment, from the steering and suspension to the brakes and the chassis.
In short, the newest vintage of the Fusion is well-done. Not quite what you’d call a revolution, but with the choice of engines and versions, as well as the modifications made this year, I’ve only got good things to say about it. Plus, there’s the fact that Ford just keeps improving on quality without affecting the price.
