With a modified front-end structure and a new, but optional, automatic braking system, the 2017 Ford Fusion has crashed its way into a top award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Improving its front end has minimized intrusion in the challenging small overlap front test from 6 inches (15.24 cm) in the previous model tested, to less than 2 inches (5.08 cm) in the new model, changing its rating on the way from ‘Acceptable’ to ‘Good’, as the dummy’s movement was better controlled by the seat-belt and airbags.
In the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints, the updated 2017 Fusion has earned ‘Good’ ratings, just like previous version, but a notable improvement comes from the front crash prevention system. The added automatic braking system changed the rating from ‘Basic’ to ‘Superior’, as the car has managed to avoid collisions in the track tests at 12 mph (19.31 km/h) and 25 mph (40.23 km/h).
The Top Safety Pick Plus rating comes almost a week after Ford launched the performance-focused version of the Fusion, dubbed Sport, which is powered by a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that develops 325 HP and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque. Prices for the most powerful Fusion kick off at $34,350, while the entry-level will set you back for $22,120.
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