DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Ford introduces updated Fusion
But new V6 Sport variant and Fusion plug-in are for North America onlyFord has unveiled an expanded Fusion range in Detroit overnight, but Ford Australia has poured cold water on the new variants reaching our shores.
The Fusion, which is basically the Mondeo badged differently, is now offered in North American markets with a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 and all-wheel drive – delivering more power than the BMW 340i, Ford claims.
Also joining the Fusion range for 2016 is the Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid, and the high-spec Fusion Platinum.
Ford Australia Brand Communications Manager, Neil McDonald, has told motoring.com.au that the Fusion is built in North America for the left-hand drive markets there – the USA, Canada and Mexico.
"Fusion Sport is a North America-specific vehicle, as is the hybrid, so we haven't got anything to announce regarding [Fusion variants] for Australia," McDonald said. He would not be drawn on whether the Fusion Energi or the conventional Fusion Hybrid would share any componentry with the Mondeo hybrid variant anticipated to be launched here late this year.
"There's been a lot of speculation about what it is and most of it is centred around... Mondeo, but we haven't confirmed anything yet," McDonald said.
One thing is more or less certain, no Mondeo variant will be sourced from North America, which is geared up to build cars homologated to comply with local design rules in those respective markets.
"We source out of Valencia [Spain] for Mondeo..." McDonald observed. "[The updated Fusion is] an interesting vehicle, but it's specific to the North American market."
What the Americans are getting amounts to an updated mid-size passenger car with a pedestrian detection system for the first time in a Ford product sold in North America. The Fusion also gains parallel/perpendicular automatic parking and SYNC 3 infotainment.
At 242kW and 475Nm, the EcoBoost V6 in the Fusion V6 Sport produces nearly 50 per cent more power than the 3.5-litre V6 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in North America. Its all-wheel drive set-up ensures there's plenty of traction to cope with the car's added performance in the snowbelt states of the US. Riding on 19-inch wheels, the Fusion V6 Sport also features continuously controlled dampers and pothole-detection technology to keep the ride smooth in real time. Styling details unique in the Fusion range include deeper air intakes, a gloss black mesh grille, rear spoiler and dual exhaust outlets.
At the other end of the scale, the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi will run up to 137km/h on electric power alone. According to Ford's press material, the Fusion Energy's 7.6kW/h lithium-ion battery will recharge in 2.5 hours and provides 31km of range on electric power alone. Its 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder keeps the battery charged if the range is exceeded, for a total combined range of 805km. Regenerative braking for both the hybrid and the plug-in Fusion variants can recover up to 95 per cent of kinetic energy.
More of a mainstream offering than the V6 Sport or the two fuel-saving Fusion variants, the Fusion Platinum can be ordered with 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive, Ford says. Standard features included Cocoa leather upholstery for dash and door panels, Venetian leather for the steering wheel rim, 19-inch polished alloys and an exclusive grille finished in Magnetic paint.
The updated Fusion also comes equipped with a new rotary gear selector, like that developed by Jaguar, to free up space in the centre console.
The on-sale date in the US is around the middle of the year, with the Fusion V6 Sport to follow a few weeks later.
"Fusion offers people a lot more car – including helpful technology, beautiful design and a more rewarding driving experience than other midsize sedans," said Raj Nair (pictured), Ford executive vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development.
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