The brand-new 2013 Ford Fusion isn’t even on sale yet, but it’s already changing the way people look at mid-size sedans. Augusta Ford told us that of the more than 155,000 people who recently configured a new Fusion at a special online website, almost 25 percent added the tech-oriented Driver Assist package to their vehicles—showing a much higher interest in technologies than expected.
“Even if it was just out of curiosity, we were surprised to see how many in our survey built out a Fusion online with the Driver Assist package,” said Samantha Hoyt, Ford Fusion Marketing manager. “Technology traditionally hasn’t been a big driver for consideration with midsize intenders, but this could be changing as we increase the affordability of these features.”
That focus on affordability means the redesigned Fusion will be offering advantages usually found only in vehicles that are tens of thousands of dollars more expensive. According to Houston Ford, the Driver Assist package includes cutting-edge technologies like the Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping Aid, automatic high-beam lighting, active park assist and rain-sensing windshield wipers, and the 2013 Fusion also offers a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control and, of course, the Sync with MyFord Touch connectivity/infotainment system.
According to Ford, “to get all of these capabilities from BMW, a customer would have to step up to the top-of-the-line 760Li at more than $140,000, and even at nearly $100,000, a Mercedes-Benz S550 customer can’t get active park assist.”
But you can configure a Fusion SE with all of that and more for just $29,885; and remember, the starting point for the next-gen Fusion—due in dealerships like Ford Dealers In Michigan later this summer—is just $21,700.
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