By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
Since its debut in 2012, the Ford Fusion has been widely praised by reviewers and customers for its outstanding driving dynamics including excellent balance between ride quality and handling, as well as exceptional steering feel.
For 2014 several new color combinations are available starting with two new exterior colors, Dark Side and Sunset. The new Interior Appearance Package for Fusion Titanium includes premium leather seating surfaces and vinyl door inserts finished in Brick Red along with premium floor mats.
Inside, the Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.
Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.
No matter what the climate, Fusion helps to keep things comfortable in the cabin. Titanium customers can add cooled seats for the driver and front passenger for those steamy summer days. When the temperature drops, the available heated steering wheel will keep the driver’s fingers warm.
The 2014 Ford Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include, Lane Keeping System, Adaptive cruise control, Active park assist and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.
Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s industry-exclusive SYNC communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system, In addition Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.
Both SYNC and MyFord Touch powered by SYNC help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine features turbocharging, direct gasoline injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing, with all-wheel-drive capability it provides 240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,000 rpm.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $32,600.00, the one I drove included the White Platinum Met Tri-Coat, Active Park Assist, Heated and Cooled Driver and Passenger Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control, Navigation System, Rear Inflatable Seat Belts, 19 Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels, Red Leather Appearance and Driver Assist Packages, and it came in at $39,950.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 22 MPG city and 31 MPG highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
