A new “Big Three” offering in the Camry- and Accord-dominated mid-size sedan market is the Ford Fusion, built on the platform of its stable mate, the Mazda 6.

Ford owns 33.4 percent of Mazda and now uses Mazda parts and platforms for some of its own models. Both the Fusion and 6 have identical engines with slightly different tuning. Both offer a 2.3 liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, 160 hp engine and a 3.0 liter V-6, DOHC, 24-valve, 215 hp (Mazda), 221 hp (Fusion) engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the 4-cylinder models with an optional five-speed automatic. A six-speed automatic is standard on the V-6 models.

The Fusion is a nice driving car with a comfortable ride and good, safe handling. European influence is apparent in both the stylish interior and exterior design. It is an attractive car, except for the new chrome grill.

The Mazda 6 is more exciting to drive, ready to bring out our undiscovered race car gene. The car feels very stable when being driven hard on the twisties, and safe on the freeways. It has a firm but comfortable ride, and corners flat. The turning radius is not the best, however.

The 6 looks sportier than the Fusion, but at the same weight the performance difference is a tossup, unless you opt for the Mazdaspeed 6, a 274 hp rocket. The Fusion is a few inches longer and wider with a tad more interior space.

Base prices range from a reasonable $17,200 to $21,700 for the Fusion to a more expensive $19,100 to $27,700 for the Mazda.

The warranty for the Mazda is 48 months/50,000 miles, and for the Fusion 36 months/36,000 miles. EPA estimated fuel consumption (mpg) for the 4-cylinder is 23 city/31 highway for both cars and for the 6-cylinder is 21 city/29 highway for the Fusion and 17 city/27 highway for the Mazda.

Ford is expected to offer all-wheel-drive and even a hybrid version of the Fusion in the next year or two.

Mazda 6 Options

Mazda 6

Mazda offers the 6 in sedans and hatchbacks in both “i” 4-cylinder and “S” V-6 versions. All are available in Base, Sport, Grand Sport and Grand Touring equipment levels. A sport wagon also is available. Designed for the Andrettis of the world, the Mazdaspeed 6 is a virtual race car with a powerful turbocharged 2.3 liter, 4-cylinder, 274 hp engine and all-wheel-drive. This car can be bought for $28,000 to $30,000, depending on the trim level and options selected. Fuel consumption for this model is estimated at 19 city/25 highway.

Even the Base “i” model offers lots of standard equipment including air, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, split folding rear seat backs, power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, and traction control. In the safety arena, front seat side airbags and head protecting side-curtain airbags for both seating rows cost $500 for the base “i” sedan but are standard on all other models and trims.

All Grand Touring and Grand Sport models include leather heated seats and a moon roof, with a navigation system available for $2,000. These are not available on the other models as options.

Ford Fusion Options

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is offered in three trim levels, the “S” which has the 4-cylinder engine, the “SE” and the “SEL,” both of which are available with the 4-cylinder or V-6 Duratec engines. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all models equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission is standard on models with the V-6 engine.

Standard equipment for the base “S” model includes four-wheel disc brakes, 60/40 split folding rear seat, tilt/telescopic steering column, steering wheel mounted cruise control, power windows, door locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry, air, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, and anti-theft system. The “SE” models add a six-way power driver’s seat, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and six speakers. The “SEL” versions add fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted climate controls, automatic temperature control, premium sound system, analog clock and 17-inch machined aluminum wheels.

Optional equipment includes a moon-roof for $795, leather seats for $895, 17-inch machined wheels for $395, upgraded radio with six-disc CD changer for $535, a safety and security system with side curtains and seat side airbags for $595 and an anti-lock braking system for $595. It seems unusual for a mid-size car to have the anti lock braking system as an option. Most manufacturers offer this as standard equipment. This car did not do too well in the crash tests without the additional airbags offered in the Safety and Security package, so if you decide to buy the Fusion, make sure you add this option.

The Fusion is a worthy alternative to the all conquering Camry and Accord. It seems that Ford has to produce a “better” car at the same or lower cost than the Japanese to have a chance of weaning the American consumer off the Camrys and Accords with their sterling reputation for reliability and durability. Maybe the Fusion is the right car to do just that.

This car could put Ford back into the mid-size car race, a segment that the Ford Taurus dominated in times past. (Mossy Ford of Pacific Beach kindly provided the Fusion test car for this column.)

With the 6 series, Mazda has succeeded in producing a very attractive range of choices for the consumer. However, like Volkswagen, it is clearly targeting the sporty driver and has limited its potential market accordingly.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.