Fuel Efficient and powerful
Clare Dear, Canwest News Service
Published: Friday, November 13, 2009
Ford’s Fusion, already a solid entry in the mid-sized sedan segment, gets added appeal for 2010 with the introduction of a hybrid model. It should be noted that this is no token nod to pacify the greenies – the Fusion Hybrid is the real deal and more than capable of taking on the hybrid technology leader, Toyota.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
For some buyers, it’s important to make a statement with their choice to go the hybrid route, hence the unique look of the Toyota Prius and the next-generation Honda Insight. Their owners have made a deliberate decision to go green, are proud of it and want the world to know.
Then there are those who prefer to be less obvious, opting for a more conventional-looking sedan with a hybrid powertrain, such as the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and the Fusion.
Their choices are likely less about statements and more about savings. And this is where Ford’s latest hybrid really shines. Its next-generation powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with a 70-kilowatt electric traction motor and an electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission), delivers class-leading fuel efficiency. It’s rated at 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city use and 5.4 L/100 km on the highway, outpacing the Camry, which delivers 5.7 L/100 km in both urban and highway driving. In a week of real-world driving (non-conservation mode), my tester delivered an impressive combined average of 6.8 L/100 km.
For comparison, the fuel efficiency of a conventionally powered Fusion with the 2.5L four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic is rated at 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 5.8 on the highway. The Camry, with a 2.5L four and six-speed automatic, delivers 9.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km on the highway.
The best part about this new Fusion Hybrid is that it looks and feels just like its gasoline-powered siblings. Except for some subtle badging, most wouldn’t notice it’s different.
The Fusion isn’t Ford’s first try at building a hybrid – the gas/electric iteration of its popular Escape compact SUV has been doing a decent job carrying the green banner in that segment since 2005. Ford engineers have worked hard to refine the gas/electric systems in the Escape, but the new Fusion system pushes the performance and efficiency standards to a new level. Ford says this new technology will enable the 2010 Fusion to travel more than 1,200 km in city driving on a single tank of fuel (64.3 litres).
Its engineers also say the car can run up to 75 km/h in pure electric mode, although I found during a week with the Fusion that the gas engine tended to kick in sooner – more in the 45- to 50-km range. Still, that’s a higher speed than in the Camry or Altima.
Ford has utilized several engineering advances to gain its efficiency advantage while still retaining decent performance. For example, the 156-horsepower gas engine features an intake variable cam timing system that alters the spark and cam timing to make the transition between gas and electric modes more seamless – and it works. Except for the visual cues on the instrument panel, it’s difficult to feel when the switch is made.
The battery technology has also been upgraded, with the nickel-metal hydride Fusion unit smaller and lighter yet 20% more powerful than the Escape version. Unlike the Escape, it has also been designed to run without an auxiliary cooling system, simply using the cabin’s climate-controlled air to maintain the proper operating temperature.
The most obvious difference with the Fusion Hybrid is the instrument panel, specifically its SmartGauge with EcoGuide display. There are two LCD screens, one on either side of the round, centrally positioned speedometer.
Depending on how far you want to take your green driving techniques, the screens can be set up to one of four levels of information, from displaying the basics (fuel level and battery charge status) to advanced details such as engine and battery output power and accessory power consumption.
For me, the best part of the system was the Efficiency Leaves feature. Ford engineers say they wanted to encourage efficient driving techniques by using a “fun approach” – and the “leaves” work well. The more fuel efficient your driving style, the more green leaves you can “grow” on your display screen, to a maximum of 23. A buddy managed to sprout 18 green thingies on the winding vine during a highway run. (I think he spiked the gas tank with Miracle Gro.) My right foot was heavier, producing just 13 leaves. At least it wasn’t a burning bush.
The rest of the Fusion Hybrid mirrors the other iterations in the lineup.
The cabin is roomy, with comfortable seating that easily accommodates four adults – or five in a pinch. Like its siblings, the interior’s fit and finish is at least equal to those of its Japanese rivals, with premium-grade materials and an efficient, eye-pleasing layout.
The hybrid’s ride and handling is typical Fusion, too, with comfort and good road manners priorities.
The downside is the premium one pays to go green – 2010 Fusions start at $21,499, but the HEV has a $31,999 price tag. Still, if you you’re leaning toward a hybrid sedan, this Fusion should be on your shopping list.
McMahon Ford
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314-664-4100
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