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Ford Fusion Hybrid

Published 3:18 pm Thursday, September 17, 2009

When gas-electric hybrid cars first arrived on the scene, they were odd-looking, and it was intentional.

Research had revealed that hybrid buyers wanted their cars to look different from the norm. They wanted other people to know they were driving a revolutionary new vehicle that was getting phenomenal fuel economy. And so, odd-looking design is what the car makers delivered.

Now, however, hybrids are practically mainstream, and buyers can enjoy the benefits of hybrid technology without having to drive a vehicle whose styling may or may not appeal to them.

The Ford Fusion illustrates this point. Already recognized as a looker in its conventional versions, for 2010

Fusion is available in a hybrid version. It has the same dynamic exterior styling as its Fusion siblings, but comes with an EPA rating of 41 mpg for city driving and 36 mpg on the highway.

Earlier this year, a team of drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques set a world record in gas mileage for a gasoline-powered midsize sedan. Driving an unmodified, off-the-showroom-floor Fusion Hybrid, and using techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights and stop signs, they drove 1,445.7 miles on one tank of gas, averaged 81.5 mpg, and established the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient midsize car in North America.

During my test week, using driving techniques designed to minimize my commute time to The Herald and maximize my enjoyment of Snohomish County’s twisty backroads, I averaged 39 mpg in the Fusion Hybrid.

And, almost none of my time at the wheel involved city driving, where the car gets its best mileage. With a little bit of behavior modification, such as engaging in less dramatic acceleration, I’m certain the week’s mpg average would be in the mid to high 40s.

Fusion Hybrid’s powerplant is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine teamed with a 275-volt sealed battery and a permanent magnet electric motor. The system generates 191 horsepower, and the car has front-wheel drive.

Mechanicals directly related to the hybrid system have an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

In all this hybrid talk, let’s not lose sight of the fact that Fusion’s ride and handling characteristics are as satisfying as its fuel economy.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is generously arrayed in standard features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, fog lamps, keyless entry, power and heated outside mirrors, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescoping steering column, Ford’s SYNC communications system, dual-zone automatic climate control, side airbags, side air curtains, and a CD/MP3/satellite radio sound

system with input jack.

Fusion’s interior impresses with its use of quality materials and exemplary fit-and-finish. Ford walks the eco talk by furnishing the Hybrid’s interior with the company’s Eco-Friendly cloth upholstery. It’s a big step up from plain old cloth, and has the look and feel of the latest advanced fabrics used in outdoor wear.

Unfortunately, the steering wheel is wrapped in leather — not an eco-friendly material.

One of my favorite features on the Fusion is its capless fuel filler. There’s still a fuel door, just no cap inside. It really simplifies fill-ups, and has the tremendous advantage of virtually eliminating noxious gasoline fumes.