2009 Ford Fusion SEL Sport Edition Test Drive

Ford adds a new sporty looking package for the new, 2009 Ford Fusion by offering more standard features and the new Blue Suede Appearance Package available on front-wheel-drive SE and SEL models.

 

The package consists of exterior metallic paint color choice of dark ink blue, brilliant silver, sport blue and tuxedo black. The interior is charcoal black trim with Alcantara suede seat inserts in blue, charcoal black leather trimmed side bolsters with blue stitching, Alcantara blue suede-colored door panel trim inserts, blue stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and on the center floor console armrest. The instrument panel, center stack and door panel appliqués in black, ambient lighting is added to the SE models, and larger 18X8in. painted aluminum wheels wrapped with Goodyear 225/45R18in. performance tires.

 

In the hotly contested mid-size car market, the Ford Fusion stands out now even more with its distinctive design, award-winning quality, an impressive list of safety features, state-of-the-art technologies and segment-leading value.

 

For 2009, ambient lighting, Sirius Satellite Radio, a 5-speed automatic and traction control for the SEL’s 4-cylinder engine, joining Fusion’s long list of standard features.

 

Also standard on SEL models is ambient lighting which allows drivers to personalize their Fusion’s interior with one of seven colors-blue, red, violet, orange, indigo, green and yellow. These accent colors can be changed at any time and found inside the cupholders, and in the front and rear foot wells. Sirius Satellite Radio is also standard on SEL models.

 

For enhanced handling and performance, Fusion now offers optional AdvanceTrac electronic stability control AdvanceTrac uses sensors to detect and measure oversteer and understeer by monitoring the vehicle’s steering wheel angle versus actual yaw. When the system senses wheel side slip-the difference between the driver’s intended and actual path-engine torque is reduced and braking is applied at individual wheels to help keep the car tracking safely on its intended path.

 

Fusion offers a choice of Ford’s 2.3 liter Duratec 23 inline 4-cylinder or 3.0 liter Duratec 30 V6 engine. Both feature aluminum construction, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, intake variable cam timing and electronic throttle control that delivers smooth, spirited driving performance along with good fuel economy and emissions ratings.

The 4-cylinder engine develops 160hp and can be paired with a 5-speed manual or five-speed automatic on the SEL model. For added performance, you can step up to the 221hp, 3.0 liter V6, which is mated to an advanced six-speed automatic. Fusion was the first car in its class to offer such a sophisticated automatic.

The fully independent front and rear suspensions systems give Fusion smooth, confident handling in both front-and all-wheel-drive configurations. Standard ABS provides even more control during severe braking maneuvers on dry or slick pavement.

 

The available all-wheel-drive transmission, a feature Fusion first introduced to the mid-size segment-contributes to more responsive handling for improved confidence in all types of driving and road conditions.

In addition to traction control and ABS, standard safety equipment includes six airbags, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight-sensing system for the front passenger seat, beltminder which reminds when a safety belt is not buckled, LATCH anchors for child seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

 

Options not mentioned above includes Ford SYNC voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system, Voice-activated navigation system, MP3 audio input jack and rear parking assist that emits a tone that increases in frequency and intensity when it detects close proximity to an object at the rear of the car.

 

Ford has listened to the call for more standard and optional features to make the ride more enjoyable and safe, along with a great looks and performance in Ford’s best-selling, mid-size family sedan.

 

Both I-4 and V6 models get great gas mileage-20mpg/city and 29mpg/highway for the 2.3 liter and 18mpg/city and 26mpg/highway for the V6 models. The base price for the SEL model that I tested starts at $23,340.00.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Specifications

Price: MSRP $25,190 Invoice $23,071
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Mexico
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 190.2 in.
Width: 72.2 in.
Height: 57 in.
Wheel Base: 107.4 in.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.7 in.
Front Hip Room: 54 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.4 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room: 53.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.3 in.
Rear Leg Room: 37.2 in.
Luggage Capacity: 15.8 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 221 hp
Max Horsepower: 6250 rpm
Torque: 205 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4800 rpm
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 40 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 17 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 297.5 mi. / 437.5 mi.