Two months ago, the automotive world buzzed with anticipation about a new Ford sedan, touted as an “Audi-slayer” – a fun, affordable vehicle boasting significant power and all-wheel drive. This heralded arrival was the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport. After finally getting behind the wheel, the experience, while informative, wasn’t quite the revelation some might have expected.
(Full disclosure: Ford generously hosted me at a Michigan golf course with a delightful breakfast to test drive the Ford Fusion Sport.)
The Ford Fusion Sport generated substantial buzz. Many automotive publications, including ours, speculated about its potential as a formidable all-wheel-drive sports sedan capable of challenging German competitors at a more accessible price point. The specifications certainly fueled this excitement.
This car delivers an impressive 325 horsepower and a staggering 380 lb-ft of torque. This power originates from a 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the F-150 and Edge Sport. This robust output is channeled through a torque converter, a multi-gear transmission system, and various drive shafts before reaching all four wheels. The result is a compelling horsepower figure for a mid-size sedan.
Further enhancing its performance credentials is Ford’s standard Continuously Controlled Damping system. This sophisticated technology adjusts damping rates in real-time based on driving conditions. Complementing this is a dedicated sport mode that sharpens steering calibration, modifies transmission shift patterns, enhances throttle response, and amplifies engine sound. This combination of features paints a picture of a sedan ready to contend with models like the Audi S4 or BMW 340i in terms of performance, primarily due to its impressive Horsepower Ford Fusion configuration.
However, the reality, as clarified by Ford at the press event, was that the Fusion Sport was never conceived as a direct rival to Audi or BMW. The objective was different: to enrich the mid-size sedan segment by offering customers a step up in performance. This didn’t entail transforming the Fusion into an “Audi-slayer,” but rather providing enhanced power and refined handling to cater to drivers who, while prioritizing family needs, still appreciate spirited driving.
In essence, the Fusion Sport prioritizes its role as a family sedan, with driver-centric performance as a secondary, albeit significant, attribute. This distinction became immediately clear upon arriving at the media event. Instead of a racetrack, the venue was a luxurious golf course near Hell, Michigan. While Ford highlighted the potent V6 engine and the Continuously Controlled Damping’s ability to minimize body roll during cornering, the primary focus seemed to be on the Fusion Sport’s convenience and comfort features.
For instance, the initial demonstration centered on the Fusion Sport’s Continuously Controlled Damping system. Ford presented two competitor vehicles – a Toyota Camry XLE V6 and a Honda Accord EX-L V6 – to illustrate the Ford’s ride quality compared to its rivals.
The key takeaway was that the Ford stands out as the sole vehicle in its class to offer an active damping system. This technology is designed not only to improve handling dynamics but, perhaps more importantly for daily driving, to deliver a smoother, more refined ride. (In fairness, the difference in ride quality between the three cars on the improvised test course was not dramatically noticeable to me.)
Following this, we experienced the Fusion Sport’s Enhanced Active Park Assist System. This demonstration involved simply activating the mode with a button press while driving past a parking space. The Fusion’s sensors detected the available spot, prompting me to shift into reverse and release the steering wheel, controlling only the brake pedal as the car autonomously maneuvered into the space. The system functioned effectively as advertised.
So, there I was, attending a press event for a highly anticipated sports sedan, participating in parking lot demonstrations showcasing features like pothole mitigation and automated parking.
Ford Fusion 2017 wheel and suspension detail showcasing advanced engineering.
