Pedro Arrais: Sedan gets Euro makeover

Pedro Arrais / Times Colonist
December 14, 2012

FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, file photo, Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, introduces the 2013 Ford Fusion during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ford said on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, it will update software on 2013 Escape SUVs and Fusion cars to fix a coolant problem that can cause fires. Last month the automaker recalled more than 89,000 of the vehicles after getting complaints about overheating and fires. It urged owners to get loaner cars from dealers until Ford found a fix.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

ˆThose who like the looks of European cars will find lots to appreciate in the new 2013 Ford Fusion. That’s because it can trace its roots to the Europe-only Mondeo, a car designed by Ford of Europe. It’s a good-looking car, helped in part by a grille that looks much like a current Aston Martin.

But styling isn’t the only attractive feature that has made the jump over the Atlantic — it also gets European fuel economy and performance.

For the first time in the car’s history, no V-6 will be available — buyers have a choice of three four-cylinder engines instead, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, a turbocharged 1.6-litre and a turbo 2.0-litre. The last two get Ford’s EcoBoost moniker attached to the engine.

We tested a SE — the middle-of-the-road model — equipped with a 2.0-litre and a six-speed automatic.

With 231 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, the turbo four makes one quickly forget about the V-6. Power is smooth and there is very little turbo lag. Those who consider themselves enthusiasts will immediately take to the Fusion’s steering-wheel paddle shifters and sport setting in the transmission.

Drivers with Scottish blood aren’t forgotten either. The 2.0 turbo’s frugal 9.2 litres/100 km city and 5.9 highway fuel consumption compares favourably with the 3.0-litre V-6’s 10.6 and 7.0 numbers.

The previous-generation Fusion was no slacker, but the new car’s road manners are — dare I say it? — very European. Handling is above par for twisty roads. But just leisurely cruising on the highway, the Fusion has a quiet and subdued ride.

European makes such as Volvo come to mind because of a handy storage cubby located behind the instrument stack. Ideally sized for a purse, this storage space can be accessed from the front and either side, which means it can be used by either the driver or front passenger. The Volvo S60 has a similar feature.

The cabin has undergone a major redesign. There are a lot of soft-touch materials around the driver. There are more brushed aluminum highlights and less bright chrome, the staple of most North American designs.

>See FUSION, page E2