Approximately one in three Americans own a smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop and Ford is helping connected customers continue to be, well, connected! The 2017 Ford Fusion has had interior remodeling that now allows drivers and passengers more storage, increased connectivity, and a more open feel throughout the car. Kelly Whetstone, Ford vehicle architect supervisor for Fusion, said that Ford looked at their customer feedback and decided to focus on storage capability of the Fusion.
Ford has engineered 59 percent more storage in the Fusion console by adding easy-to-store bins and a new phone pocket and area for small coins. The armrest has been lengthened about three inches to accommodate for a 4-liter increase to the main console storage area and a clamshell design has been incorporated for the upper compartment to make the space more accessible and user-friendly.
The media bin at the front of the console sees an addition of a lighted USB port for increased connectivity. A narrow new storage slot behind the port is perfect for a cellphone and other small items. Having this arrangement allows room for more efficiently designed cord storage space and the new USB port allows for easier phone connection so customers can enjoy Ford features like SYNC 3 and AppLink.
Another remodel is the shifter; the new shifter is a sleek rotary gearshift and serves both form and function. The shifter is less intrusive and it frees up valuable real estate on the console.
Hani Badawi, Ford Fusion ergonomics engineer, explained the advantages of this change. “Without the larger base of the traditional shifter, there was much more room for us to add features that are important to the Fusion customer.” One of the changes due to this is the adjustment to the cup holder that allows drivers to reach their drinks better and not bump their drinks while using the shifter.
Another change was the size and design of the footrest pedal, which is now larger and about one inch wider to accommodate for various foot sizes.
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