Ford adds glitz to fanciest Fusion sedan
Ford is expanding the lineup for the 2017 Fusion with a new, fanciest version and new engines, but it's not messing with the basic, stunning design that has put the midsize sedan on more shopping lists.
Ford introduced the current upscale look for the 2013 model year and since that time it has steadily cut into the sales lead of competitors including the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, said Fusion brand manager Wade Jackson.
But there is still a significant gap to make up. Ford sold 300,170 Fusions in the U.S. last year, a 2% dip from the prior year. The Camry's flat sales still amounted to almost 430,000 and Honda sold almost 356,000 Accords, even after an 8% drop-off. Ford also upgraded the high-volume Escape crossover for the 2017 model year.
The new Fusion adds a Sport and a Platinum trim level to the top of a lineup that already includes the S, SE and top-end Titanium. There is also a Fusion hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. No ST for Fusion yet — the car does not have all the performance elements needed to gain that di
stinction, said chief engineer Bill Strickland.
The new model goes on sale this summer with the Sport later in the summer. The car starts at $22,995 including $875 in destination charges. The Sport starts at $34,350 and the Platinum at $37,495. The two new trim levels are expected to account for 8%-10% of total U.S. Fusion sales.
Starting with the the 2017 model, Fusions will only be made at the Hermosillo, Mexico, plant for the 2017 model.
The Sport has a more aggressive look and a more active suspension with a system that can detect potholes and adjust the suspension.
The front end of the Sport has a unique black grille, new front clip, LED lamps, 19-inch wheels and dual exhausts. The interior is designed to look the part of a sportier vehicle and there are aluminum sport pedals.
Engine choices include three turbocharged EcoBoost engines: 1.5-liter and 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinders and the new 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that puts out 325 horsepower.