The 2013 Fusion marks the second generation of Ford's mid-size family sedan. What was a good-looking car to begin with has become a dazzling one now with fresh sheet metal and slightly larger dimensions. At first glance, you might think it's an Aston Martin. The FordFusion's positive traits are more than skin-deep. Under its sleek hood, Ford has replaced the past V6 engine options with a choice of two small-but-powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplants. Those seeking the greatest fuel-economy will be drawn to the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid. With great looks, solid driving dynamics and a wide variety of features at competitive prices, the 2013 Fusion can more than hold its own against rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Whether you want a midsize sedan that's value-oriented, engaging to drive, or boasts the highest fuel economy in its class, there is probably a version of the 2013 Fusion that fits your requirements.

If you must have a V6 engine, the Fusion isn't for you. And if you want a coupe version, like what Honda offers in its Accord, you're out of luck there as well. Those seeking the lowest price in the segment, meanwhile, may be attracted to a Hyundai Sonata or Subaru Legacy.

The Ford Fusion has been revamped for 2013 with a new design and high-tech safety features such as adaptive cruise control. Two different turbocharged 4-cylinder engines replace the V6 choices in previous models, and a plug-in hybrid called the Fusion Energi joins the regular Hybrid model, which is now rated at 47 mpg.

The 2013 Ford Fusion stands out in the mid-size sedan segment with its athletic driving character. While the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is adequate, the sedan really shines with the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or the even more potent 2.0-liter turbo that boasts 240 horsepower. A smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission is standard except in the hybrids, which use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the 1.6 turbo which offers a sterling 6-speed manual as a no-cost option. An optional fuel-saving start/stop system on the 1.6-liter model takes getting used to and can decrease the efficiency of the climate-control system at idle. All-wheel drive, available with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, offers extra grip. The Fusion Hybrid, meanwhile, is among the best we've driven. The system's transition between the gasoline engine and electric motor is nearly seamless, and the car can travel up to 62 mph on electric power alone. The Energi plug-in hybrid's electric-only top speed is 85 mph, and the car is rated to travel up to 21 miles on electricity alone and up to 620 miles total.

HYBRID VERSION
Perhaps the best thing about the hybrid version of the Fusion is that you may not know it is one until you realize how little fuel you're using. The Fusion Hybrid yields an EPA-estimated 47 mpg combined, and is a smooth operator while earning that lofty figure.

1.6-LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
As with its use in the 2013 Ford Escape, this small-yet-mighty powerplant feels like the Goldilocks of the Fusion's gasoline engine choices. Connected to either the easy-to-use 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed automatic with auto start/stop, this engine returns up to 37 mpg.

The 2013 Fusion's cabin is comfortable but feels slightly narrow, despite interior space growing compared with the last model. Four adults can sit comfortably in the Fusion, or three kids can squeeze in the back seat. At 16 cubic feet, the new Fusion's trunk is a tad smaller than its predecessor. In hybrid models, some space is eaten up by under-floor batteries. Still, even hybrid models allow the rear seats to fold for added cargo room. The cloth seats and foam inserts in Fusion Hybrid models are made from recyclable or renewable materials. Supple leather seating and an audio/climate-control system with touch controls can be had in higher trims.

Ford has taken the Fusion's outer styling to a new level for this 2nd-generation, 2013 model. The car looks like a design from Aston Martin – which Ford previously owned – rather than your average 5-passenger family sedan. Bland this is not. 2013 Fusions are distinguished by a large trapezoidal grille up front. The EasyFuel capless gas filler system means you'll never again have to wrestle to open a fuel cap or wait for it to "click" into place. Energi versions have what looks like an additional fuel door on the front driver's side that covers the port for the charging cable. An innovative light ring indicates the level of charge, with a full circle equating a full charge.

The new Fusion debuts in four trims: S, SE, SE Hybrid, and Titanium. The Fusion Energi is set to arrive in early 2013. Base S models include manual climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input, 16-inch wheels, and Ford's SYNC wireless communication system with voice control. SE models add 10-way power driver's seat, rear air vents, a 6-speaker audio system, and 17-inch wheels. Moving up to the Titanium model nets the powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, 12-speaker Sony premium audio system with HD and satellite radio, dual-zone auto climate control, a rearview camera, leather seating, and 18-inch wheels.

In addition to more powerful turbocharged engines, features available on the 2013 Ford Fusion emphasize technology for making the car safer and commutes more comfortable. Among the offerings are a reverse-sensing system, Active Park Assist to help with parallel parking, adaptive cruise control, a navigation system, and a blind-spot monitoring system. One particularly interesting and potentially life-saving feature is the Lane Keeping System. Using a windshield-mounted camera, the car keeps a digital eye on road markings to detect if the car drifts into another lane. If that happens, the system alerts the driver by sounding a warning, vibrating the steering wheel and, ultimately, applying steering torque to get the car back into the lane.