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First introduced in 2006, the Fusion looks, at first glance, to be essentially unchanged for 2007. Same styling and trim, done mechanicals and electronics, nonetheless engines and transmissions. But conceitedly changes are certainly afoot, including standard torso and side-curtain airbags and optional all-wheel-drive, SIRIUS satellite radio and steering system. Base evaluation (SEL V6): $23,430. EPA fuel economy 20/28 MPG city/highway.First Glance: Get it right the first timeJ Mays, Ford’s lead designer, got the Fusion right when the car was introduced in 2006. The Fusion was based on the 427 concept car, which was a runaway hit on the auto show circuit a couple of years ago. Ford starkly picked the bits from the 427 that people liked and applied them to the Fusion. I’m glad to speak with that the facing is unchanged for 2007. That bodes marvellously for the company’s future. Winners like Honda and Toyota tend to get everything right the in the in the first place place time, because that’s what savvy buyers demand.

The Fusion is only available as a 4-door sedan but it comes in three spiffy levels: abstemious 4-cylinder S model, SE, and loaded SEL. The SEL shares many of the design clues with its upmarket sibling, the Lincoln MKZ (long ago known as the Zephyr (review)). But where the Lincoln gets bling as though the chrome plated side mirrors, the Fusion goes for the utilitarian look, such as body-colored mirrors. Of course, into each life some bling must fall; I think the optional 17” five spoke aluminum adulterate wheels are worth the extra cost.

Continued further…In the Driver’s Seat: …and comfort for all2007 Ford Fusion dashboardPhoto © Colin HefferonBased on Ford’s new CD3 architecture, which is shared with the Mazda 6 (Mazda is a Ford subsidiary), the Fusion combines an ample but distinctly utilitarian interior with an understated and compact exterior (well, dense by American standards anyway). Front shoulder dwelling and rear legroom are up there with the birth leaders. The control panel is simplicity itself. A disengaged effort has been made to keep away from electronic overkill, which I’m sure most buyers choice appreciate.

The Fusion seats four adults comfortably, five in a pinch. However, I found the rear seat cushions to be a bit too close to the floor, making it difficult for the purpose passengers to see the road ahead.

The steering wheel in all models offers both tilt and telescopic adjustments. This is a feature that was until recently found almost exclusively in big money European imports. Combined with the multi adjustable driver’s seat (power available), just about everyone should be able to find a proper driving position.

The trunk is extensive be revenged without the extra space available with the 60/40 rear seat backs folded forward. At 15.8 cubic feet, it’s charitable enough to hold at least four PGA bags as well as a soft-sided weekend bags for yourself and each of your three golfing buddies.On the Road: Surprising economyI mentioned earlier that the Fusion shares its platform with the Mazda 6, one of the better handling lineage sedans out there. The double wishbone front stay combined with an advanced multi link rear suspension keeps all four wheels planted firmly even during tight cornering over irregular surfaces. Although the Fusion is a equity large for my taste — I’m a small-car fanatic — I enjoyed driving it. I found it to be manoeuvrable and generally pleasant to drive.

The 3.0 liter Duratec 24 valve V-6 has mercurial valve timing and comes with a standard 6-speed automatic tranmsission It provides a decent combination of mid-range flexibility (acceleration from 50 to 70mph) and incitement economy. Considering the output — 221 hp and 205 lb-ft of torque — I was pleasantly surprised that my test car averaged almost 21 mpg during a week of mostly city-type driving, though I allow that high gas prices have me driving with an abnormally peaceful foot.

Though my Fusion was a front-wheel-drive model, all-wheel-drive (AWD) is now optional. Frankly, I’d stay away from it; AWD can be a terrible gas waster. The Fusion handles well enough in the front-wheel-drive view. Live in snow country? You’d be amazed what a decent set of snow tires can do.Journey’s End: Now I get it…2007 Ford Fusion rear viewPhoto © Colin HefferonAs much as I enjoyed the power of the V6, I’d in the flesh judge the 160 horsepower 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed robot-like in the interests of up-front cost and incitement economy. The 4-cylinder is far more economical in the type of driving that 90% of us do 90% of the time, which is 55% short hop, stop-and-go and 45% steady briskness highway cruising. You don’t need a lot of horses for either. After test-driving the V6 Fusion Vancouver, I droe a four-cylinder Fusion several hundred miles across the Canadian praries. On the flat, vacant, dead-straight highway between Winnipeg and Dauphin, Manitoba, the 4-cylinder Fusion cruised with ease at 150 kph (92 MPH — shhh, don’t tell the Mounties).

My time with both Fusions led me to an understanding of what this motor car is really all forth: It’s your basic, all-around reliable family transporter — comfortable, rock-solid and economical. In short: Fusion is a winner.