2017 Ford Fusion Energi: 42 mpg, recharges in 2.5 hours

2017 Ford Fusion Energi: 42 mpg, recharges in 2.5 hours

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, September 16, 2016 8:51am

by Larry Lark, Herald Special Sections Writer

The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium is a game-changer when it comes to the mid-size family sedan class.

My tester was powered by a conventional gas-powered hybrid, with an electric motor that extends the car’s range by another 20 miles – or so. It receives an EPA rating of 42 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving by the EPA. And that’s not counting the bonus all-electric miles.

Fusion Energi seats up to five adults and has a range of almost 500 miles on one take of gas. You give up some trunk space (including golf clubs), but it’s a small price to pay in the grand scheme of saving the planet – one driver at a time.

Fusion is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine coupled with lithium-ion batteries that save weight and take up less space than the less sophisticated nickel-metal hydride batters used in the Toyota Camry.

Recharging Fusion Energi can be done overnight in just 2.5 hours. The car is smart enough to know when to begin charging to get electricity at the lowest price. It can even pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before drivers leave to save more fuel.

It provides electric-only speeds up to 85 miles per hour – just don’t count on going very far. Regenerative braking captures up to 95 percent of the energy lost through heat during braking and recharges the hybrid battery on the move.

All of this sounds a little wonkish, but let me assure you, you’re not sacrificing much in the power department. I was able to leave my lead-footed boss in the dust when she followed me to a recent sales call. Fusion Energi accelerates quickly from starting stops, and has plenty of passing power at freeway speeds. If being the greenest on the block is not your thing, check out Fusion’s V6 twin-turbo power-plant and/or all-wheel drive options. The Fusion is available in V6 Sport, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi and Fusion Platinum.

“Fusion offers people a lot more car – including helpful technology, beautiful design and a more rewarding driving experience than other mid-size sedans,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice-president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development.

Fusion is the most technologically advanced mid-size car Ford has ever built in North America – the first car sold here with Ford’s pedestrian detection system. Ford also offers hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking capability.

Other safety options include adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe trailing distance behind the car in front, lane-keeping assist that helps driver’s maintain proper lane position, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and a rear-view camera.

Creature comforts are highlighted by leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, voice activated, touch-screen, navigation system, Sony audio system with 12 speakers, push-button and remote start, 17-inch premium luster nickel wheels, fog lamps and more.

With each new generation, I’m becoming a bigger fan of hybrids – and they keep getting cheaper too!

2017 FORD FUSION ENERGI

BASE PRICE: $34,120

AS TESTED: $37,690

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.

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