One of the most appealing features of the 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport is the ability to opt for different driving modes, including comfort, normal, and sport. When Sport Mode is switched on, you can expect every element mentioned above to come alive in the most exciting way.

Paddle Shifters: Driving an automatic isn't always the most exciting thing, which is why Sport mode will let you take over and manually shift yourself with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Engine: Sport mode changes up your electronic throttle programming for a more responsive feel.

Shifts were Jaguar-like in their speed and smoothness, and we cleared the ¼-mile in 13.9-seconds at 99 miles-per-hour. Possibly our biggest complaint is the sound of the car.

2.7L ECOBOOST V6 The most powerful car in its class,4 Fusion V6 Sport pairs this twin-turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission. Engage its Sport mode and tap the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to make the most of all that power.

For everyday driving, Comfort mode makes the car feel as neutral as possible for long road trips. This is usually the default driving mode for vehicles equipped with different modes, and it is designed to provide a smooth passenger experience from the steering response to even suspension tuning.

Sport mode - puts the car in a more aggressive setting, usually enhancing throttle response, whilst in some cars can alter suspension, gearbox and exhaust too. Sport Plus mode - an even more dynamic sport mode, usually turns driver aids off such as traction control.

Sport mode gives a quicker throttle response for a sporty drive, meaning the car accelerates more readily. In addition, more fuel is introduced into the engine to increase the available power. The suspension stiffens up and the steering becomes firmer or heavier for better feel.

Throttle response: Switching it on in almost all cars with Sport Mode produces a quicker throttle response. That can make the vehicle accelerate faster. Tighter steering: Sport Mode also tightens a vehicle's steering in most cars. A tighter steering setup can improve handling.

The Fusion offers good driving performance with its sharp steering, powerful brakes, and good agility, as well as ample power from its turbocharged engine choices. However, the base engine is probably best avoided, as it provides only adequate power.

Quick Tricks The Fusion Sport's real charm is all beneath those surfaces. The power translates to a dash to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.7 at 101 mph. This in a segment where 7.0 seconds to 60 mph is considered pretty good and cars that take nearly nine seconds are deemed acceptable.

A mid-size sedan offering plenty of choices, the Fusion is available in basic to near-luxury trims, with conventional, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It's also one of very few vehicles in its category that can be had with all-wheel drive.

Ford Fusion (Americas)