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Interior Design
Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with
next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center
console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a
driver wants to keep handy.
Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward
the windshield, contributing to the cabin's airy, open environment. Thinner,
lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric
using recycled sustainable yarns.
Fuel Efficiency
The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across
customers' choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, following
through with the commitment by Ford to be the fuel-efficiency leader - or among
the leaders - with each new model brought to market.
Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the
midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of
EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an
automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle,
front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between
automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.
The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder
non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The
2.0-liter EcoBoost engine - paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift
Automatic transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive
with the ability to send additional torque to the rear - is the Fusion
performance option.
Fusion Safety Features
The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and
convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car
to see and respond.
Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to
changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park,
even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed.
Specific technologies include:
* Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three
elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small,
forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system "looks" down
the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The
system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected.
The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion
drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply
pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
* Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system "looks" down
the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected
ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to
help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
* Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable
parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly
position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and
brake pedals
* Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in
both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver's blind
spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic - unseen by the
driver - is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the
driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed
views, such as between two large vans
Entertainment and Information Systems
The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford's award-winning,
industry-exclusive SYNC communications and entertainment system, which enables
voice-activated communication through a driver's mobile phone and interaction
with the car's audio system.
Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch, allowing a driver to
interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a
conventional button.
Both SYNC and MyFord Touch - powered by SYNC - help reduce the potential for
driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to
keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Craftsmanship
Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved
materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are
minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and
every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a
spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.
"The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only
delivers a superior visual experience but also feels like quality to the
customer," said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer.
Key contributors to how the Fusion feelsare the ride and handling components
that maximize vehicle dynamics.
"This really is a driver's car," said John Jraiche, program manager. "Fusion is
even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering
(EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level
multilink rear suspension - comparable to Audi and BMW configurations."
Careful tuning by Ford's vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion
with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while
increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.
Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and
weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise
while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds
content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment
leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.
Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise
control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise
while enhancing powertrain sounds.
Strength and Safety
Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body
strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added
dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to
conform to a specific occupant's size, position and seatbelt usage.
The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain
safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top
ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.
The most prominent example is Fusion's front-end architecture, as the same car
must face simultaneous - and seemingly conflictive - standards across regions.
The car's front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for
North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian
protection - thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash
tests.
Fusion will be produced at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility,
soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later
this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.
Ford Fusion: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications