Harrison Hot Springs, BC—Sedans have lost significant ground in recent years as the exploding popularity of crossovers continues to rise. But now, we’re seeing the humble four-door chariot getting some love, particularly from domestic automakers, as designs ramp up with sleeker, sportier lines and much more refined cabin environments.
Sure, the German sedans have maintained their pace and relevance, but other long-standing products like the Chevy Malibu or Subaru Legacy – not known for being sexy or stylish – today are looking great; possibly, something a young family could actually consider owning over a crossover.
However, when the Ford Fusion sedan first hit the market four years ago as a 2013 model, it was arguably ahead of the curve, offering very progressive styling for the time with that not-so-sedan open grill frontend (from afar, resembling a Jaguar and no, I’m not alone here). Today, the Fusion is the best-selling car in its segment. That’s pretty impressive and indicates Ford’s gamble investing in a new model four-door paid off. Now, the car gets its first update since its inception.
Ford Fusion Exterior and Interior Changes: What’s New for 2017?
Generally speaking, the answer is more of everything in this Ford sedan. The 2017 Fusion has a more refined and spacious cabin, including increased storage space, better ergonomics, updated technology, and clean and intuitive Sync3. It also has added safety features and more power choices.
Minor changes to the exterior styling
The Fusion’s design has been a strong point, so Ford didn’t mess with it for the 2017 refresh. And rightfully so. A few changes, however, would include all-new headlight designs with diamond lighting, a new, wider front grill, and a rear crease line for styling. The 2017 Fusion has nice sculpted lines and pulls off that peculiar wide-mouth front grill. Again, today’s midsize family sedans are beginning to look sharper, sportier, and more polished overall, in line with their crossover siblings, which often share the same platform.
Interior: Goodbye lever, hello gear shift dial
Overall, the cabin environment inside this new sedan feels very refined. The word refined gets thrown around often, but in this case, it’s accurate. Perhaps the most significant update is the new high-tech gear shift dial replacing the shifter handle in the centre console. And this isn’t just a novelty: the absence of the space-hogging lever and parking brake results in a roomier cabin, making way for more valuable storage space in the centre stack area – a 40% overall storage volume improvement.
Many of today’s cars are implementing this, and as a dad, I find that extra spacious nook up front below the controls is handy for tossing your stuff into. As noted, the conventional parking brake has also been replaced by a new electronic version.
For technology, the new Fusion gets Sync3 with Sync Connect, FordPass, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto—the latter two being introduced in the majority of new models and refreshes today.
Performance & Handling: Fusion sedan’s new V6 Sport engine
The sportier a sedan, the better. The Fusion for 2017 has a new V6 Sport engine powered by a robust 2.7L turbocharged EcoBoost engine paired to the all-wheel drive. The new Fusion is quieter on the road, and the new V6 is no exception. Overall, the Fusion has five engine choices—the most in the segment—including three EcoBoost flavours: 1.5L, 2.0L, and the 2.7L V6. These EcoBoosts all come with auto start-stop as standard. For hybrid fans, there’s also an engine for you.
Safety Features
A list of new safety features is included in the 2017 refresh, including a new collision warning with brake support, a pre-collision set-up, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, enhanced park assist with perpendicular/parallel and park-out, and a lane-keep system ensuring the driver remains within the lines.
Related – 2017 Ford Fusion Sport Review: The Unassuming 325-HP Sedan
Takeaway
Consumers like the Fusion’s design, performance, Ford technology, available all-wheel drive, and choice of power (EcoBoost, hybrid, plug-in). The 2017 Ford Fusion retains all of this while either adding more or ramping things up, which is always a good thing. Crossovers continue to get all the love, but sedans have their place, too. And fortunately, they seem to be getting better in the midsize and full-size arenas.
