Smooth Driving with the 2017 Ford Fusion SE #BucketListOtt

Ford Canada invited a group of digital influencers at the Coconut Lagoon Restaurant to think about escaping the daily routine and start working on a bucket list for a road trip getaway. During the meal, Robin Esrock, a well-known travel writer, spoke to our group about searching the world for the ultimate bucket list adventures to experience. He also shared with us his latest book, The Great Global Bucket List, and about how these great experiences can be found close to home. Robin then challenged the group to live out a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience around Ottawa, and that’s exactly what I did while driving the Ford Fusion.

Being married for 23 years with 2 children, I found myself being more into a mother’s role than the one of a spouse. I think any mom can relate to this as a family is demanding both physically and mentally. Notwithstanding the kids weekly activities and homework, cleaning the house, shopping for groceries, washing clothes, errands, and working outside the home. A few years back, I decided that my husband and I would go on dates just like we used to before we had children. This is my new bucket list that I cherish dearly! Our schedule is still hectic, but we manage once a month to do it! It also includes getaway trips, even if they are close to our hometown.

This month’s date was a weekend getaway in Cornwall about 75 minutes from home. Unfortunately, Ford could not lend us an Escape for our bucket list, but we receive instead the fully loaded Ford Fusion SE. It is newly designed and offers high-tech features that makes it a game-changer among mid-size sedans.

I enter the Ford Fusion SE, sit on the black leather seat, and insert the key into the ignition. Wait, there is no ignition that needs a key? Simply press a button to start the vehicle! Did it actually start the motor? No, you need the press the brake and press the start button again; all with no key. I can even open a locked door without the key as long as it’s on me or near the vehicle! I LOVE IT! I spent at least 20 minutes familiarizing myself with all the features on the dashboard and adjusting the height and lumbar driver power seat.

The Ford Fusion SE Technology Package includes:

• (2) 4.2-inch Driver-configurable LCD displays in instrument cluster
• Premium Sound System with 11 speakers
• Reverse Sensing System
• SYNC^® 3
• Includes 8-inch LCD touchscreen in center stack with swipe capability
• Pinch-to-zoom capability with available Voice-Activated touchscreen Navigation System
• AppLink™
• 911 Assist^®
• Smart-charging USB ports (2)

The first feature that grabbed my attention of course was the touschscreen with the SYNC® 3. The screen displays in colour and has Wi-Fi connectivity. We enjoyed listening to my husband’s favourite 80’s songs on Sirius channels. 

The SE Luxury Package includes:

• 10-way power driver’s seat with two memory setting, leather seating surfaces and heated front seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Bright exterior door and window trim moldings
• Body color with chrome insert exterior door handles
• Intelligent Access with Remote Start System
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• LED fog lamps with chrome bezel
• LED headlamps
• Upgraded sideview mirrors with heat, security approach lamps, turn signal indicator and autodimming with memory
• Warm interior accents

When we left on Saturday, the weather was sunny and warm for a November day. As I am driving on the highway and traffic is getting heavy from cars emerging on the ramp, I decide to change lane when I noticed an orange light on the sideview mirror. The Ford Fusion is equipped with Blind Spot Information System called BLIS®. It’s primarily to detect vehicles entering the vehicle’s blind spot. You should still do a shoulder check for precautionary measures, but it’s still nice to have this feature.

We arrived at the NAV Centre, located along the St. Lawrence river, late afternoon and unwinded in our room before taking a tour of the Centre and making our way to the Propeller restaurant for an italian buffet. Dinner was delicious and memorable as we sat near a beautifully decorated Christmas tree! 

Sunday was totally different as we woke up to a cold and wet snowy day! We left Cornwall after a succulent brunch at the NAV Centre. As soon as I entered the Fusion SE, I was so happy to start the heated seats and side view mirrors. We had our wipers on and suddenly noticed that it changed speed on it’s own? Yes, the car is equipped with rain-sensing wipers.

 The SE Luxury Driver Assist Package includes:

• Heated steering wheel
• BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
• Lane-Keeping System with lane-keeping alert, lane-keeping aid and Driver Alert System
• Auto high beams
• Rain-sensing wipers

I always find it so amazing every time I get the opportunity to use the Enhanced Active Park Assist to help with parallel or perpendicular parking. It calculates the trajectory and automatically steer the car into the space. I simply operate the accelerator and brake pedals. The Fusion is also equipped with Park Out Assist to help steer out of tight parallel parking space while side parking sensors watch the back, font and sides warning when the vehicle is too close to an object. 

I really enjoyed driving the Ford Fusion SE for a week. The rides were extremely smooth and quiet, and all the features mentioned above made me feel very safe in the vehicle and on the road, no matter what the weather was like. At a starting price of $20,188, it is definitely a great deal for a mid size vehicle. I will definitely miss driving the Ford Fusion SE!

Category: Uncategorized