If you’re in the market for a midsize sedan with zesty performance qualities, consider the Ford Fusion. If you’re looking for an eco-smart four-door, the Fusion is also a prime contender. The test-driven Fusion was powered by an EcoBoost 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, grabbing an estimated 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Fusion showcased top-notch acceleration power at speeds above 40 mph, but the engine/automatic transmission combination wasn’t quite as quick in responding to power commands at lower speeds. The front wheel drive, 112.2-inch wheelbase sedan had no problem trekking through snow clogged roadways, which is also a nice compliment to the car’s MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension.

The all-new 2013 Fusion is offered in three trim choices: S, SE, and Titanium, the latter has all wheel drive as an available option. Fusion offers numerous driver-assists, including a lane keeping system, active park assist, hill start assist, and a rearview video camera reverse sensing system. Other technologies include Sync with MyFord and MyFord Touch to operate vehicle systems via voice commands, touch screen, or buttons. The latest iteration of these interface controls has improved substantially, but oftentimes it’s a cumbersome process to accomplish what should be quick and easy tasks. The Ford Fusion SE with 6-speed automatic and 1.6-liter 4- cylinder engine collects estimated mpg of 23 city/36 highway and carries an MSRP of $23,700.