Fiesta Ford Lincoln Mercury eNews Flash

(2007 model shown)

Last year, Ford’s strong-selling Fusion sedan added an all-wheel-drive option, along with side and curtain airbags, satellite radio, and DVD navigation.

For 2008, the new additions to the latest edition of the Fusion include an available keyless entry keypad, a Reverse Sensing System, ambient lighting (available later in the year), voice-activated navigation, Ford’s Sync system (available later in the year, Sync uses Bluetooth and a touch screen to control in-car entertainment and communications) and standard anti-lock brakes.

Also for 2008, a new Sport Appearance Package option gets new 18-inch wheels and tires, a spoiler, red seat inserts, and red contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and center console.

The Fusion is based on the same platform that provides the underpinnings for the Mazda6 and the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. There’s a choice of either a 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or a 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder engine can be mated to either a standard five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 comes with a standard six-speed automatic. Riding on a four-wheel independent suspension with four-wheel-disc brakes, the front-drive Fusion delivers crisp cornering abilities without sacrificing ride quality.

A hybrid version of the Fusion is slated for later in the model year