The Calendar had not quite read 2009 yet but I remember a chilly day in Michigan when the good folks over at Ford introduced us to our first 2010 model – the Fusion, complete with hybrid and sport versions.
Ford Motor Company invited journalists up to its Dearborn world headquarters in December, 2008, for a “hush-hush” sneak peek of some of its new product, and this included the made-over 2010 Ford Fusion lineup.
For 2010, engineers and designers gave the midsized sedan entirely new front and rear clips as well as totally refreshing the interior. In addition, powertrain upgrades have been added including the new hybrid systems we tested both on that trip and last year as well as a Sport version complete with all-wheel drive and a bigger, more powerful V-6.
The new Fusion received quite a few stares in traffic around the big blue oval’s stomping grounds, a testament to the much-needed makeovers given the popularity of a recent Chevy Malibu makeover by GM back then.
This new Fusion is quieter, more comfortable, rides and handles better, steers better and, in hybrid form, gets incredible fuel economy without sacrificing much in the performance department.
We were greatly impressed with the work Ford designers and engineers had put into the new Fusion midsize sedans for 2010, a sentiment that did not ease when we took delivery of the latest Sport AWD Fusion. The Sport model is infused with Ford’s peppier 3.5-liter V-6 (263hp vs. 240 of base 3.0-liter six and no difference in fuel economy) backed by their SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission.
The Sport also benefits from – what else – sporty interior and body trim upgrades including leather sport bucket seats and a rear spoiler along with 18-inch wheels and tires. On the road the new Sport exhibits nothing but confidence and enjoys being thrown a good twist of the steering wheel.
Pricing for the 2010 Fusion Sport begins at $27,675 with our loaded tester coming in with a final sticker of $31,395. That fuel economy I mentioned comes in at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Ford has done an incredible job not only with the 2010 Fusion but a host of the 2010 lineup and it appears they have no plasn on slowing down just yet as some all-new 2011 models are rolling out in Dearborn delivering even more promise and excitement.