2009 FORD FUSION RAISES STAKES, OFFERING MORE STANDARD FEATURES, NEW APPEAR
08/01/2008
Ford
In the hotly contested mid-size car market, the Ford Fusion stands out for its distinctive design, award-winning quality, impressive list of safety features, state-of-the-art technologies and segment-leading value. For the 2009 model, Ford has enhanced the value and appeal of the Fusion with more standard equipment and new options - as it has every year since its launch.
For 2009, ambient lighting, Sirius(R) Satellite Radio, a five-speed automatic transmission and traction control join Fusion's lengthy list of standard features. A new, optional Blue Suede Package adds even more flair to Fusion's unique personality, and available AdvanceTrac(R) electronic stability control enhances the car's performance and safety.
More Standard Features = More Value
New standard equipment also includes a five-speed automatic transmission for I-4 SEL models and traction control on V-6-equipped Fusions.
Also standard on SEL models is ambient lighting, which allows drives to personalize Fusion's interior with one of seven colors - blue, red, violet, orange, indigo, green and yellow. Colors can be changed at any time to accent lighting inside the cupholders and in the front and rear foot wells. SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio, also standard on SEL, allows more choices for entertainment.
For enhanced handling and performance, Fusion now offers optional AdvanceTrac(R) 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 the actual path - engine torque is reduced and braking is applied at individual wheels to help keep the car tracking safely on its intended path.
Blue Suede Package Adds Personality
For 2009, Ford offers customers a new Blue Suede Package. Available as an option on front-wheel-drive SE and SEL models, the package consists of:
Exterior metallic paint colors: Dark Ink Blue, Brilliant Silver, Sport Blue and Tuxedo Black
Charcoal Black interior trim
Alcantara(R) suede seat insert in blue
Charcoal Black leather-trimmed side bolsters with blue stitching
Alcantara(R) blue suede-colored door panel trim insert
Blue stitching on leather-wrapped steering wheel and on center floor console armrest
Instrument panel, center stack and interior door panel appliques
Ambient Lighting added on SE models
18-inch painted aluminum wheels
P225/45R-18 A/S BSW tires
For 2009, Fusion also offers a Sport Appearance Package that pairs a Charcoal Grey interior with cloth seats (optional leather) and two new exterior colors - Vapor Silver and White Suede.
Impressive Performance
Fusion offers a choice of Ford's 2.3-liter, Duratec 23 inline 4-cylinder or 3.0-liter, Duratec 30 V-6 engine.
Both feature aluminum construction, dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, intake variable cam timing and electronic throttle control to deliver smooth, spirited performance along with good fuel economy and emissions ratings.
The 4-cylinder engine delivers 160 hp and can be paired with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The latter is standard equipment with I-4 SEL. When mated to the automatic transmission, the Duratec 23 is rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in states adopting California emission standards.
For added performance, step up to the 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, which is mated to an advanced six-speed-automatic transmission. Fusion was the first car in its class to offer such a sophisticated automatic.
Fully independent front- and rear-suspension systems give Fusion smooth, confident handling in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. Standard ABS provides even more peace of mind for drivers.
Available all-wheel drive - a feature Fusion introduced to the mid-size sedan segment - contributes to responsive handling for improved driver confidence.
Safety and Security
Fusion offers impressive safety for drivers and passengers, with top crash test ratings in both front- and side-impact testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2007 as well as a lengthy list of safety features.
In addition to traction control and ABS, standard safety features include:
Six Standard Air Bags and Ford's Personal Safety System(R): Safety features include six air bags (dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, thorax side air bags for front-seat occupants and side-impact air curtains), safety belt pretensioners, seat weight-sensing system for the passenger seat and crash-severity sensing.
BeltMinder(TM) : BeltMinder(R) is a Ford technology that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming.
If the driver remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first.
LATCH: The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren system provides convenient mounting points for compatible child seats.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This system warns a driver if one or more tires are underinflated. An active pressure sensor with a radio transmitter is mounted inside each tire. A receiver in the vehicle monitors each transmitter, and if tire pressure is not within specific limits, it will activate a visual warning light.
Fusion's Reverse Sensing System aids rear parking maneuvers. The system emits a tone that increases in frequency and intensity when it detects close proximity to an object at the rear of the vehicle.
Connecting Customers
Fusion offers cutting-edge technology to keep customers connected to the information they want and the entertainment they desire:
Ford SYNC(TM): SYNC is Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system. Standard on SEL series, this system fully integrates mobile phones and most media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.
Voice-activated Navigation: Fusion's available navigation system is voice-activated for more convenient hands-free operation.
MP3 Audio Input Jack. For consumers who do not choose the optional SYNC system, an audio input jack is standard, allowing for audio input from any MP3 player.
The Ford Fusion, available in S, SE and SEL series, is built at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant in Mexico.