2010 Ford Fusion Sport
Ford Motor Co. is officially putting Honda, Toyota and, well, every other manufacturer on notice with the launch of the 2010 Ford Fusion. Not only has Ford produced a darn fine midsize product, but it’s also arguably produced the best hybrid yet.
During a brief media preview, I had the chance to drive the entire Fusion lineup, and simply put, I was impressed.
2010 Ford Fusion
Engines: 2.5-liter I-4; 3.0-liter V-6, 3.5-liter V-6; 2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson Hybrid engine
Transmission: 6-speed manual (base); 6-speed automatic (standard on SE, SEL and Sport); eCVT (hybrid)
Drivetrain: FWD; AWD (opt. on SEL and Sport)
Horsepower: 175 (2.5 I-4); 240 (3.0 V-6); 263 (3.5 V-6); 191 (total output -- hybrid)
Torque: 172 lb.-ft. (2.5 I-4); 228 lb.-ft. (3.0 V-6); 249 lb.-ft. (3.5 V-6); 136 lb.-ft. (hybrid)
Wheelbase: 107.4 inches
Length: 190.6 inches
Width: 72.2 inches
Height: 61.7 inches
Pricing (incl. $725 destination) : $19,995 (I-4, S trim level, FWD); $21,270 (I-4, SE trim level, FWD); $24,700 (I-4, SEL trim level, FWD); $28,160 (V-6, SEL trim level, AWD); $26,550 (V-6, Sport trim level, FWD); $28,400 (V-6, Sport trim level, AWD); $28,995 (hybrid)
Three years into the production cycle of the Fusion, the 2010 model is considered a refresh rather than a new generation. However, as JD Shanahan, Fusion chief nameplate engineer, pointed out, the changes in this model are more extensive than what you’d usually see for a refresh.
In addition to adding a hybrid model, there are significant design changes and tech additions. The aerodynamics on the Fusion get a tweak, and the grille, headlights, taillights and fog lamp area have been redesigned. The interior gets overhauled and upgraded with completely new behind-the-wheel gauges and center stack.
Of all the changes, my two favorites include the sportier front-end design and the 3-D gauge cluster with turquoise accent lighting. The Fusion designers have done an excellent job taking a nice-looking product and making it even better. There were, however, two items that I missed with the redesign: the analog clock on the center stack and the “squircle” taillights.
Tech enhancements, engine lineup
The 2010 Fusion also hurtles forward in the tech sector with some available enhancements that that will inform, entertain and protect. I’m a huge fan of the Sirius Travel Link System that debuted with the Lincoln MKS, and I’m glad it’s now available on the Fusion. The system puts weather, gas prices and even sports scores at the driver’s fingertips. Other cool features include: Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, reverse camera system (available both with and without navigation) and Sony surround-sound audio system. Also, in direct competition with General Motor’s OnStar, Ford’s Sync system now offers 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. These features are automatically included with Sync, and, unlike OnStar, there are no monthly fees associated with this service.
For 2010, the Fusion offers a three-engine lineup, which includes one four-cylinder and two V-6s. The base 2.5-liter I-4 engine, available at the S, SE and SEL trim levels, delivers 175 horsepower, a 15 horsepower leap over the 2009 model. In addition to increased power, the 2010 model is also looking at increased fuel economy with mileage numbers that are expected to deliver at least a 6 mpg improvement over the 2009 model.
The Duratec30 3.0-liter V-6 engine is available at the SEL trim level and delivers 240 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque. This engine also sees higher mileage and more power with a gain of 2 mpg on the highway and an increase of 19 horsepower over the 2009 model.
New for the refresh, Ford introduces a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a Sport model. This peppy engine delivers 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque.
All models in the 2010 lineup come equipped with a six-speed transmission. The S model has a six-speed manual as its base transmission, and the up-level SE, SEL and Sport models come with the six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Additionally, while the S and SE models are only available with front-wheel drive, the SEL and Sport models give the option of four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Competing with the Camry
During the preview, it was quite clear that Ford targeted the Toyota Camry as its immediate competitor, and while testing the gasoline models, Ford execs made sure we had access to an equally equipped Camry for comparison purposes. Smart.
We put both cars through an autocross as well as slalom and emergency lane change exercises. In driving the Fusion and Camry back to back, I can’t think of a single way the Camry bests the new Fusion. On the autocross, the Camry felt sluggish and big. It didn’t handle the curves very well, and the traction on tight, fast corners was noticeably less than the Fusion. During the slalom and emergency lane changes, I pushed both cars as fast and as hard as I could, and while the Fusion had smooth transitions and minimal slippage, the Camry was harder to control. I even noticed some severe shuddering during the slalom as I pushed through the S-shaped curves. I had to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel so that the car wouldn’t take control and skid off the course.
Another exercise pitted the 2010 model against the 2009 Fusion in terms of what I’d call “parking lot” handling. There was a slow tight turn followed by a slalom course that we did in reverse. These two exercises showcase visibility and maneuverability. The turning radius in the 2010 model is much improved, and I was able to execute the tight turn in a single smooth move, whereas I had to do a two-point turn through the tight corner in the 2009 model. In the reverse exercise, I saw that that there was better visibility not only through the rear window but also via side mirrors.
The other item showcased in this exercise was the all-new optional reverse camera. Since the vehicle we were driving didn’t have a nav system, the video image appeared in the left corner of the rearview mirror. This was my first experience with an image in the mirror, and I have to say it was easily viewed and worked really well. My favorite part of the system was the green-yellow-red markers in the video image that show proximity to an obstacle behind you.
Hybrid model the shining star
While the gasoline model is vastly improved over its precursor, the new hybrid model is the shining star of the Fusion lineup. Not only does it offer best-in-class fuel economy for the midsize segment, but it also brings some excellent new tech toys to the table that help you get the most out of hybrid driving.
One of the most impressive feats this second-gen hybrid accomplishes is the speed at which you can drive in electric-only mode. Previous hybrids from any automaker only allowed you to maintain electric-only operation up to 30 mph. The Fusion Hybrid, however, can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode.
The Fusion Hybrid is powered by a Duratec 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle I-4 engine (gasoline) and a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor (electric). Total system output for the Fusion Hybrid is 191 horsepower, which bests the Camry Hybrid by 4 horsepower.
One of the neatest features on this new hybrid is the SmartGauge with EcoGuide that appears on the instrument cluster surrounding the speedometor. With brilliant colors, graphs and info screens, the EcoGuide is attractive and informative. There are four info screen choices that allow the driver to choose the level of information he or she wants:
- Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
- Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
- Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
- Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption.
All this combines to form one of the most sophisticated and informative hybrid systems on the road. It is also a tad distracting.
The bane of my existence during the brief drive were the “efficiency leaves.” As you drive efficiently, you get a forest of vines and leaves that appear on the right of the speedometer. If you drive inefficiently they “die” and disappear from view. At one point, I had a measly single vine on my screen, which encouraged me to employ some hypermiling techniques to bring back my forest.
During the preview, the official EPA estimates hadn’t been disclosed, but Ford offered city/highway estimates of 39/37 mpg. Turns out they were a little off. When the official estimates came out last week, they revealed mileage figures of 41/36 mpg. This gives Toyota’s Camry Hybrid a severe kick in the pants, as that model only gets 33/34 mpg.
As is now popular with press launches for hybrids, we engaged in a fuel economy challenge during our tour in the Fusion Hybrid. We did a 15-mile circumlocutious route laden with traffic, hills and turns with one driver and then an equally topsy-turvy route back. In all we were on the road for a couple of hours. In the first leg of the trip, my driving partner managed a phenomenal 43.6 mpg, and he won that portion of the challenge. During the second leg of the trip (which had a lot more hills, I might add), I averaged 42.5 mpg … and came in second for the challenge.
My time in the hybrid model wasn’t nearly enough to form a detailed opinion, but with a first look, I have to say that the Fusion Hybrid is, by far, the best hybrid I’ve ever driven. Much of that is due to the seamless transition between the electric motor and gasoline engine. I thought previous hybrids were relatively seamless with a slight chug or click between transitions, but this Fusion Hybrid, Ford’s second generation hybrid, puts all the rest to shame.
Perhaps the only place that the Camry Hybrid beats the Fusion Hybrid is in the pricing. Base price for a Camry Hybrid is $26,870, while the Fusion Hybrid has a base price of $28,995. Even though this is a $2K difference, it should be noted we’re comparing the pricing for a 2009 model to a 2010 model, so the chances are that the price difference will dwindle as the 2010 Camry Hybrid hits the streets.
In terms of pricing overall, however, the 2010 Fusion manages to stay in the ballpark with its Japanese competitor. Base price for the front-wheel drive, four-cylinder S model with a six-speed manual transmission is $19,995 compared to the front-wheel drive, four-cylinder Camry with a five-speed manual transmission, which bases at $19,865. As the trim levels go up, the pricing remains pretty close between the vehicles. One main difference between the trim levels: Fusion offers both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive models, whereas Camry only comes in the front-wheel-drive variety.
Amid the doom and gloom of the Detroit bailouts and slumping sales, this new Fusion is a bright spot that should make midsize car buyers stand up and take notice. All around, the new Fusion is an excellent everyday driver with neat features, impressive ride and handling and a competitive price. Look for it in dealerships this spring.
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