The Ford Fusion midsize sedan has a lot going for it. Built on the same platform as the Lincoln MKZ, it looks and feels a lot like Matthew McConaughey’s favourite ride, but costs a lot less. That is, provided you watch yourself on the options and upgrades. We’ll talk more of them soon.
A front-wheel drive, the Fusion goes easier on gas than those ubiquitous all-wheel drive systems, which are more expensive to power because they’re heavier and need to send juice to twice as many wheels. (Why do Canadians believe they’ll die without four-wheel drive? We made it through a century of winters without it, didn’t we?)
The Fusion’s chunky steering wheel feels good in your hands, delivering decent feedback, and corners are rarely a problem. The sporty 1.5 litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine strives to sound bigger than it is but delivers remarkably well. Paddle-shifting in sport mode provides an enjoyable experience. It’s not like driving a whole other car but does make the Fusion feel like a younger version of itself. Complete with start-stop technology for better fuel efficiency, the engine comes standard with that 6-speed automatic transmission.
From there, you want to watch the zeroes carefully.
Name aside, the contradictorily dubbed “Ebony Leather” (it’s got to be one or the other, surely?) seats are deliciously comfortable. An extra $550, this option is definitely worth it for the opulence and sheer ease of maintenance. One spilled coffee, wet dog or drunk friend is all it takes and those standard cloth seats immediately become a liability when you want to resell — or impress someone who hasn’t been in your car.
If you live in the city and drive a lot, the Driver Assist package is at least worth a conversation. At $1,950 extra it’s a bit of a kick in the shin, but does include lane keeping and blind spot detection. In many ways, these two techs are twin sides of the same coin — one defends you from colliding with others in the next lane; the other, from others colliding with you in the next lane. These sorts of interventionist techs are the next best thing to eyes in the back of a city dweller’s head.
I appropriately enjoyed the massive moonroof during the recent supermoon. It provides a feeling of Zen spaciousness during the day — but at $1,250 extra, it better be good because you’ll be spending more time in your car than out at concerts, bars or sports matches.
Navigation, an $800 expense, is something anyone with a smartphone probably doesn’t need.
Active park assist is $600 and may be worth considering if you have nervous other drivers and a very tight parking spot. On the other hand, if you’re patient, the sightlines on the Ford Fusion are quite good and the steering accurate.
More immediately useful is the Touch package, an $850 hit for the slightly bizarre combination of a reverse sensing system and air conditioning. Mind, that combo does make for a savvy life credo: Keep cool and be aware that stuff you can’t see can still harm you.
2017 Ford Fusion SE FWD
Base $25,288
Options $10,100
Destination and Delivery Charge $1,650
As Driven $37,038
