Test-drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Examiner.com Car of the Year

© Michael Block

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which improves upon the standard Fusion midsize sedan's fuel economy by way of a buttery-smooth hybrid drivetrain system, has been named both the first-ever Examiner.com Car of the Year and the North American Car of the Year this month, the first hybrid to receive the award since 2004.

The Fusion Hybrid is, as Ford calls it, "the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America." Up against other hybrid family sedan offerings, such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, it does indeed come out on top with its city rating of 41mpg and highway rating of 36mpg. Observed fuel economy was 35.2mpg, not quite matching the EPA estimates. But considering that most subcompact hatchbacks which are substantially smaller, lighter, and less powerful struggle to achieve the same figures, it's quite commendable nonetheless.

© Michael Block

Responsible for the Fusion Hybrid's frugality is a hybrid drivetrain comprised of a 2.5L, all-aluminum, Atkinson-cycle Duratec 4cyl engine that produces 156hp, and a permanent-magnet AC synchronous electric motor housed within the CVT transmission that produces 106hp. Although the math would suggest otherwise, Ford claims the total output is 191hp.

That's a healthy horsepower figure, though, and it means that the driver doesn't have to pedal the Fusion Hybrid down the road just because it's environmentally friendly. It reaches 60mph in 8.2 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds at 88mph, and tops out at an electronically-limited 108mph, more than enough to keep up with highway traffic and pass on a two-lane road.

The 0.83g of lateral acceleration is plenty to keep the car safely under control during an emergency maneuver, but if pushed hard enough, the Fusion Hybrid will understeer through corners, the otherwise-silent 17" Michelin tires screaming in protest. That's to be expected though, as it wasn't made to carve corners. The ride is just as it should be: comfortable with just enough firmness to avoid being floaty.

© Michael Block

The interior, as is frequently the story with recent Ford products, is a distinct advantage. The overall fit-and-finish supercedes this class of car, giving the impression of a genuine high-end luxury sedan. The light-tan-colored leather upholstery on the test car was sublimely comfortable and more than suitable for a long road trip. Headroom is a bit tight, but legroom is plentiful for both front and rear passengers. A nice added touch is the 110v two-prong AC household outlet in the back of the center console for rear passengers to charge laptops or other such devices.

The test car was also equipped with the SYNC audio interface which allows voice control of the excellent Sony stereo, navigation system, and Bluetooth cell-phone connectivity; the Driver's Vision package included Ford's signature BLIS/Cross-Traffic Alert safety technology which alerts the driver of traffic behind the car in the driver's blind spot.

Regarding safety, however, I nearly discovered the hard way that the Fusion Hybrid is equipped with a knee airbag below the steering column. It's so close to the pedals that on one occasion, it actually interfered with my foot as I went to push the brake pedal. Thankfully, it was during a leisurely stroll around a neighborhood and I had the time to reposition my foot to properly use the brakes. But during a panic stop, that could potentially be a big problem.

Even in spite of that, it's a very nice, well-built, and well-equipped car with both excellent fuel economy and power to spare. But so are plenty of other cars. What's so special about the Fusion Hybrid?

For starters, it's the best hybrid ever made. Period.

© Michael Block

During my test-drive of the 2010 Toyota Prius last year, one of my complaints was the rough and gritty way in which the gas engine fired up when it was called upon. The Prius almost encouraged frugal driving simply because using the gas engine for extra power is such a nuisance.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is plagued by no such problem. The gas engine starts up so smoothly and seamlessly, that on more than one occasion I had to refer to the instrument cluster to see whether it was running or not. By adjusting the variable valve timing and fuel and spark trims, the hybrid computer can actually reduce the engine's power until it matches that of the electric motor, thus streamlining the transition between the two.

Referring to that instrument cluster is in and of itself a great pleasure. It features a center-mounted speedometer which sticks out from the two screens on either side. Those screens display a variety of information meters in a bright blue hue with clarity that resembles an HDTV. By using the controls on the steering wheel, the driver can choose one of four different modes which display anything from the bare minimum of information (just the fuel gauge and battery charge) to the maximum (instant mpg, accessory drain, and power usage including an EV indicator that illuminates when the car is running solely on electric power). The green plant to the right of the cluster grows and sprouts leaves as a reward for eco-friendly driving, which serves as an excellent motivational tool.

Unlike the dark and coldly mechanical display of the Prius, the Fusion Hybrid's is warm, inviting, human.

While that EV indicator wasn't on nearly as much as I hoped it would be during the test-drive (the Fusion Hybrid actually did worse than the Prius in the EV test: 2.4 miles versus the Prius' 2.8), I still much prefer the Fusion Hybrid, and I'll explain why.

Countless economic, political, and social arguments about global warming, climate change, and finite petroluem resources abound. Fingers point in all directions about whose fault it is and virtually no one on earth is oblivious to it.

The price of fuel is another point of contention. The exorbitant gas prices of 2008 sent consumers scrambling for ways to improve their fuel efficiency, and as the prices are slowly climbing back up again, so is the uncertainty.

It's commendable that more and more automakers are attempting to offer solutions to these problems in the form of alternately-fuelled vehicles, and it's more commendable still that consumers are responding by purchasing more and more hybrids.

© Michael Block

But no one likes to be compelled or forced into buying something. No one is eager or excited to do something only to resolve a problem and no more. The human psyche simply doesn't work that way.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the Examiner.com and North American Car of the Year then not just because it's the best hybrid on the road, and offers consumers a chance to lower their gas bills and help preserve the environment...

... but because all that is available in a car that people would actually want to buy.

Quick Stats:

Base Price: $27,270

0-60mph: 8.2 seconds

¼-mile time: 16.3 seconds at 88mph

60-0 braking distance: 130ft

Lateral skidpad acceleration: 0.83g

Horsepower: 191hp (combined)

Torque: N/A

Weight: 3720lbs

Fuel economy: 35.2mpg

Test vehicle provided by Don Reid Ford in Maitland.

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