The all new 2010 Ford Fusion promises to bring serious competition in the mid-range market in the Kingdom and Gulf region with its 4-cylinder gasoline fuel economy, and sporty driving dynamics. It also boasts larger passenger and luggage capacity than some of its competitors.

The new 2010 Fusion, a four-door sedan that offers gasoline and hybrid power in either front or all-wheel-drive configurations, hits the button on a range of considerations important to saloon car drivers. Test driving this car was a pleasure. It delivers fuel-efficiency, quality that is on par with the competition, style and smart technology.

The Fusion is only three years old. Ford says it spent $650 million on a major overhaul of the engine, transmission, interior and styling. The result is a dramatically improved and refined mid-size sedan in a full range of models, including a gasoline four-cylinder model, a mid-level V-6, an hybrid and a gutsy Sport model with a big-bore V-6.

The Fusion’s new styling looks sharp, especially the aggressive front end that puts a new face on Ford’s three-bar grille. The design delivers a new hood and front fenders, the result a sculptural as well as contemporary look. The changes at the rear are subtler and, along with updating the look, improve visibility with the third brake light now mounted at the top of the trunk lid.

The car’s newly designed front end, including a domed hood, and new headlamps, grille and larger fog-lamp area further enhance the sporty nature of the Fusion. Aerodynamic enhancements and new underbody shields boost the Fusion’s fuel economy.

Front-wheel drives are standard while all-wheel drives can be ordered on select Ford Fusion models. The Hybrid comes only with front-wheel drive.

This fuel economy comes courtesy of a sophisticated hybrid powertrain, hooked to a quiet 155-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that runs using the ultra-efficient Atkinson cycle. The electric motor housed within the transmission unit adds 36 hp at full throttle, providing a total of 191 hp. The Ford Fusion Hybrid can propel itself on electric power alone for short distances and at low speeds, and a lighter, more powerful battery pack allows the gasoline engine to shut off more often.

Perhaps the best compliment that one could bestow upon any hybrid is that it performs as well as a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. The Fusion Hybrid does. Acceleration is smooth and strong, much like a small V-6. Transitions when changing from electric to gas and vice versa or a combination of both are barely noticeable.

For the Fusion, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and both V-6 engines are quiet, smooth, and significantly more fuel-efficient. All 2010 Fusion models are significantly more refined inside than the outgoing model thanks to more efficiently applied insulation, thicker glass, and additional seals on the doors. Furthermore, the entire instrument panel is new and made from a seamless, soft-to-the-touch material for a high-quality appearance.

The instruments sport a 3-D look that is easy to read even in direct sunlight. The middle area of the instrument panel, called the center stack, is also reconfigured to accommodate an eight-inch LCD monitor included in vehicles ordered with the voice-activated navigation system. Hybrid models get their own interior upgrade, in the form of an Eco-Guide instrument cluster.

As a result, these interior changes yield a comfortable driving environment with a good seating position, improved visibility and low noise. The Fusion’s backseat still feels a bit more cramped than some other mid-size sedans though and the Fusion Hybrid model lacks split-folding rear seats, which are sacrificed to accommodate the battery pack.

In terms of equipment, the 2010 Fusion is well equipped even in its base “S” configuration.

On top of the dense standard feature list, the vehicle also offers the following as options depending on model: a reverse camera with a screen embedded in the rearview mirror or the NAV unit (if equipped), Sirius Travel Link, a sunroof, and a Sony audio system.

Regarding safety, the Fusion offers what has become the standard quiver of features: ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry and six airbags. Extra safety-directed arrows include the Blind Spot Information System, rearview-sensing system with camera, and 911 Assist for vehicles with SYNC-all options on most models.

If you seek proof that Detroit, and Ford in particular, can build a comfortable, high-quality, fine-driving, and hyper-efficient sedan that is more than competitive, look to the 2010 Ford Fusion.