Ford might have cancelled the planned redesign of
the Fusion but that hasn’t stopped the company from announcing plans to unveil
an updated model at the New York Auto Show. Set to go on sale in the United
States this summer, the 2019 Fusion features a modestly revised exterior with a
new grille and trunk lid. The car has also been equipped with updated fog
lights and new LED taillights.
Interior changes are limited but Ford has simplified
the model lineup and installed additional equipment. The entry-level Fusion S
now comes standard with the Co-Pilot360 Protect suite of driver assistance
systems. Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian
detection, a blind spot warning system, lane keeping assist, a rearview camera
and automatic high-beam headlights.
Moving up to the Fusion SE rewards buyers with a
1.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The
model also has a SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch display as well as a
WiFi hotspot which supports up to ten different devices. Customers can also
order a Fusion Hybrid SE which features a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle
four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission.
The Fusion SE Luxury Package has been dropped and
replaced by the new Fusion SEL and Fusion Hybrid SEL. Both models come equipped
with a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and “ActiveX” upholstery.
Other highlights include LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an
auto-dimming rearview mirror and “warm interior accents.”
The Fusion Titanium and Fusion Hybrid Titanium go
even further as they have a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front
seats and GPS navigation. The models also boast a moonroof, 19-inch wheels, inflatable
rear seat belts and an adaptive cruise control system with stop and go
functionality.
The plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi is available
exclusively in Titanium trim and it has a new 9 kWh lithium-ion battery which
enables the model to travel up to 40.2 km on electricity alone. This
is an improvement of nearly 20% and Ford estimates 48% of current plug-in
hybrid customers could now drive to and from their jobs on electricity alone.
The Fusion V6 Sport returns to
the lineup with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing a class-leading 325 hp and 514 Nm of torque. It is connected to a six-speed
automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system.