The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport is not what I was expecting – at all. To say that this car snuck up on me is an understatement, and I mean that in a good way.
The Fusion – Ford’s best-selling car in the U.S. and second best-selling car in Canada – received a mild design refresh for ’17 and the Sport is part and parcel of that update as a new trim option.
Slotting in near the top of the model range – only the Fusion Energi Platinum plug-in hybrid has a higher MSRP – the Sport comes with a long list of standard equipment and an emphasis on performance.
Speaking of, the Sport is the only Fusion equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost V6. Power output is rated at an impressive 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque (asterisk – those numbers are achieved with 93 octane or better fuel). Mated to the EcoBoost V6 is a six-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels.
The Fusion Sport also receives a suspension upgrade with antiroll bars, stiffer springs and continuously controlled damping that varies from soft to stiff depending on set-up and road conditions. The system is capable of detecting potholes to the point where sensors can adjust damping rates in milliseconds to lessen the jarring impact.
As one might expect, the Fusion Sport also gets wider P235/40R19 Continental ContiProContact performance rubber wrapped around 19-inch tarnished dark alloy wheels. A rear deck lid spoiler and quad exhaust outlets complete the sporty look.
Inside, the Sport offers a comfortable interior loaded with amenities, among them supportive leather seats with Miko suede inserts, SYNC 3 infotainment system, leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters and carbon fibre appearance trim inserts.
On the road, the Fusion Sport has plenty of performance. A sport mode button in the middle of the rotary gear selector (which reminds me so much of current Jaguar products) bumps the revs, sharpens the throttle response and produces a pleasing exhaust growl.
The ride is firm, but not uncomfortable which makes it quite a pleasant cruiser in everyday driving conditions. In short, the Fusion Sport is an enticing option for those looking for a good balance of comfort, style and performance.
SPECIFICATIONS – 2017 Ford Fusion Sport
BASE PRICE / AS TESTED: $42,288 / $44,488 (incl. $1,650 destination)
ENGINE: 2.7L EcoBoost V6
HORSEPOWER: 325 hp @ 5,500 rpm
TORQUE: 380 lb-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 1,558 kg
CONFIGURATION: front engine, all-wheel drive
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS (L/100 KM - CITY / HWY. / COMB.): 13.5 / 9.0 / 11.5
WARRANTY (MOS. / KM): 36 / 60,000
ALTERNATIVES: Honda Accord Touring V6, Nissan Altima 3.5 SL, Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, Toyota Camry XSE V6
Photography by Lee Bailie
