The Auto Writer

Just now arriving at dealer showrooms all across America, the next generation Ford Fusion adds a hybrid model, a car that offers plenty of power, comfort, electronic features and top notch fuel economy.

The second generation Ford Fusion is just now hitting dealer showrooms, a 2010 model year four door sedan first introduced in 2005.  On Wednesday, I was able to test drive the all-new hybrid model, thanks to a forum and drive event held at North Carolina State University called The Road to Sustainability.

Dale Crombez, who is part of Ford’s Sustainable Mobility Technologies department in Dearborn, MI accompanied me on my trip, capably answering all of my questions regarding the newest Fusion. Back during the 1990s, he helped to launch the Electric Ranger while having a hand in later bringing the Escape Hybrid and now the Fusion Hybrid to market. Dale works as a Technical Specialist for the regenerative brake system found in the Fusion Hybrid.

No Ugly Sedan To Contend With

The Fusion was sitting out in front of the McKimmon Conference Center when I pulled up, a fairly nondescript white sedan with nothing telling you that it was something different besides some discreet hybrid badging placed here and there.

No big fig leaf on the hood. No tofu bumper sticker admonishing other drivers to make the switch to a hybrid and certainly no ghastly design resembling a circa 1955 stainless steel toaster.

I’m not a fan of the Honda Insight nor the Toyota Prius for the simple reason I don’t care for their body designs. With the Fusion Hybrid, you get the same exact body style as any 2010 Fusion from the trademark three slat grille on back.

Inside, seating is very comfortable whether you’re the driver or sitting in the back.  Ford equipped the hybrid to match the level of comfort found in its top of the line SEL trim package, which means that as the driver you have the benefit of an eight way power seat to play with.  Naturally, the seating itself is made of eco-friendly materials, what Ford says are “85 percent post-industrial materials — polyester fibers that would otherwise have ended up in landfills.”

Cushy and comfortable is what I want…the Fusion delivers.

SmartGauge With EcoGuide

We didn’t mess around with all of the many switches and controls in the Fusion which includes an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 capability and six speakers and the SYNC communication/navigation system, which are standard with the hybrid model. Rather, our eyes (we had two gentlemen from NC State’s Advanced Transportation Energy Center in the car with us) were fixed on the LED display instrument panel featuring what Ford calls its SmartGauge with EcoGuide to help drivers maximize their hybrid experience.

The SmartGauge is well lit, presenting numerous commands designed to help drivers maximize their fuel economy. Two LCD screens can be personally configured to show different levels of information.  To remind drivers that they are driving an environmentally friendly vehicle, Ford used growing leaves and vines to help track and reward driver’s efficiency — thankfully not over done, but certainly a good marketing ploy!

The Sound of Silence

Yes, the Ford Fusion Hybrid starts without making a noise as the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission paired with a 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I4 engine and permanent magnetic electric motor (say that three times) quietly kicks in. You can tell that the car is “on” when you see the display panel has lit up.

Barely press on the pedal and the electric mode powers the car. Need a little gas and the engine takes over, offering plenty of torque when you need it. A nice balance of fuel efficiency and raw power makes you happy that you’re not driving just any old “green” car, rather one that can actually move the sedan with four adults down the road with confidence (seating is for five, but we didn’t have a volunteer to occupy that spot).

The geek within will love just about everything inside of the Ford Fusion Hybrid from SIRIUS satellite radio to the car's instrumental panel and beyond. This nifty navigation screen was fun to watch particularly as we did our part to maximize our fuel mileage.

High Fuel Economy…Yep!

Interior niceties, exterior design and engineering features aside, the most important question most people will ask about the Ford Fusion Hybrid is this one: did you get 41 mpg? That particular number speaks of the sedan’s city mileage (36 highway) and I can tell you that the answer was “no.”

But we came darn close!

Thanks to a fun nav screen (pictured), we could track just how well we were doing with our fuel mileage every step of the way, achieving just over 40 mpg at one point before finishing with an average of 36.2 mpg for our ten mile jaunt. Not bad, right?

Well, I was satisfied especially when I read reports from some people who drove the Fusion a few earlier that they were having a tough time getting above 32 mpg. Turns out that cold weather can impact fuel economy with the hybrid, but our numbers were quite good (50 degree day at that) considering that we had as many as four occupants for most of the trip.

Well Equipped, Not Stripped

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid retails for $27,995 and comes with an equipment level equal to the Fusion SEL. This means that you get a well equipped sedan that also offers superior fuel economy. You can also get a $3400 federal tax credit if you buy the car before the calendar flips over to April (a lower amount will be available after that).

Will buyers flock to the Fusion Hybrid? Some may, but the price could scare other buyers away. If you’re looking for a return on your investment (the price premium for buying a hybrid) it could take many years to get your money back, especially if gas prices stay below $2/gallon. Regardless, for the person who wants to make an environmental statement and in a handsome sedan at that, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (and its sibling Mercury Milan Hybrid) offers all that and more.

Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

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