carblog888: 2013 FORD FUSION 2.0 TITANIUM SEGMENT LEVEL RISES

2013 FORD FUSION 2.0 TITANIUM SEGMENT LEVEL RISES view

Huge palm trees, wide roads filled with cars convertible and a blazing sun to the brain. Some now the soundtrack of the film "A strip of heavy", immortalized by Axel Foley in Beverly Hills for their adventures. It was precisely this environment that Ford gave in Los Angeles for our first contact with the new Fusion.

What is it?

The Fusion 2013 is the best representative of the new wave of global vehicles from Ford. The choice of Los Angeles for the presentation of the model to the Brazilian press was not by chance: the sedan that will be sold in Brazil (imported from Mexico) is exactly equal to the model offered in the United States. In Europe, the car is also the same, but will retain the Mondeo and European name will still fastback and station wagon versions.

Initially, the new Fusion arrives in Brazil version only top of the line Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost engine equipped with direct injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing (Ti-VCT), which yields generous 240 horsepower and torque of 34, 5 Nm available between 1,750 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The transmission is six-speed automatic, with optional hand controls on the steering wheel. The version Titantium also has great prominence as the AWD AWD. The Flex versions 2.5, unprecedented in scope, and hybrid arrive in early 2013.

The term global car that actually makes sense. The public's Fusion 2013 is comprised of successful people looking for a vehicle in the range of $ 100 thousand. Obviously, they are more demanding and, according to research conducted by Ford, want to drive a vehicle with the same standard of quality, technology and powertrain of a European consumer and / or American.

The look can be considered a revolution. With features inspired by the Evos concept, the new Fusion was more impressive and at the same time, elegant. Live, draws attention the new optical assembly and hexagonal front grille, which refers to the English sporting Aston Martin (brand that until recently belonged to Ford). The grandeur is enhanced by the creases on the hood, while elegance is expressed by the headlights thinner and the chrome on the front. The side is also bold, mainly by roof line which refers to a coupe, the current trend among large sedans. At the rear the design is also completely new, with LED lights and dual exhaust built into the bumper.

For those who like the technical detail, the Fusion system brings unprecedented in the segment: active control closing the front grille. Automatically, the grid is closed diverting the air flow when it is not required by the engine cooling system - which helps reduce drag by improving aerodynamics by approximately 6%, and helps fuel economy. This system also helps the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature in less time keeping the grid closed when the car is turned on in the morning, for example, and opening automatically when needed.

How to walk?

The test drive sponsored by Ford included several sights of Los Angeles, but the script was basically urban, which limited us a bit to extract the full potential of 240 hp. We almost always "locked" at the maximum speed of the track 35 mph (56 km / h).

Upon entering the cabin, there is careful with the finish that a car of this standard requires. Ford did it masterfully. In this version Titanium, banks are lined with leather and even the tone of the seams lines combine perfectly with the jacket (which can vary from light to dark). With good lateral support and a touch of sportiness, the seat accommodates well the driver and also offers electrical adjustments and three memory positions.

The panel has broadly modern and pleasing to the touch finish (rubberized), mixed with glossy black areas. The instrument panel also draws a lot of attention, formed by color screens that display various car functions such as navigation and entertainment - that can still be customized.

With the key in the vehicle, just push the button to start the engine EcoBoost 2.0. As expected for a car of over $ 100 thousand, also the parking brake is electronic. And so began the test drive the wide avenues of Los Angeles, the scene of many Hollywood movies. The Fusion is running smooth and highlights the low level of noise on board, due to the good work of aerodynamics, isolation and also the use of an acoustic windshield. According to research done by Ford, the low level of internal noise is a major item of perceived quality, and so the work was so intense in this regard.

At the wheel, the responses to the accelerator nerve more assaults are vigorous. There is so much supply of torque at low rpm, even with the traction control system active, the tires sing in search of grip. The electric-assisted steering offers a precise driving style and very enjoyable. The steering wheel, in turn, offers good grip, but the buttons integrated entertainment system commands can be confusing at first: it is not so clear to identify which exact function (directional with OK in the middle of the two sides are no indication of function ).

Returning to driving, we also tested the autopilot adaptive, able to identify the speed of the car ahead and "follow him" - by activating the brakes if the flow stops. Despite the convenience, since the car, the system is deactivated. In some competing models, especially the Germans, the system is able to identify the car in front stopped and also started walking again, accelerating automatically.

When looking for a SLR McLaren alongside and "eat" the tread, the alert system goes into operation range with an indicator light on the dashboard and a "pull" on the steering wheel to correct the trajectory. With 240 horsepower on hand, of course I gave that will stretch ... But to not have to face the "COPs" American, had to change the profile to driving mode "tiozão" and enjoy the ride.

Obviously it was also not possible to measure consumption, mainly due to the better quality of gasoline offered there. However, Ford Fusion announces that the 2013 with 2.0 EcoBoost engine makes 8.1 km / l in the city and 10.9 km / l on the highway, measured in accordance with standard Inmetro.

How Much?

The Fusion 2.0 Titanium has a level of standard equipment surprising. The top-line version of the sedan comes standard with 8 airbags (front, side, curtain and knee), leather seats, heated front seats, driver's seat with electric adjustment and 10 positions in memory, passenger seat with electrically adjustable in two positions, opening and closing global glasses, electric door mirrors with memory and electrochromic rearview.

It also has premium Sony sound with 12 speakers, trip computer, configurable key MyKey system, monitoring of blind spots, reversing camera, parking assist active, automatic high beams, autopilot with command direction, assistance in starting ramp, electric parking brake, opening the door for keys, system monitoring tire pressure and alloy wheels of 18 inches.

Remember those keys next to the doorknob? Fusion In 2013, they disappear .... and they appear. Now the model has a keyboard, KeyPad, integrated in column B driver's side which is visible by passing the fingers, like a cell phone touchscreen.

For connected, Fusion brings Sync Media System with voice commands in Portuguese from Brazil to audio functions, air conditioning, browser and phone with Bluetooth connection, plus two USB ports, memory card reader (SD card ) and video input / audio RCA. Everything is played on the LCD screen 8-inch, high-definition display with the same screen, does the navigation system (GPS) with maps of Brazil. Moreover, it also has the MyFord Touch - two 4.2-inch color screens with configurable controls on the instrument panel (which also display navigation information, sound system, etc.).

In summary, it is difficult to find a car in this price range so stuffed - will be the main rivals Hyundai Azera, Kia Cadenza and VW Passat. The Fusion Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost will be sold, at least until the end of this year (with the reduction of IPI), for U.S. $ 112,900. Ford ensures that value for a particular batch of 400 units. Starting in January, with the return of normal rates of IPI, prices should be adjusted.

Imprint - Ford Fusion Titanium 2.0 EcoBoost AWD: U.S. $ 112,990
Engine: Front, four cylinders, 16 valves, dual variable, gasoline direct injection, turbo, Power: 240 hp at 5,500 rpm Torque: 34.5 Nm between 1,750 rpm and 4,500 rpm Transmission: six-speed automatic, traction integral, electronic traction control; Direction: electrical; Suspension: Suspension: Independent front McPherson type and the type Multilink independent rear, electronic stability control; Brakes: Ventilated discs front and solid rear with ABS and EBD; Weight: 1599 kg , Port trunk: 453 liters; Dimensions: length 4.870 mm, width 1,850 mm, height 1,440 mm, wheelbase 2.850 mm; Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 7.3 s (factory); Maximum speed: 240 km / h ( factory) Consumption: City 8.1 km / l, highway 10.9 km / l (factory); Production: Hermosillo, Mexico.