With many traditional sedan buyers switching to crossovers, automakers have had to work extra hard to make the family sedan segment more attractive. This has seen extreme creativity in design and engineering with each automaker trying to come out at the top. One such automaker is Ford with their family sedan, the “Fusion”.
Ford is actually a bit late in revamping its sedan as other rivals have already upped their game. The Fusion is a very important car for the automaker having sold over 300,000 units in the US alone this past year. Ford plans to climb to the top of this segment from the fourth position they currently occupy. Toyota Camry is the best seller in this segment. To reach the top, Ford has added a Sport model to the Fusion lineup. Actually, Ford initially considered adding either ST or RS nametag to the Fusion but later decided it would be a little overwhelming for the Fusion.
Read along to find out more about this performance-oriented family sedan from the “Blue Oval” A American automaker;
2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport Exterior
With the addition of a more potent drive-train, we hoped Ford would offer a host of exterior features to tell the Sport model apart from other Fusions. However, Ford has barely changed the Fusion Sport exterior design from other Fusion models. It is only differentiated by a
However, Ford has barely changed the Fusion Sport exterior design from other Fusion models. It is only differentiated by a shiny-black grille, dual-outlet twin exhaust tips, a trunk spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The model features extra upgrades like LED headlights, LED fog lights just like other Fusion models. Other features like the hood, bumpers, front-fenders sheet-metal are unchanged from the current Ford Fusion.
2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport Interior
Sliding inside, you will find a redesigned cabin that is more comfortable and convenient. Ford has done away with the shift lever on outgoing models in favor of a rotating knob. This has allowed a better access to its storage bins and cup-holders. Unlike other Fusions, the Fusion Sport features a S position which adds a more aggressive shift schedule that is also managed by new wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The vehicle also features front bucket seats upholstered in leather and perforated micro-suede.
In terms of technology, the model has been upgraded. It features adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic parking, automatic brake assist, lane-departure warning and engine stop-start. Some of these features are offered as standard while others are optional.
The vehicle will also feature Ford’s Sync3. The system features 4GLTE, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of its apps collaborates with the vehicle’s GPS and mileage information which helps locate fuel stations and AAA repair centers. There are other apps such as Cityseeker which helps locate restaurants and clubs while the Eventseeker app helps identify events going down in the City. 4GLTE enables the driver to locate the vehicle in a parking lot, lock and unlock its doors, read its fuel gauge as well as start the engine via a Smartphone. The vehicle also features SmartDeviceLink (SDL) which Ford hopes will be adopted universally to enable all cars to “speak” in one language. Ford has labeled the App as their own Applink and it’s already in over 5 million Ford vehicles.
The vehicle also features SmartDeviceLink (SDL) which Ford hopes will be adopted universally to enable all cars to “speak” in one language. Ford has labeled the App as their own Applink and it’s already in over 5 million Ford vehicles.
Engine Specs and Performance
2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport adds some real muscle to the Ford sedan lineup. Under its hood, it packs a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine with a displacement of 2.7 liters. This is the engine that powers the current F-150. The engine is capable of producing 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. At that level, the sedan
The engine is capable of producing 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. At that level, the sedan wallops the likes of Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It’s also more powerful than the BMW 340i which produces 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike standard Fusion sedans which feature a front wheel drive system, Ford has hooked up the Fusion V6 Sport with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system as standard.
The model is also fitted with continuously variable damping which features a pothole detection feature that instantly softens the suspension to absorb unexpected potholes on the road.
The maximum speed of the new 2017 Fusion Sport is about 155 mph while acceleration from 0-60 mph reached in about 5 seconds.
Price and release date
The 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport will be available this summer (other trim levels will hit dealerships earlier in May). The Sport Fusion will have a starting price of $ 34,350 MSRP.
Competition
Ford currently lies behind other automakers in this segment. Its fierce rivals include the best selling Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu and Nissan Altima among others.
While the Fusion Sport would be nice to drive, since the 2.7L V6 fits, I would really like to see a non-turbo version with a manual transmission. For me, that would be more fun to drive than any auto-trans version. I still enjoy driving my 5-speed Mach 1 to work one or two days a week.
I can relate to that but I also have a mixed commute with both low traffic – where performance would be useful and fun, and bumper to bumper driving (where an automatic is nice to have), so this seems to be a great combination without forking over a lot of $ for a German car. Granted the depreciation also weighs on that, but we hang on to our cars for a long time and that is where an extended warranty can be useful (lifetime if possible). Also, if the Focus RS is at the same price point, this Fusion Sport seems worth a look. Was actually looking at the revised 2017 Fiesta ST due out before coming across these.