 2010 Ford Fusion SEL 2.5. Click image to enlarge |
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2010 Ford Fusion
Inside Story is a review of interior comfort features, cabin controls, storage options, trunk space and under-hood accessibility based on a seven-day evaluation.
Four is the new six. It sure seems that way, especially with the growing popularity of four bangers in up-level trim in many mid-size sedans. Instead of a hurry-up-and-wait acceleration curve, these new-fangled hot-four horsepower ratings seem downright familiar. 175 horsepower was the output of many a V6 powerplant at the dawn of this millenium. It’s also the pony punch in the 2.5-litre I-4 that resides in the engine bay of the upscale SEL Fusion pictured here. There’s plenty of ‘new’ boasting on Ford’s latest Fusion experiment, which arrives for testing at an MSRP of $27,529. (Pricing shown does not include freight, taxes, regional or promotional incentives.)
  2010 Ford Fusion SEL 2.5. Click image to enlarge |
I can see clearly now, thanks to the Fusion’s Lite-Brite gauge cluster. The tilt-telescope four-spoke wheel is the expected Ford corporate offering, with steering wheel-mounted controls for cruise control, audio, and the SYNC voice-activated com-link, which includes Bluetooth wireless phone handshakes. I’m still pining for a right-hand column stalk for wiper controls on this, and many Ford products. The six-speed automatic does not include a manual gate, until a V6 mill is specified. There is an upper range lock-out switch, handy for inclines and steep grades. The control bank to the left of the driver includes Auto headlamps, dimmer control, power trunk release, and access switches for the driver’s information centre display, located in the gauge cluster. The driver’s window sports an Auto ascent/descent, while the heated exterior mirrors include puddle/security lamps. The centre stack houses a six-disc in-dash CD player, piped through a 12-speaker Sony upgrade. It’s part of the Moons & Tunes Value Package. (That’s Ford’s market-speak, not me being cheeky.) The hot key for phone functions is much appreciated, as was the SIRIUS-specific key. The Auto climate system is dual zone, with their respective temperatures noted on the LCD display. Traction control cancel is found low and to the left, next to the colour flip key for the ambient lighting system. I could not determine if a can of Dr.Pepper bathed in blue backlighting in the cupholder tasted better than with red backlighting.
  2010 Ford Fusion SEL 2.5. Click image to enlarge |
It appears as though the non-locking glovebox has gained some volume. A coin-esque flock-lined pull-out tray is found above the headlamp switch. Atop the dash sits a flip-top cubby, with a non-rattle rubbery bed. The first 12-volt DC powerpoint is found below the HVAC switch bank, with an adjacent rubbery bed. The second powerpoint is housed within the centre console, along with auxiliary audio kack and USB inputs. The upper tray capitalizes on space, with an upper portion of the console lid hollowed out for larger object clearances. Front door pockets are pocket equipped, with a unique access angle for the bottle holders. The rear door panels are pocket-free, while rear seatbacks are pouch-a-rific. The rear seat centre armrest houses a dual cupholder, with a removable rubbery bladder for clean-up ease. The front cupholder gets the added cool of the previously-mentioned ambient lighting, plus a removable rubbery base.
  2010 Ford Fusion SEL 2.5. Click image to enlarge |
The self-dimming rear-view mirror uses a proper glass-mount conduit to conceal the necessary wiring. Sunglasses storage is ample, with dual backlit vanity mirrors, storage clips, and visors that slide for sunblock. First seen on the Lincoln MKZ, the sunroof deflector tethers continue to raise longevity concerns.
The driver’s seat power-glide includes power recline, and manual lumbar dial-in support. The front passenger seat includes power for fore and aft, with a manual recline lever. It’s required, as the front passenger seat can flip forward for elongated cargo. There’s no heat treat for front seats, unless you opt for leather. Rear seating position and comfort level was more than adequate.
 2010 Ford Fusion SEL 2.5. Click image to enlarge |
Ford reports a larger trunk capacity for 2010, with 467 litres (16.5 cubic feet) of available space. The only seatback releases are located in the trunk and the spring-loaded nature of the seatbacks makes for easy lowering when released. Note the respectable flatness achieved.
A simple, yet effective hanger system keeps the trunk floor material out of the way during access to the space-saver spare. Ford will change it for you, during the first five years or 100,000 kilometres of ownership, whichever comes first.
 2010 Ford Fusion SEL 2.5. Click image to enlarge |
The 175-horsepower 2.5-litre inline four achieves a good fit, with something most V6’s can’t grasp: servicing accessibility. Fluid levels are well-marked and accessed, including the master cylinder reservoir, and the automatic transmission filler tube. Transport Canada figures state a City cycle of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres City, and 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres Highway. I concentrated on an Urban-heavy cycle, settling in at 10 litres per 100 kilometres consumption.
 2010 Ford Fusion SEL 2.5. Click image to enlarge |
In many respects, I’ve already had a shake at the Fusion, albeit in kissing-cousin Lincoln MKZ trim. The two-five four-cylinder could definitely fool many a throttle pedal foot into thinking there was more mill beneath the bonnet. As with the four-banger Malibu, I would like to see a paddle option/manu-gate for the six-speed automatic. One has to wonder if these financially-savvy times could see this powertrain combo in the MKZ; it is that tight. Heated seats shouldn’t be a strict leather pleasure at this stage of the game; make them an SEL standard for cloth hides. Simply put, there are few apologies for the Fusion to make, especially with fit and finish as spot-on as the MKZ. Go ahead; let them think you splurged.
Next week: 2010 Toyota Prius
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