The Ford Fusion was launched in 2005 for model-year 2006, and the dour-door mid-size continues in its second generation, which began in 2012 and included a hybrid version. Following a facelift update in 2017, Ford revised Fusion again for 2019 with new front and rear fascias, new Co-Pilot360™ suite of driver-assist safety technologies, an increase in the “electric-only” range in its Hybrid, tweaked cosmetics and expanded feature and trim availability.

Before we get to the 2019 model, Fusion should be here for a few more years. Ford initially planned to discontinue the Fusion along with its other sedans except Mustang, in North America in the next few years, as part of a plan to focus more on SUVs and trucks. However, as Fusion currently is the No. 21 best-selling vehicle in America (and No.7 top-selling sedan), the mid-size is expected to remain in production until 2021. However this year is the final year for the V-6–powered Fusion Sport.

Back to this year, the 2019 Fusion up-designs with new front and rear styling including a new grille featuring a five-bar design finished in chrome on S, SE and SEL models and new chrome mesh on Titanium. This sleeker Fusion also features a new trunk lid panel, fog lamps and LED taillamps, and two new wheel designs and fresh color palettes inside and out also debut for 2019 -- new colors include Agate Black, Velocity Blue and Rich Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.

Big safety news is the debut of Ford Co-Pilot360™, which the Blue Oval calls, “the most advanced suite of standard driver-assist technologies.” The suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, lane keeping system, rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting that together, can help drivers operate with more confidence. And for green-minded customers, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine is now standard on Fusion SE and higher trim levels, while the new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid model is projected to have an EPA-estimated electric-only range of up to 25 miles – nearly 20 percent greater than the current model.
 
On the outside, in addition to its new front and rear lower fascias, the 2019 Fusion gets a new decklid panel, foglamps, LED rear tail laps, grille designs – chrome or mesh depending on trim – and wheel packages. At 191.8 inches long, 58.2 inches high on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, Fusion weighs in at 3472 lbs. 

Powering up with an international flavor, Ford Fusion’s four-cylinder engines come with a range of horsepower and fuel economy ratings. The 2.5-liter inline-4 is built in Mexico and produces 175hp and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque; the 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-4 is built in Romania and is rated at 181hp and 185 lbs.-ft. of torque; and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-4 is built in Spain and delivers 240hp and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque. Economically, the 2.5 gets 22mpg city/34mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for the automatic, while the automatic 1.5 is rated at 24/36/28. My test 2.0 automatic with a six-speed transmission was rated 22/city, 33/highway and 26 combined. My week of testing in mixed-use scenarios averaged 24.5mpg.  

I found acceleration to be decent for the niche with my test 2.0-turbo as my test Fusion completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds, en route to a 15.2-second quarter-mile. Highway passing and uphill trials were accomplished effortlessly and the cabin and engine were relatively quiet, thanks to a solidly performing paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission.

At mid- and low-speed, Fusion’s rack-and-pinion with electric power-assisted steering was aggressive in the corners with only slight understeer and yaw was negligible. Around town and at speed, steering is a bit vague, but the MacPherson strut independent front suspension stabilizer bar, working with an independent multilink rear with stabilizer bar smoothed out road irregularities and carried speed well, while the ABS brakes stopped confidently.

Interior dimensions are a bit tight up front with headroom of 39.2 inches and a confining 37.8 inches in row two. Front legroom is accommodating at 44.3 with 38.3 inches for rear passengers and shoulder room is 57.8 in row one and 56.9 in row two, and thick roof pillars inhibit sightlines.. 

The base 2019 Ford Fusion starts at $22,840, the hybrid model starts at $27,555, and the plug-in Fusion Energi starts at $34,595. My test Fusion came in five trims. The S was at the base price; the SE (my test ride) started at $24,120 with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine; SEL at $28,580; the luxury Titanium trim started at $34,340 and the V6 Sport at $40,015. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine added $2860 over the base and added the AWD configuration at no charge. My Oxford White (no-extra-charge) exterior paint was matched to an Ebony Black interior and added the Ford Co-Pilot Assist Package that included Adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go and voice-activated touchscreen navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link® for $655; carpeted cargo mats added $75 and with destination charges of $995, the sticker-as-tested was $29,350, but Available Incentives of up to $3250 may still be available in your area, so check with your dealer, as some Fusions as tested could be priced at $26,100.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

A one-time econocar has evolved into a sporty, fun-to-drive compact that continues its legacy of good fuel economy and low pricing. The Honda Civic was born during the 1973 model year as an economical subcompact that addressed the U.S. oil and gas crisis. A top seller from the outset, Civic is the 6th top-selling vehicle of all-time worldwide, and currently the 9th best-selling vehicle (including trucks and SUVs) and No.2-top-selling car (classification) in the United States.

With multiple versions to appeal to many buying segments, Civic builds on its 10th generation which debuted in 2016, with a versatile lineup that includes a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan and a hatchback. Available in either of two four-cylinder engines and either a continuously variable automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, Civic has replaced boxiness with sporty architecture and builds on its sportiness with solid segment performance.

For 2019, the Civic line-up tweaks up with changes in styling, adding standard features, augmenting suspension and steering capabilities, and increasing the popular Sport trim across the coupe (hatchback) and sedan configurations. The new Sport front clip eliminates its chrome grille in favor of a stunning black insert. But chrome is not forsaken and is used to surround a new headlight and foglight design while relocating sensors used in the Honda Sensing Suite, which is now standard in all trims. Other changes include an upgraded audio system display, the addition of a volume knob on the updated optional infotainment touchscreen, larger cupholders, steering-wheel control modifications and improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin ride experience. From a performance perspective, the Sport trim now offers an optional non-turbo 2.0-liter engine in both the sedan or coupe.

I tested the Sport coupe, and was immediately impressed by the sportiness of this economical ride. Slotted between the LX and EX trims, the 2019 Civic Coupe Sport comes at you with that black grille that wraps into squint-eye headlights. Along the sides are upsized 18-inch wheels and angled body creases that create a perception of speed or motion waves; while in the rear, a black-painted decklid spoiler, Sport badging and a sport muffler capped by a wide, center-mounted chrome exhaust finisher complete the package.

Civic’s  lightweight Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure and rear frame structures, aid in occupant protection while minimizing weight for better fuel efficiency, and the Civic Sport’s angular unibody construction fits within Compact parameters at 177.3 inches long, 54.9 inches high and 70.9 inches wide on a 106.3-inch wheelbase for a curb weight of 2838 lbs. 

Inside, the cabin is packed with high-quality, soft-to-the-touch materials and such convenience features as remote engine start, electronic parking brake, walk away door locking, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.

The cabin plays into its compact nature and measures a hunched 36.5 inches up front and only 34.5 inches in row two for the coupe. Legroom is comfortable at 42.3 inches in row one and 35.9 inches in the rear seats and shoulder room is 56.9 and 52.6.

The 2019 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe LX and Sport trims are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. Connected to either a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT, EPA fuel economy ratings are 30mpg/city, 41mpg/highway and 34 mpg/combined.

CVT-equipped Civic EX, EX-L and Touring trims are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with peak output of 174 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque with top ratings of 32/42/35 for EX and EX-L trims. My week of testing with the 2.0-liter manual averaged 34.4 mpg.

The Civic Sport’s ride is compliant, road-hugging, highway confident, city proud and auto-cross worthy, with decent, but not explosive passing at speed. The attentive six-speed manual kicks in gently and during track tests, we didn’t perform as well with the 2.0-liter as we would have with the turbo -- maybe as much as 2 seconds slower -- but we did finish off a 9-second sprint to 60mph and a 17-second quarter-mile.

The steering is balanced and obedient, with minimal body roll and predictability in hard cornering. The sound insulation really cuts down cabin noise and the stiff suspension levels out most road irregularities.

The 2019 Honda Civic also features a long list of standard active and passive safety features including the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies that includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ incorporating Forward Collision Warning , Lane Keeping Assist System and Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning. Additionally, all Honda Civic models receive automatic high beams as part of their Honda Sensing® package.

The 2019 Honda Civic Coupe starts at $20,750 in LX trim, and runs through four trims, topping out at the Touring based at $26,950. My Sport (second trim up) test ride based at $21,550 with the 6-speed manual and 2.0-liter engine.

In cool Tonic Yellow exterior paint (at no extra charge) matched to a Black cloth interior, my test ride added Body Side Molding for $217, Door Edge Guards for $59, all-season floor mats for $155, Automatic-dimming mirror with HomeLink® for $418, and destination and handling charges of $930, for a sticker-as-tested of $23,378.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

As Fall Carlisle waived goodbye to its final vendors earlier in the week, the 2019 central Pennsylvania schedule for Carlisle Events concluded.  The five-day event offered a little bit of everything for everyone, including record breaking heat on its first day followed by rain, wind and cold on day two.  By day three, normalcy returned to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds with aisles and vending spaces alike packed with people and all things automotive.

With thousands of vending spaces filled with millions of items, numerous cars in the car corral and many more in the auction, Fall Carlisle proved once again that its historical significance in the automotive world is justified.  Leading up to the event itself, vendors spent days setting up shop by covering the fairgrounds with all types of automotive pieces and parts.  In addition, car owners hoping to move their ride in the car corral lined the area with over 1,000 cars of various makes and models.  With the gates opening Wednesday at 7 a.m., the influx of attendees was non-stop throughout the weekend.

The fairgrounds fun wasn’t the only entertainment option for showgoers.  Auction cars were available for preview at the nearby Carlisle Expo Center too, all while the Carlisle Auctions staff prepared the facility for its prime time showcase Thursday and Friday.  On grounds at Carlisle, the vendor/customer interaction was non-stop as individuals and companies alike offered show-only specials, with deals and discounts to be had everywhere.

As the sun shined down Friday and Saturday, guests also had the chance to enjoy trivia Friday evening, while Saturday played host to the annual vendor appreciation dinner.  The aforementioned auction saw 500+ consignments cross the block, with just over a 50% sell through rate and $3.6 million in total sales.  The top selling auction car was a 1986 Ferrari Testarossa, moving for a cool $88,810.  The top five overall included two Corvettes, a Cadillac and a Buick.  Additional auction information will be presented in the coming days.

With Fall Carlisle in the bag along with its auction, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions turns its collective attention to Sarasota, Florida and the all-new Sunset-Carlisle two-day auction.  This two-day offering (November 8-9) will feature 400+ consignments coming from a market ripe with classic and collector car enthusiasts.  All the fun in Sarasota starts at 10 a.m. each day.

For complete information on 2019’s Fall Carlisle event including images and the post-event survey, visit www.CarlisleEvents.com.  While online, learn about upcoming 2020 events, special displays, themes and more.  Speaking of 2020, Carlisle Events gets the season up and running January 17-19 with Auto Mania at the Allentown Fairgrounds.  

Fall Carlisle is a heritage event in automotive circles, dating back to 1974.  The fall auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions doesn’t quite go that far back, but it brings enough tradition to the table that buyers, sellers and spectators alike recognize it as a premier event within the region.  As such, the Carlisle Expo Center was packed for two days (October 3-4) for the Fall auction and the team at Carlisle Auctions delivered once more! 

With a bidder total that exceeded last fall’s registration and a lot of 500+ quality consignments, the table was set perfectly for two days of classic and collector car excitement.  Trucks, cars, trikes, bikes and motorcycles all crossed the block.  Fall even offered a 60’s themed “power hour” as a tribute to a decade of automotive excellence more than 50 years ago.  The theme, combined with the overall event and excitement by its participants, helped tally $3.6 million in sales and an over 50% sell through rate.
Of the $3.6 million in sales, $328,902 came from its top five sellers.  The top five, outlined below, included a Ferrari, two Corvettes, a Cadillac and a Buick.  All sales data quoted includes applicable fees.  

1) 1986 Ferrari Testarossa - $88,810
2) 1966 Chevrolet Corvette - $78,830
3) 2016 Chevrolet Z06 Corvette - $68,212
4) 1954 Cadillac Eldorado - $65,270
5) 1955 Buick Super 88 - $57,780

While more than 250+ consignments sold, that means about the same amount did not.  Those cars are “still for sale” and a Carlisle Auctions team member is available today to help negotiate a sale if buyer and seller can agree on a price point.  Some of those cars are currently showcased on the Carlisle Auctions web page.  

For complete information on this auction, its results and those cars that might still be available, contact Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 or online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.  You can all connect with Carlisle Auctions to learn more about this event or future auctions too.  One such future event is ALL-NEW and takes place November 8-9 in Sarasota, Florida.  Sunset-Carlisle takes place in partnership with the Sunset Automotive Group at their spacious facility, located at 6061 Sawyer Loop Rd. 

October is many things to many people.  It’s when most feel like Fall has finally arrived, it’s picking pumpkins, traversing corn mazes and of course it’s trick or treating.  For Corvette lovers and fans of the Miller family, not only is October 27 the late Chip Miller’s birthday, it’s also the wedding anniversary of Lance and Michele Miller.  Oh…and this also happens to be the same day that the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, PA, plays host to one last central PA car show AND the last Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation event of the year.  One and all are invited to Carlisle to support the CMAF, honor Chip Miller and enjoy the 11th Annual Corvettes for Chip car show.  

Designed for Corvette lovers and lovers of Chip Miller alike, the event is as much a car show as it is a fund raiser, weaving equal parts fall fun in with Christmas cheer; after all, Santa will be there!  2018’s event raised over $8,000 and this year’s fun hopes to top that total, all while raising awareness for a great cause.  

The new date offers the same great fun, including the standard 8:30 a.m. start time.  Those interested in registering their Corvette for judging and review have two hours to do so, so by 10:30 a.m., registration closes.  Just before that, the event officially gets going with a 10:15 a.m. playing of the National Anthem.  Once all the introductory “stuff” has concluded, it will then be time for registered car owners to get together to review the agenda of the day.  Over 100 Corvettes are expected and all available eras of production will be on-site.  

There’s also some other special happenings leading up to the event.  The National Corvette Museum is hosting a special Corvette racing event at the AACA Museum, Inc. in Hershey in the days leading up to Corvettes for Chip.  There, the #3 Cunningham Corvette will  be on display.  Plus, at Corvettes for Chip itself, another famous #3 will be on-hand, the iconic yellow Corvette race car that Dale Earnhardt Sr., Junior and Andy Pilgrim drove at Daytona in 2001 just days before his untimely death.   

Regardless of what is happening during the Corvettes for Chip event, the backbone of the day is Amyloidosis awareness and fundraising for the CMAF.  The giving nature of the event also helps bring Santa Claus to town.  A late October get together may be more fitting for Jack Skellington, but he’s more a taker than a giver.  Time with St. Nick is a great way for family and friends to also support the annual Toys for Tots drive.  Talk with Santa, donate a toy and even pick up tickets for the 50/50 raffle.  

No event honoring Chip Miller would be complete without a ceremonial revving of the engines.  At the mid-point of the Santa meet and greet, car owners will fire up their beloved Corvettes at 12 p.m. for an audible tribute to a man who played a vital role in Carlisle’s automotive history and Corvette history too.  

Corvettes for Chip concludes with a raffle as well as silent auction opportunities.  There’s a 2 p.m. awards ceremony for the cars and their owners plus even more fun like a bake sale, food and drink, a DJ playing music, a silent auction and more.  

Registration is $25 for anyone who pre-registers online at www.corvettesforchip.com OR $30 the day of the show.  Parking is available indoors or out, but space inside the Expo Center is limited and at $60, is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Again, to be indoors, pre-registration is required.  All registration fees are tax deductible!  Celebrate a super special day for the Millers and join us in Carlisle!  Complete information on this event is available at www.chipmiller.org or by calling 717-243-7855 x113.