2010 Ford Fusion: Priced from $19,270 at Ford of Kirkland for Spring 2009 Delivery

Following the debut of the 2010 Fusion sedan at auto shows in Los Angeles and Detroit, Ford has announced pricing for the entire range of midsize sedans that will be available at Ford of Kirkland this Spring...

The 2.5-liter Fusion S starts at $19,270, positioning it below the Chevrolet Malibu but above the Toyota Camry. The ‘S’ has basic features like air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and locks, capless refueling, traction control, ABS, and 16-inch wheels.

The next level up is the $20,545 SE model, which has the same features as the S, but larger 17-inch wheels, a six-speaker stereo with Sirius Satellite Radio, and the choice of the larger 3.0-liter V6. Ford Sync 2.0 is also an option on the SE.

The $23,975 SEL model adds the Sync 2.0 as standard, the seven-color lighting system, leather seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, keyless entry, and, again, the option of the larger 3.0-liter motor. Other options include a reverse-sensing system, all-wheel-drive, GPS, and a Sony sound system.

Lastly, the $25,825 Sport model has the 3.5-liter V6 as standard, red-, blue, or black-accented leather, chrome trimming inside, 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust, optional AWD, optional GPS, and the option of Sony audio.

All-new Ford Fusion for the 2010 model year

On the surface, the 2010 Ford Fusion gets dramatic new front- and rear-end styling — enough of a redesign that, from some angles, it looks like a whole new model. The edgy grille continues Ford’s “three-bar” chrome design cue in what’s bound to be a polarizing expansion of the theme.

Under its reshaped hood, the Fusion gets three powertrain options for 2010 - replacing the outgoing two motor lineup. The top two models will be equipped with a 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. The entry-level four-cylinder version will come standard with a six-speed manual.

For 2010, the base four is upgraded to a 2.5-liter unit pumping out 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque with variable intake variable cam timing, new exhaust manifolds, and electronic throttle control. Ford says efficiency is up about 10 percent over the 2009 Fusion’s 20/28 city/highway mpg, though exact figures haven’t been released yet.

The next step up is a modified 3.0 liter V6 that puts out 240 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. A new air induction system and torque-actuated variable cam timing help boost power. The new cam design uses torsional energy instead of pressurized oil to phase the camshaft, which Ford says will helps save a bit of fuel, as well as improve response time.

The 3.0 V6 is also E85-capable. Ford says fuel economy is up 4 to 6 percent over the 2009 model.

New for 2010 is a 3.5-liter V6 — standard on the ‘Sport’ model. With 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque on tap, it is essentially the same V6 used in the Flex, Edge and a handful of other Ford vehicles.

The 2.5- and 3.0-liter Fusions will come with available electronic power steering. What’s more, the 3.0 features an extra-aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff that Ford says will also come on 2.5-liter models late in 2010.