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Fords New Fusion to Go Head to Head with Accord and Camry

Could Hyundais Sonata be the Spoiler to Fords Fusion Success?

Reports are starting to filter in about Fords new Fusion and most of those who have taken a stint behind the wheel are as impressed with how it drives as they are about its unique, attractive styling. Whether this is the make it or break it car for the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker or not, a major league hit in the lucrative midsize segment would be a heavy weight lifted off of blue oval executives shoulders right about now.

It couldnt be up against any greater competition than Toyotas Camry and Hondas Accord, the top sellers in the midsize segment. And this duo not only

Most who have driven Fords new Fusion are as impressed with how it drives as they are about its unique, attractive styling. (Ford Motor Company)

sells well, but each model offers excellent build quality, superb reliability and commendable performance.

But such heavy competition doesnt scare Phil Martens, Fords group vice president for product creation, but rather was feeling bullish about the new cars prospects when he said the Fusion is "going at the Japanese automakers throats",

"This car is us saying were back, back in the car business." commented Phil Martens, Fords group vice president for product creation.? (Ford Motor Company)

as reported by Autoweek. "We want to go after the midsize car market," Martens added. "That means Accord and Camry, and we think we have a winner here."

Thems fightin words, but the car that Martens is so hot on is actually capable of delivering the goods needed to combat the leaders in the midsize segment.

"This car is us saying were back, back in the car business." Martens continued. The Ford VP also said

The Fusions attitude comes by way of engaging driving dynamics, high quality interior materials, precise fit and finish, and all-important styling. (Ford Motor Company)

that although the Accord and Camry are good cars, the midsize segment needs some attitude.
That attitude comes by way of engaging driving dynamics, high quality interior materials, precise fit and finish, and all-important styling. The Fusion really is a step in the right direction for Ford, and comparatively to the full-size Five Hundred which preceded it, sized more appropriately (i.e. smaller) to take on the segment leaders.

Its exterior design was heavily inspired by Fords 2003 427 Concept, at least

Ford is talking about the possibility of all-wheel drive in 2007 while a gasoline-electric hybrid version has officially been announced.? (Ford Motor Company)

from the front end where its three-slat chrome grille and vertically stacked headlamp clusters make the most noticeable visual impact. Under the hood theres no big-block V8, but rather a fuel-efficient 160-horsepower 2.3-liter four driving the front wheels through a standard five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic. Move up to the top-line model and a 221-horsepower V6 with 200 lb-ft of torque takes over motivational duties, linked up to a state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission with driver adaptive control.

Ford is talking about the possibility of all-wheel drive in the not-too-distant future, 2007 is the year being

The Fusion sees its largest gains in rear seat accommodation, while additional trunk room allows for totally flexible stowage when the rear seatbacks are folded flat. (Ford Motor Company)

bantered about, and a gasoline-electric hybrid version has officially been announced. A hybrid version of the Honda Accord is already available, and Toyota will soon be to market with a hybrid Camry, so the Fusion will be capable of not only mixing it up with the two top sellers when it comes to conventional power, but it will also be the only domestic player to challenge with an alternative drivetrain - at least until GM and Chrysler Group arrive with their expected hybrid models. One other note: a six-passenger wagon version is also being considered for future production.

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