An automotive publication examines the features of the second generation Ford Fusion sedan. The discussion centers on the engines and transmissions that power the car, along with practical reliability concerns and price points in the domestic market.
The base powerplant is a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter engine that delivers 175 horsepower in one version and 177 horsepower in another. It shares a lineage with Mazda’s L5-VE family, known for quiet operation and a service life extending well past 300,000 kilometers. It remains dependable, with leaks typically arising as it ages, rather than from any major design flaw. The smaller 1.5 liter engine delivers around 184 horsepower but has earned a reputation for several weak points, including coolant leaks into the cylinders, frequent water pump failures, rapid carbon buildup on intake valves, and clogged injectors.
The continuously variable transmission holds up well until about 200,000 kilometers, after which mechanical wear begins to degrade performance. Hydraulic automatics tend to last longer, with a service life around 250,000 kilometers before noticeable degradation appears.
A notable problem is the melting of contacts in the seat heating and ventilation circuit. Spare parts for this model are scarce in Russia, and many vehicles on the road have sustained damage from accidents, complicating repairs.
There were reports that four different cars could be bought for roughly the same price as the Lada Vesta, which trades at around 1.7 million rubles on the Russian market.
The Livan X3 Pro crossover hatchback sits as a classmate to the Lada Granta. It hides a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated engine producing 103 horsepower, and instead of a traditional manual, it uses a shift based automatic transmission, which can be handy for city driving and daily errands.
Another option is the Changan Alsvin priced at about 1.6 million rubles. It is powered by a 1.5 liter engine delivering 107 horsepower and paired with a five speed robotic transmission.
The Moskvich 3 crossover is listed around 1.7 million rubles. It packs a 1.5 liter turbo engine producing 136 horsepower and offers a choice between a six speed manual transmission or a CVT.
New on the market is the DFSK 500, priced near 1.75 million rubles. This compact crossover measures 4,385 millimeters in length and uses a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated engine with 116 horsepower, paired with a shift based gearbox.
Earlier industry chatter suggested that AvtoVAZ would launch the Lada Largus in a new configuration, signaling potential updates to the budget family and shifting the competitive landscape for affordable branding.