Detroit 2012: Ford Fusion

The US car market is waking up from it's slumber.  Finally.  Cars are making a resurgence as people realize they don't need that giant SUV/pickup truck in today's economic conditions.  This means that makers are pouring more money into developing cars in an increasingly competitive market, and that's great news.  The two biggest domestic manufacturers are releasing brand-spanking-new versions of their bread-and-butter midsize sedans: the Chevrolet Malibu and now, the Ford Fusion.  Judging by pictures, specs, and a variety of other things: Ford has knocked the ball so far out of park that GM didn't see which way it went.  What?  Why?  Follow along and find out - and also why you should care.

The 2013 Fusion is new from the sidewalls to the rain gutters.  While the previous Fusion was a nice product, it's 1st-generation Mazda6 underpinnings were beginning to show their age, and even with a mild facelift it was never a looker.  The new Fusion changes that in dramatic fashion.  This is a damn good looking car, incorporating Ford's new design language with some touches of Euro Ford and Aston Martin.  Ian Callum would certainly recognize that front grille, while there's a touch of newer Mazda 6 to the side windows, and obvious Mondeo from the back.

If it looks like a Mondeo, that's because it is - this is what the Mondeo will look like for the rest of the world.  I'm no Robert Cumberford, but I feel safe in saying that the new Fusion is a car which could sell entirely on it's stylistic merits.  Future headlines: "Midsize Ford Sedan Makes New 3-Series Look Ungainly In Comparison!"  Quite seriously.  But the Fusion will not have to sell on it's artistic merits alone, because it will hit the market with one of the widest range of powertrains in this class - designed to appeal to everyone.

The Fusion will be offered with a total of 5 different powertrain options, 2 drivetrains, and a variety of transmissions.  The only carry-over from the previous Fusion is the base model engine: a 2.5L DOHC I4 with 170 horsepower and 170lb-ft, with manual or automatic transmissions.  Those seeking fuel economy without hybrid weight and complexity will jump for the 1.6L EcoBoost I4, turbocharged to a healthy 179bhp and 172lb-ft.  This engine will return 37mpg on the highway, and comes with a 6-speed automatic with start/stop capabilities (a first for an automatic Ford.)  If you want to go fast, there's a 2.0L EcoBoost (shared with Edge, Explorer, Focus ST, etc) that puts out 237bhp and 250lb-ft.  That comes standard with AWD and a 6-speed automatic.

The popular Fusion Hybrid gets a significant powertrain overhaul for the new model.  The Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine is downsized from 2.5L to 2.0L, and the battery pack has been changed from nickel-metal hydride to a new Lithium-Ion setup.  This is smaller and lighter, which now permits the hybrid to have a fold-down rear seat.  The 2.0L and electric motor drive through a CVT, putting 180 horsepower and 130lb-ft to the front wheels.  The Hybrid can now do 62mph (100km/h) on all-electric power, up from 47mph.  It is expected to return some pretty staggering numbers - 44mpg city and 47mpg highway - 4/5 mpg better than the Camry Hybrid, and 12/4 mpg better than the Sonata/Optima Hybrid.  Highest of the high tech is the Fusion Energi, which is the first Plug-In Hybrid in the mainstream midsize segment.  Obviously based on the Hybrid, Ford says the Energi will deliver MPGe (equivalent) numbers 8 better than the Volt, and 13 better than the Prius Plug-In.

Suspension on the new Fusion is relatively predictable.  The front is held up with MacPherson struts, the rear by a new multilink independent setup, and both ends have anti-sway bars.  The power steering is electronic, and engineers say they strove to reduce road noise while providing a dynamic driver experience.  Yes to the 2.0L EcoBoost, probably no to the 2.5L and Hybrid/Energi models, but these are mainstream sedans.

Beyond the wide array of powertrains, the Fusion will offer all the niceties that used to be the exclusive trappings of top-end luxury cars.  The interior looks like a mixture of Euro-Ford and Swedish design, with some leftover hints of Volvo - like the floating spars on the center console that create an empty space in front of the shifter.  It's not as exciting to look at as some of GM's latest interiors, but it looks quite comfortable - and of course it's got the gadgets.

The latest safety stuff is all here: Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Warning systems that will beep and boop incessantly at you.  Voice activated controls are available through Sync, and available MyFordTouch is sure to annoy Consumer Reports and old people on this one as well - letting you control various things through voice, a touch screen, or normal buttons.  Ford has worked on making the interior more inviting - a sore spot of the old Fusion - with things like tighter panel gaps and more soft-touch surfaces.

Beyond stuffing the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 in here (Fusion SVT, anyone?) it's hard to see any way to improve the new Fusion.  The new model goes into production in Ford's  plants in Hermosillo, Mexico and Flat Rock, Michigan with sales starting "later this year."  Family sedan market: you've been put on notice.

Thanks to Kanishka Sonnadara for the live photos.