First Impressions

Perhaps no single model is as important to the future of the Ford Motor Company as the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. The Fusion must do battle with stalwarts Camry and Accord, flashy Sonata and Optima, and impressive redesigns like Altima and Malibu. To make headway in America’s most competitive car segment the Fusion comes ready with advanced powertrains housed in a very dramatic exterior.  

From the bold hood lines and wide flat Aston-Martin grille, to its sculpted profile and short flowing rear deck, the new Fusion definitely grabs your attention. It’s a very good looking car.

The interior is also very progressive if a little bland. But, with in-your-face switchgear and electronics there is a sense of upscale sophistication we first saw in the latest Focus. The love-it-or-hate-it MyFord Touch system is back, though tweaked to be a little more user friendly. 

Fusion has a stunning array of advanced powertrains. Like Sonata and Malibu, they’re all four cylinders. But, that’s no drawback. A carryover 175- horsepower 2.5 liter sits at the base. Mid and top level models get a boost from two Ford EcoBoost Turbo I-4’s. 1.6 liters gets you 178 horsepower, while the 2.0 liter rockets up to 240 and is available with all-wheel drive. 

Fusion Hybrid grabs power from a 2.0 liter mated to a CVT, total system output is 188 horsepower, and Government Fuel Economy ratings are 47 mile per gallon across the board. That’s very close to the much smaller Prius.

If you want to go even greener, Ford has announced a Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid for early 2013 with an EV-only range of about 20 miles.

Our outings in both the 1.6 liter EcoBoost and Hybrid did not disappoint. With its unexpected 6 speed manual transmission, the tiny 1.6 turbo delivered surprising acceleration, a taut but comfortable ride, and great brakes. A sportier showing than we ever remember from a Ford midsize sedan.

Our first impressions are that the 2013 Ford Fusion does, indeed, seem to be a fusion…of style, power, and efficiency, and could just well be a homerun for Ford. Fusion sales start this fall beginning at $22,000, the 1.6 turbo is at $25,000, and the Hybrid at $28,000. The Fusion Energi follows in spring with our best guess on price of $35,000.