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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid road test
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The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
With the Fusion Hybrid, Ford has brought us one step closer to a true “electric car” experience. From the fully informative dashboard display to the 45 mph fully electric mode top speed, the Fusion demonstrates the quiet ride, smooth performance and great fuel mileage that a well-designed hybrid can bring.
Some in the industry believe that hybrids have to look “different” to be successful in the marketplace. Witness the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insite. Ford obviously believes otherwise as the Fusion looks like its standard, 4 and 6 cylinder versions save for the “Hybrid” logos on the sides and trunk. But sit behind the wheel and turn the key and you know you’re driving something different. The center mounted analog speedometer is flanked by twin color displays that are packed with information. While driving, the right side displays gasoline fuel level and instantaneous mpg. On the left, among other instruments, there is a battery level gauge and the power gauge. Fusion’s power gauge gives the driver key information for getting the most from the hybrid powertrain. Not only does the gauge show how much power the driver’s right foot is demanding, but it also indicates the availability of the full-electric mode. Lift your foot off the accelerator at any speed less than 45 mph, and you see “EV” appear at the bottom of the gauge. EV indicates that the gas engine has been shut down. Most hybrids have a similar indicator. But Ford adds something special, a green indicator that shows how much power is available without leaving the electric mode. By maximizing your electric-only driving, big mileage numbers can be achieved. On several runs of my normal test loop I never saw less than 40 mpg for the trip and had a high of 47.8 mpg. And how did I know this? After the key is turned off at the end of each trip, the trip is summarized with the mpg achieved, the distance driven, how much fuel was used and a mpg trend. With this kind of information, it does not take long for a new Fusion driver to be driving for maximum mileage.
The rest of the Fusion experience is much like the standard gas-engine versions and that is to say very nice. When asked for, the performance is quite peppy with the electric motor providing plenty of torque to assist the 2.5 liter gas engine. Combined, the electric motor and gas engine make 191 net horsepower. Power is transferred to the ground through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Regenerative braking turns the electric motor into a generator to charge the battery while slowing the car. With careful control provided by a variable cam timing systems, the transition between electric and gas modes is barely discernable save for the information displays. Handling is good, but cornering performance is restricted by the low-rolling-resistance tires, a common hybrid limitation. The EPA rates the Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg city/36 highway.
The roomy interior is comfortable and well appointed. The hybrid version is equipped with most of the available Fusion options. My test car also came with the moonroof/navigation/sound system option that featured an upgraded 12 speaker Sony-designed sound system, an easy to use nav system, a back-up camera and a power moonroof. The total price with options came to $31,940 with destination charges included.
The new hybrid Fusion is one of the best implementations of hybrid technology yet. Drive it like any other car and you will see very good fuel economy for a five-passenger sedan. Drive it using the information on the great displays, and you can achieve great fuel economy. With a little more practice, I think a 50 mpg trip is possible!
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