2017 FORD FUSION SPORT REVIEW

2017 FORD FUSION SPORT REVIEW BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Ford is giving Fusion shoppers a new performance model intended to leave other family sedans in the dust. The Fusion V6 Sport attacks the Accord and Camry with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.

Making more excitable renditions of popular family sedans is nothing new, but the market’s been fairly dormant of late as automakers have turned their focus to MPGs. Now that modern engine technology can produce sports car-level power and 26mpg highway, why not make ‘em and that’s exactly what Ford’s doing here.

With a starting MSRP of $34,470, the Fusion Sport is giving regular dads a hot option in the mainstream midsize sedan segment. With standard all-wheel drive and satisfied with 87 octane, the Fusion Sport should be a fairly easy sell to a skeptical spouse. It’s roomy, amenity-laden and conservatively penned for a Sport model. A more aggressively styled front end, gloss black mesh grille, 19” dark wheels, a rear spoiler and quad exhaust outlets are the Sport’s exclusive calling cards. And in this extra charge Burgundy Velvet paint, the look is spot on for stealthy speed. Ford’s big power numbers are achieved with 93 octane so you’ll get a boost from super unleaded when you want maximum output, capable of g-inducing acceleration from 0-to-60mph in about 5 seconds…nearly as quick as a Porsche 718 Cayman. Contributing to the sensation of speed is active noise control, allowing this direct-injected 2.7-liter motor to mimic the voice of a larger V6. The growl is convincing. This small turbo is doing wonders in a number of Ford products and matched with a 6-speed auto, makes for a robust yet refined powertrain here. When the wife and kids are at home, switch into Sport mode for the Fusion’s strongest flavor where even the dampers enter a more aggressive profile. Speaking of which, the ride quality is superb. This car’s real-time suspension tuning is a chassis miracle, producing a polished ride far beyond its segment while also keeping the body tight in the turns. There’s even a pothole detection system which reduces the severity of an impact. No torque steer here as power is directed to the rear wheels upon slip but the Sport’s portly curb weight of over 2 tons somewhat stunts the car’s handling abilities and challenges the otherwise extra grippy Goodyear Eagles.

From outside, the Fusion Sport sounds like anything else but from in here Ford has done a stellar job of manufacturing an authentic note that’ll grab your attention. Lots of low end power means there’s instant get up and go and the handling is enhanced by a good set of rubber and an all-wheel drive system that doesn’t get in the way of fun.  But man, this car feels heavy as does the steering with effort that builds artificially as you continue to turn. The ride quality is spot on however, demonstrating that you no longer have to forgo comfort for athleticism.

Special suede inserts keep you firmly planted in the high comfort front seats and the faux carbon fiber trim is a subtle reminder of the Sport’s capabilities. This tester is loaded too, with extras like the configurable instrument cluster, 10-way power passenger seat, adjustable ambient lighting, dual zone climate control, a sweet sounding 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD Radio, Navigation, SYNC3 enhanced voice recognition, 2 USB ports and Applink, the far reaching Driver Assist package with blind spot warning, cross traffic alert, a lane keeping system, rain sensing wipers, auto high beams and a heated steering wheel, Enhanced active park assist for both parallel and perpendicular parking, and finally Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go including Collision Warning with Active Braking. This car is luxury-level stocked and even more options are available. This brings the MSRP of my tester to $41,470. The rear seats are very spacious and slightly elevated for better forward visibility. It’s quiet in here too and this Fusion’s refinement makes for a great cruiser as well as a car you can have some fun with.

The Fusion is already offered with a plethora of powertrains but kudos to Ford for adding yet one more, this time for the driver in all of us.