Oh Hi: 2013 Ford Fusion

Oh hey there, pretty young thang.

Ford has released official images of the new Fusion and stylewise, it’s a winner for sure. Part of the reason might be due to the fact that this is actually the new Mondeo for Europe too and the Europeans, well, they just plain have better taste than us with certain things not least of which is car designs. Ford’s new global car campaign is paying off for us North American’s as a result.

The new Fusion gets a low-slung sleek look that easily rivals that of the Hyundai Sonota. Europeans might see this design as more of an evolution of the Mondeo, but regardless, it’s safe to say that this new design is quite agreeable.

Now for the big news. Ford is ditching its V6 in favour of a 4 cylinder line up. Many criticized Hyundai for doing the same with the Sonata, but there seems to be no indication of backlash in their sales. It’s safe to say the all four lineup won’t hurt Fusion sales either. The base trim level will get a 2.5 litre four that generates 170 horsepower and 170 pound feet of torque. This unit gets paired to a six-speed automatic only. Next option available is actually a 1.6 litre Ecoboost engine that makes 179 horsepower and 172 pound foot torque. This is interesting because it will likely be more efficient and just as powerful as the 2.5. Makes you wonder what the point of the 2.5 litre is altogether, but I digress. The top of the line engine will come in the form of a 2.0 litre turbo which makes 237 horsepower and 250 pound foot of juice. Both the latter engines will get the automatic transmission but the 1.6 can be had with a six-speed manual which should help make the most of power from that unit.

What about the hybrid?

Well it’s sticking around but it will get a 2.0 litre four cylinder Atkinson unit which replaces the 2.5 in the outgoing Fusion Hybrid. The result is 180 horses and 130 pound foot torque estimated. The result? An estimated 5 L/100 kms in the city and 5 L/100 kms on the highway.

But wait, there’s actually another hybrid version of the new Fusion called the Energi. It uses the same engine set up from the regular hybrid, but it’s actually a plug in which helps the Fusion run on pure electric power alone.

No matter what your preference is, chances are there’s a variant of the new Fusion which is at least somewhat appealing to you. Click past the jump for a few more pics.

[Ford]

Read the rest of this entry »

Chrysler & Ford’s Patriotic Ads Scrutinized As Misleading

Remember during the superbowl when Chrysler paid millions of dollars to essentially relate their cars to Detroit? They said Detroit used to be a broke down city but hard work and determination prevailed to make Detroit the city it is today- not unlike Chrysler. Supposedly.

The slogan ‘Imported from Detroit’ resinated quite well with everyone as a catchy play on the positive reputation that most imported car companies hold. Turns out, Chrysler really should’ve went with ‘Imported from Canada’.

A U.S consumer group has filed several complaints against Chrysler for using the imported from Detroit tagline in a Chrysler 300 commercial. Why? Well because the 300 is actually built in Brampton, Ontario alongside the Charger and Challenger.

Made in the USA chairman Joel Joeseph said, “the Chrysler 300 is assembled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and often includes a Mexican-made engine. Last time I checked, Detroit is not in Canada. Chrysler is flat wrong to imply the Chrysler 300 is made in the United States and we have asked the FTC to order corrective advertising.”

Good point.

Chrysler responded by saying that the complaints are “completely without merit” and that they will continue using the tagline on all their products.

Ford was also named in complaints for an ad that claimed the Fusion was American, however it’s built in Mexico. They also take issue with the Edge, Flex and Lincoln MKT which are all built in Oakville.

Ford’s response is that the ad specific to the Fusion was developed by a dealer and that most dealers crate their own content.

What do you think? Is it harmless patriotism or should Chrysler and Ford pull or even correct the ads?

[CTV]

Canadian Car of the Year Finalists Revealed! We Make Our Picks!

Those lucky ducks that have coveted AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) memberships all recently got together to rate the best new car of the year from the Canadian perspective for 2010. They tested them, rated them, and broke down the finalists into five categories.

Since Car Driven is literally only hours old as we write this, it seems a bit premature to have our own COTY awards. So instead, we’ll just use AJAC’s finalists and make our own picks.

Find out the finalists and our picks after the jump!

Read the rest of this entry »