For 2007, the Fusion has been upgraded with standard front-seat side airbags and a side air curtain, an anti-theft perimeter alarm, an auxiliary audio input jack, and an optional All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) option, and a Sirius Satellite Radio.

The Fusion comes with a bumper to bumper warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.

Based on the Ford CD3 platform, the 2007 Fusion competes with the likes of the Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, and Pontiac G6.

The V6 SE and V6 SEL trims derive power from a standard Duratec 3.0-liter V6 engine, which issues 221 hp @ 6,250 rpm and 205 lb-ft. @ 4,800 rpm. It is teamed up with 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with overdrive.

Fuel is delivered to both the engines through Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection.

All Fusion models feature an attractive chrome grille and stylish quad halogen beam headlamps. These headlamps flow into the Fusion’s hood and fender lines, and enhance its frontal looks. Fog lamps, standard on the Fusion SE and SEL models, come in handy while driving in low-visibility conditions.

All models come with standard color-keyed body-side moldings, while only the SEL models feature standard chrome belt-line moldings.

The SE and SEL models are also available with the option of a rear spoiler, which adds an element of sporty panache to Fusion’s dynamic styling. The V6 SE and V6 SEL also feature dual exhausts, which add to its rear appearance. All models feature standard power mirrors.

The I-4 S features standard 16-inch deluxe steel wheel covers, while the I-4 SE and V6 SE stand on standard 16-inch machined aluminum wheels. The I-4 SEL and V6 SEL come standard with 17-inch machined aluminum wheels. The I-4 S, I-4 SE, and V6 SE roll on P205/60R16 all-season tires, whereas the I-4 SEL and V6 SEL glide on P225/50VR17 all-season tires.

The I-4 SE is available with an optional Appearance Package, which includes a black chrome grille, 17-inch wheels with painted pockets, and fog lamps with color-keyed bezels. The package also comprises of red stitching and accents on seats, door trims, steering wheel, and center console, as well as brushed aluminum appliqué on the radio surround.

All models come standard with 60/40 rear cloth seat with spring-assisted split/fold-flat seat backs. The SE and SEL models are available with optional leather seat trims with contrasting color thread stitching. Heated front seats (requires leather seat trim) are optional only on SEL models.

The I-4 S, I-4 SE, and V6 SE feature manual air-conditioning, while the I-4 SEL and V6 SEL come with a more convenient Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) system with an outside temperature display.

All models come standard with a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel. However, the S and SE models feature a urethane steering wheel, while the SEL models boast of a leather-wrapped steering wheel. All models feature steering wheel-mounted speed controls, while the SE models have got steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The SEL models have an edge with their steering wheel-mounted audio and climate controls.

All trims come standard with convenience features such as power outside mirrors, power windows, power door locks, two integrated key fob transmitters, 12V power-points, power-remote inside trunk release, and a rear window defroster. The SE and SEL models also come with an optional power moon-roof.

For entertainment, the I-4 S features a standard AM/FM stereo with single CD player, MP3 capability, and four speakers. The SE and SEL models come standard with a premium AM/FM stereo with an in-dash 6-disc CD player, MP3 capability, and six speakers.

All models are available with the option of an audio input jack for plugging in an MP3 player or a similar sound system through the car’s speakers.The SE and SEL models are offered with an optional Audiophile Sound System with an in-dash 6-disc CD player, MP3 capability, premium eight speakers, and a SIRIUS satellite radio, which offers about a 120 music, sports, news, and talk channels.

The SE and SEL models are also available with the option of a DVD-based Navigation System, which combines DVD mapping with the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. It features a 6.5-inch color LCD screen with first-rate graphics, a voice route guidance feature, and a touch-screen feature for ease of use.

The Fusion, with a cargo capacity of 15.8 cubic feet can easily accommodate a range of belongings with modest dimensions.

Both the engines are extremely competent, though the V6 provides more power and better acceleration than the In-line 4 engine. The 5-speed MT and the 6-speed AT are downy and offer quick and smooth downshifts.

The Fusion rides on a double-wishbone front suspension with a stabilizer bar and a multi-link independent rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. It is also equipped with hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks in the front as well as rear. The suspension system soaks up most kind of road irregularities with confidence and offers a refined ride and excellent stability.

Power disc brakes in the front and rear offer sharp stopping power to the Fusion. It also comes with an optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a Traction Control System.

It also includes standard features such as a Personal Safety System, an Occupant Classification System, side impact air bags for driver and front passenger, side impact air curtains in the first and second row, a Belt-Minder for driver and passenger, a LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) on the rear seat for children, rear door child safety locks, and an emergency glow-in-the-dark inside trunk release.

The Personal Safety System uses an electronic crash severity sensor, a restraint control module, a driver’s seat position sensor, safety-belt pre-tensioners, energy-management retractors, and front outboard safety-belt usage sensors to help protect the driver and front-seat passenger in certain frontal collisions.

The Occupant Classification System depends upon the strength of the Personal Safety System to adapt deployment of the front outboard passenger air bag.

For its own security, the Fusion is equipped with a SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), an anti-theft perimeter alarm system, an illuminated entry system and a battery saver.