While the leading sedan imports are on their third and fourth generation models, the people at Ford are playing catch-up with a fairly good sedan of their own. The Ford Fusion, a platform makeover of the popular Mazda 6, is gaining steam in the marketplace with an attractive-looking car that cost less than the competition.

And if you are into gadgets as my wife tells me I am, the recently available Sync voice-activated system is for you. Sync integrates a cell phone or MP3 player into the car's audio system while a center display automatically uploads the phone's address book for ease of dialing frequent callers.

Ford engineers say they were able to add several inches of interior room to the Mazda platform and it shows with added rear seat passenger room. The Fusion offers comfortable seating for four adults.

The ride is smooth and handling is sure-footed with the optional sport-tuned suspension. The four-cylinder engine delivered O.K. performance. A noisy engine growl at full throttle was offset with a pleasant 26 average miles per gallon.

A 2.3-liter "run clean" engine delivers 160 horsepower and is California-certified as a Partial--Zero Emissions Vehicle, a high rating for the left or right coast. But if getting to 60 miles per hour fast is important for you try the available 3.0-liter, V-6 engine instead. It is rated a full two seconds quicker than the under-10-second time for the 4-cylinder model.

Offered in three trim levels the base S with a 4 cylinder, 5-speed manual gearbox starts at just over $18 grand including air, cruise, full power accessories and keyless entry. An upgraded SE model gets alloy wheels, fog lights, upgraded stereo and a fold-down front passenger seat.

The test car, a top-of-the-line SEL adds larger wheels, automatic climate control, an upgraded interior lighting package and red contrast stitching on seats and steering wheel for around $19,800. A lengthy list of standard equipment, which this year adds anti-lock brakes and a keyless entry keypad, adds value.

Some reviewers have characterized the Fusion's interior as bland with overuse of flimsy-looking plastic parts. I felt the interior on the test car was sporty-looking with aforementioned red stitching, part of an $895 appearance package. The upgrade seems well worth the price for a distinctive look.

In the nit-picking department I felt the steering wheel controls were small. The cruise control buttons were activated with a left touch instead of a traditional right-side switch. The Fusion has a sporty look and feel that is sure to entice Accord and Camry buyers to take a test drive and it would be time well spent. Similar cars competing for market share include the Mercury Milan, $21,175; Nissan Altima, $20,970 and Saturn Aura, $20,405.

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