Ford CEO Alan Mulally’s “One Ford” initiative, aimed at creating a global product portfolio with a consistent look and mission, has certainly been fruitful. A quick stroll through a Ford showroom will reveal models like the Fiesta, Focus, and upcoming 2013 Escape, a trio of vehicles whose genetics evidently were extracted from a common Petri dish. Ford wisely chose to let the inbreeding continue, this time with designers swabbing a touch of the corporate DNA on the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion.

The new Fusion’s overall look was previewed by last year’s Evos concept. The production model looks like, well, a big Focus, or possibly a small Taurus. Surprised? Neither are we, especially given the spy shots we nabbed last summer. (Europeans waiting for the new-generation Mondeo will be even less surprised than we were here, since this Fusion provides a deep look into that car.) But lack of astonishment or no, there’s no denying that the new Fusion is pretty darn handsome, even if it’s not as aggressively creased as the Focus.

Conventional, Hybrid, and Energi Models

For 2013, the Fusion will offer buyers their choice of conventional, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models. Those who opt to go strictly fossil fuel have three engine options: a 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic; a 179-hp, 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo four mated to either a six-speed auto or a six-speed manual; and a 237-hp, 2.0-liter EcoBoost four mated to a six-speed automatic. (All power figures are estimates, but they’re not likely to change by much once final specs are released.) All-wheel drive is again available, but only on the 2.0-liter Fusion. An engine stop-start system will be standard on—and exclusive to—1.6-liter models, where it is said to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 3.5 percent.

PATRICK M. HOEY, THE MANUFACTURER

Fusion hybrid buyers get a new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder to replace the outgoing 2.5-liter unit. A permanent-magnet AC synchronous motor holds up the electrical end of the momentum bargain, helping to boost total system output to 185 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission sends the power to the wheels. Lighter, more powerful lithium-ion batteries replace the previous Fusion hybrid’s nickel-metal hydride batteries, packing enough of a punch to increase the fully electric top speed from 47 to 62 mph. Efficiency numbers aren’t final yet, but Ford is calling out Toyota and Hyundai, claiming the Fusion hybrid stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid by 4 mpg in the city and 5 mpg on the highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid by 12 and 4 mpg, respectively. For those less inclined to do the math, that translates to early estimates of 47 mpg city and 44 highway for Ford’s gas-electric.

Truly dedicated hypermilers will want to hang on until later this fall, though, when the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid debuts. Similar to the Fusion hybrid but with the added advantage of plug-in battery recharging, the Energi is anticipated to return more than 100 MPGe. (MPGe stands for “miles per gallon equivalent,” and is a metric that allows a comparison between electrified and conventional vehicles.)

Mr. Mulally’s Gadget Emporium

In addition to a long list of nanny tech aimed primarily at those overwhelmed with the prospect of paying attention behind the wheel—adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot warning, active park assist—you’ll also find the polarizing MyFord Touch system on the available features list. Beyond those items, however, Ford isn’t saying much more about the Fusion’s various levels of equipment, other than it will be metered out via S, SE, and Titanium trims.

PATRICK M. HOEY, THE MANUFACTURER

The company gives those who like to drive a pat on the head, too, saying that the electric steering, strut front suspension, and multilink rear suspension team up to “please a well-seasoned enthusiast.” What fortune; we were just thinking that we might be getting a little salty.

Inside, Ford claims to have “taken care to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch.” Adrian Whittle, chief engineer of the Fusion says, “The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience, but also feels like quality to the customer.” So there’s that.

We think the current Fusion is just swell in a reasonably priced and competent-but-not-compelling kind of way, but it was certainly due for an upgrade, to say nothing of its room for improvement. This 2013 model seems to tick the right boxes for technology, efficiency, and style, but we’ll have to slide behind the wheel of a final production model to tell whether Ford’s promises of an engaging drive and a much-improved interior ring true.

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