It still looks
pleasingly angular and sporty. Interior
comfort and controls are more than you’d expect in this segment. Handling is superb for a car that starts on
the low end of the $20,000s bracket.
And for me, a
bonus. My tester was the 2017 Ford
Fusion Titanium Hybrid, a technologically advanced fuel sipper with a four
cylinder/electric combination putting out nearly 200 horespower at full song.
Ford really
has gone the extra mile to pack more technology into its latest Fusion. Yes,
mine had extras, but who’s complaining?
My ride
included adaptive cruise control, a highly versatile navigation system, a
lane-keeping system and cross-traffic alert.
Wasn’t it just
a few years ago that these things were only found in the luxury levels?
Speaking of that, how about
luxury appointments on this mainstream sedan?
Yes, those were plentiful on the tester.
The list
included 12 Sony speakers, leather-trimmed seats/steering wheel and aluminum
sport pedals, easily overlooked by some but a nice touch for those who appreciate the little extras.
It took me just
a short time to warm up to the rotary gear shift dial. It negates the rush you get from occasionally
slamming a center-mounted shifter into gear, but it’s not a major downer.
I noticed only
the slightest bit of electric whine during operation, certainly not enough to
jolt me. Response off the line was good,
and the tested Fusion was quick to move out of harm’s way during nose-to-tail freeway
commutes.
As with past
Fusions, the tester steered with ease and whipped around pokes with tight,
precise cuts.
For me, the
hybrid Fusion stacks up as a long-term investment, covering a lot of consumer
target likes. Take your pick: practical-size
sedan, fuel saver, four-door transportation that doesn’t require you to
refinance your home and safety feature-packed passenger car that’s easy to
drive in city traffic or on wide-open interstates.
My guess: Ford
is going to sell a bunch of these newly reworked Fusions.
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