Like a poker player going all in with his chips, Ford has placed its money on the 2006 Ford Fusion, betting that its newest midsize sedan will have the styling, performance and price to become a winner in one of the industry’s toughest market segments.

The competition is fierce as Honda’s Accord and Toyota’s Camry now battle to be the best selling sedan, a lead Ford once held with its now discontinued Taurus. Inspired by the Ford 427 concept car unveiled in 2003, the Fusion was completely designed, engineered and tested for manufacture in a digital environment using Ford’s new CD3 architecture. That architecture will be eventually used on 10 unique vehicles. Already, the Fusion shares its platform with the Mazda6, the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln Zephyr. This year NASCAR’s Ford teams switch to Fusions, including Mark Martin’s #6 AAA Ford Fusion.

Their are two engine choices: a 2.3-liter, 160 horsepower, Duratec four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter, 210 horsepower, Duractec V-6. Transmissions track the engines: the 2.3-liter comes with manual or automatic transmission in either a base S, SE or top SEL version; the 3.0-liter comes only with a six-speed automatic in SE and SEL versions.

Our test drive SEL with a V-6 was comfortable to drive with height adjustable seats and tilt-telescoping steering wheel for optimal driver seating. Handling was solid, with excellent control, and the four-wheel independent suspension system kept the ride smooth. Lean was minimal in high-speed turns. ABS brakes and traction control are optional.

Outside, Fusion’s on-street profile mimics European styling with sloping hood, high beltline, chrome grillework bars in front with chrome-surrounded huge triangular headlights and rectangular fog lights. Similarly eye-catching taillights are in the rear. Chrome also graces door handles and the gear shift inside.

Neat touches include a tilted rubber tray with outlet below the center dashboard that can be used to charge a cell phone, even with the engine off. The spiffy interior uses an analog clock (more chrome) on the dash and superior materials to provide a clean, modern and tasteful ambiance. The dashboard gauges, information display and audio information are legible wearing sunglasses on sunny days. Molded front door map pockets can hold cups and a flip-up tray on top of the dashboard is perfect for holding important papers. The trunk is spacious, fold-down seats double cargo space and knickknack spaces (including a dashboard flipup tray) are plentiful. Ford promises a 4-wheel drive option and hybrid engine are on the way.