Ford Fusion: Revealed Ahead Of Time

Ford is expanding the lineup for the 2017 Fusion with a new, fanciest version and new engines, but it’s not messing with the basic, stunning design that has put the midsize sedan on more shopping lists.

Starting with that new variant, it is dubbed the Fusion Sport and utilises a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Styling details unique in the Fusion range include deeper air intakes, a gloss black mesh grille, rear spoiler and dual exhaust outlets.

But about eight years ago, that began to change as Ford invested heavily in new, much-improved cars like the Fusion and Fiesta sedans – cars good enough to command a price with a profit. Ford will sell the Fusion Platinum with an EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine linked to an AWD arrangement. Next up the range is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost, followed by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost.

All new Fusion models will have Ford’s latest Sync infotainment system, which the automaker said has faster performance, more conversational voice recognition and a touchscreen inspired by smartphones.

The Fusion is the North American sister vehicle to the Ford Mondeo, a new version of which only reached the United Kingdom early previous year.

The Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid) versions have mild updates including software upgrades for a better driving feel – while the electric motors deliver now increased all-electric range and better fuel economy. The Fusion Sport will also come with an adaptive damping system that can detect potholes and automatically adjust the shocks to minimize impact.

The Fusion line includes the V6 Sport, a Platinum model, a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid called Energi and a base model. Recharging takes place in 2.5 hours and the vehicle can start charging when energy rates are the lowest, plus the auto can heat or cool the cabin in time for your departure.

The updated Fusions are due to go on sale early this summer as 2017 models. There are also new LED fog lights at the front and minor alterations to the light graphics at the rear. Other features include hands-free parking (parallel and perpendicular), lane assistance, and blind spots alerts.

Together, Fusion V6 Sport, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi, and Fusion Platinum offer three different flavors of an award-winning lineup for midsize sedan customers. It comes with a bespoke front grille finished in Magnetic paint, 19-inch polished wheels, and antiqued Cocoa & Venetian leathers.