6/5/07 - Ford has come back to the economical mid-size family-car roots it had with Falcon and Fairlane, among others. And to make that com back Ford has fused the ideas, styling and platforms of some of its sister companies, to create the 2007 Ford Fusion.
Fusion is one of three FOMOCO offerings that are based on the Mazda6 platform (Mazda is also in the Ford family). Fusion, like the Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan, are priced aggressively to compete in the large in market, but mid-size in car-design, family segment.
Introduced in 2006, the’07 Fusion has been upgraded with such standard items as front-seat side air bags and side-impact air curtains, along with an anti-theft perimeter alarm system, while all-wheel-drive and Sirius Satellite radio have been made available for all Fusion models.
A car that was completely designed, engineered and tested in a digital environment – a first for Ford -- the Fusion was brought to market with precision, much quicker than it would have been through traditional methods. The computerized and digitized design allowed engineers to maximize interior room without adding weight or sacrificing economy concerns. In a packaging exercise, the designers donned size 14 shoes to confirm that someone with that foot size could enter and exit without brushing the B-pillar scuff plate or the back of the front seat. Several interior space and ergonomic designs followed to ensure comfort and functionality.
With Fusion, Ford is on the fast-forward track, as the original Fusion, designed by J Mays, was based on the 427 Concept car that took the auto world by storm three years ago. And today, it is taking the segment by storm as well, and has already had a freshening of standard equipment.
My test Fusion SEL was built in Hermasillo, Mexico and came to America with a base price of $23,825. A few options pushed the price of my test vehicle to $28,820 that seems a bit high for this type of family sedan, but it compares favorably to its niche competition.
Those add-ons included heated front seats ($295), anti-lock brakes ($595), Sirius Satellite radio with 6 months of service ($195), leather seating ($895), audiophile sound system ($420) and touch-screen DVD-based navigation system for $1895. Destination and delivery adds another $700 to the bottom line. At $28,820, you might want to shop dealers for incentives, but it sits strongly within its niche in style, power, economy and price.
Speaking of power, Fusion is energized by a fuel-injected 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The set-up pops out 221 hp and 205 lbs.-ft. of torque and is EPA rated at 19mpg in city driving and 26mpg on the highway. During a week of test driving the Fusion, I averaged 22.2 mpg. You do suffer a bit in the acceleration department for the sake of family economy, and my 3280-lb. test ride was testament to that situation. Velocity increase was not a strong point, as I test drove my Fusion from zero to 60mph in a sluggish 8.5 seconds. The Fusion also hesitated in passing gear, but if a family mid-size is what you are shopping for, safety and not speed, are what makes the difference, and Ford performed well enough in handling exercises and is imbued with enough safety features to make it a standout in that arena.
Handling is nimble and accommodating for its niche. There is some sway in quick turns, and some minor under steer at times, but the solid all-wheel drive system continuously monitors vehicle speed, throttle input and steering angle to provide power to the appropriate wheel if its senses slippage, making it a confident ride in all weather. The system also helps eliminate torque steer and helps balance the vehicle when cornering. Other performance attributes include traction control, power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes.
On the outside, you get smooth, efficient, attractive and clean mid-size lines, 17-inch machined wheels, P225/50R17 tires, fog lamps, auto headlamps, dual exhaust with bright tips and power, heated mirrors.
The interior is a blend of functional and luxury embellishments including the optional heated seats, leather dash, electric automatic temperature control, power windows and locks, AM/FM in-dash MP3/CDX6 analog clock, message center with compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed, audio and climate controls, 6-way power driver seat with lumbar, 60/40 rear seat with springs-assisted fold, fold-down front seat, electrochromatic mirror and six cup/bottleholders.
The optional navigation system is among the best I have tested over the past 30 months. It is a user-friendly touch-screen design that employs the latest maps and technology. It was seldom confused, quickly recalculated if I chose to take a different course than the offered, and was thoughtful and helpful in both video and audio fashion.
With Fusion, Ford offers a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, as well as a 5-year/60,000-mile power train warranty and roadside assistance for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
The Fusion is certainly a car to watch in the market, and definitely one to test drive if a family mid-size is in your plans.
Visit http://www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.
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