Released back in 2012, the current generation of the Fusion is no longer new. The car’s age is starting to show and this is especially true inside the cabin where the car is far worse than the competition. Because of that, despite the fact Ford didn’t say much about these rumors, it seems a new model will be released with the upcoming 2019 Ford Fusion. It seems that like before, the car will continue to be sold under the Mondeo name in Europe. This time around the new Fusion is expected to use a new platform, new engines and it should boast a brand new design.
2017 Ford Fusion Source: nydailynews.com
2019 Ford Fusion Platform
One of the biggest problems with the current model is its weight. The car weighs in excess of 4,100 pounds which is considerably more than some of its rivals. It looks like the new platform would allow Ford to drop the weight of the car to less than 4,000 pounds for the same models. The base versions should, in fact, weigh not much more than 3,500 pounds. This massive reduction would not only help with fuel efficiency but also with the car’s driving characteristics.
2017 Ford Fusion Source: nydailynews.com
There is no way around the fact the current model is bad to drive. It feels heavy and large and its steering is numb and not that responsive. The upcoming 2019 Ford Fusion is expected to solve most of these issues thanks to its new platform and running gear. The car is also set to get much better NVH levels than before which would further elevate the experience inside the cabin. The big unknown factor at this point is the price. The new platform might drive the price of the new Fusion up but this still remains to be seen.
Engines
There are quite a few different available powertrains on the current car and this should not change in the future either. It looks like the new Fusion will get at least as many as before. The base model of the future Fusion might ditch the aging 2.5 liters naturally aspirated inline 4 engine. In its place, Ford is expected to offer a smaller 1.5-liter turbo-three gas powertrain which has been released quite recently. This engine is currently known to make as much as 190 horsepower so it would be a perfect replacement for both the older base 2.5-liter engine and for the mid-spec 1.5-liter turbo-four.
2017 Ford Fusion Source: nydailynews.com
A 6-speed manual might be offered as standard on some versions which should keep the price down and allow Ford to give customers a choice. The range-topping Sport version will likely stick with the current 2.7 liter V6. This is currently good for 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque which is quite impressive for a family sedan. Some models will come with all wheel drive while the old 6 speed automatic will be replaced by a new 9-speed gearbox.
Even though we would love one, it seems like a hybrid will not be part of the 2019 Ford Fusion range. Why? Well, Ford is releasing an entirely new range of cars under the Model E badge which will also include a four-door medium-size hybrid sedan meant to replace all of their other current offerings.
2019 Ford Fusion Design
We do not question the beautiful design of the ongoing model and it looks like Ford isn’t either. Even though the upcoming model hasn’t been seen yet, it looks like Ford is keen on keeping the same design scheme as before. This became apparent since the Focus test mule has been spied. Because of that, it is safe to assume the 2019 Ford Fusion is not going to change as much as we expected it to. In fact, the car is more than likely going to retain its Kinetic design. However, we should see a lower and more aggressive front end, likely a more coupe-like stance and even a lower and wider body in order to give it the aggressive appearance most people are looking for these days.
2017 Ford Fusion Source: nydailynews.com
The interior of the car is also expected to improve tremendously over its predecessor. Here the 2019 Fusion will likely get a more minimalist-looking center stack, a larger infotainment screen as well as a fully digital instrument cluster. The driving position is expected to get lower while the actual available passenger space will increase mostly thanks to the new floor-pan design.
