DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Ford perfects Fusion

Just where the new Fusion will fit the local Ford lineup is as-yet unknown (will it be a Falcon or a Mondeo, or both) but the all-new car just launched at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit comes with a few plaudits – among which are claims it is the "first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains."

Clearly developed as the next generation  mass-selling global Ford, the new mid-size sedan has been designed to future-proof the company with its combination of looks, platform versatility and eco-friendly technology.

Ford Europe released images of the new 2013 Mondeo shortly after the launch of the Fusion in Detroit, which is virtually identical to the US market Fusion. This cements the "One Ford" strategy which aims to reduce costs by sharing global platforms and designs and could be seen as a sign for the post-2016 Falcon.

With its ability to accept numerous drivetrains the Fusion/Mondeo is very much a car of the moment. It follows the latest Fiesta and Focus models in its design language and the application of safety technologies once the province of cars higher up the price ladder.

The powertrain line-up includes hybrid and plug-in hybrids, 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engines and a normally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. Front-drive and all-wheel drive are among the options, as are auto and manual six-speed transmissions. As you might expect, auto stop/start gets a Guernsey in the Fusion too, although from what we can gather it is only employed in the 1.6-litre auto EcoBoost model.

Ford says it is aiming at best-in-class fuel economy across the board, from the 1.6-litre EcoBoost that claims a 6.4L/100km highway figure to the regular and plug-in hybrid versions. The regular hybrid is claimed to deliver measurably better consumption figures than the likes of Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata hybrids, with urban and highway figures of 5.0L/100km and 5.3L/100km respectively.

The hybrid Fusion uses two all-new elements: a new 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine replacing the previous version’s 2.5-litre (without losing performance, Ford says), and new lithium-ion batteries that replace the previous nickel-metal hydride pack to save weight, generate more power and lift the electric-only top speed from around 80km/h to 100km/h.

The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid does even better in overall consumption measurements with superior figures to either GM's Volt or the smaller Toyota Prius plug-in.

Safety technology includes systems normally reserved for prestige cars (but seen in the latest Focus), such as “lane keeping” warnings, adaptive radar-assisted cruise control, self-parking that only requires minimal input from the driver and Volvo’s BLIS blind spot information system that warns of a vehicle travelling out of the driver’s line of sight, or oncoming traffic when reversing out of an obscured parking spot.

Hybrid and Energi models also adopt active noise control using the audio system to cancel out unwanted noise while “enhancing powertrain sounds.”

The body is claimed to be 10 per cent stronger than the previous Fusion through the more extensive use of high-strength steels, while safety is enhanced through the inclusion of dual knee airbags up front, as well as adaptive front airbags that deploy according to the occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.

In terms of passenger space, Ford has given a more expansive sense inside the Fusion through thinner and lighter seats and a pushed-forward instrument panel. The seats are trimmed in recyclable fabric.

In the US, the Fusion will be offered in S, SE and top of the range Titanium versions.

Initially the Fusion will be produced at Ford’s plant in Hermosillo, Texas, with the Autoalliance International Plant in Flat Rock Michigan following shortly after. The Fusion will go on sale in North America towards the end of the year, with the Mondeo following in Europe and Asia in 2013.

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