The Ford Fusion has refreshed styling and a new hybrid model for 2010.
Model-year 2010 is especially crucial for Ford, as the company is introducing several important products and technologies. One is its new EcoBoost engine, which the company claims offers the power of a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a V6. Another, and the focus of this extended-use test, is its new gas/electric hybrid system, which makes its debut on the significantly freshened 2010 Fusion midsize sedan.
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The Fusion Hybrid operates similarly to the brand’s other gas/electric model, the Escape compact SUV. It pairs a 2.5-liter gasoline 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 191 horsepower. It can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy and requires no plug-in charging. Its transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT). The Fusion’s hybrid system is designed to be more efficient than the one in the Escape. The sedan can run solely on electric power at speeds up to about 40 mph. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway.
Over the next three months, the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide will put a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid through its paces. Fall is an ideal time to conduct this evaluation, as we’ll be able to see how this hybrid performs across varying outdoor temperatures. As with every extended-use vehicle we test, we will be putting it through a wide variety of real-world driving situations: Commuting to work, shopping for groceries, and taking long-distance road trips. We’ll see if this midsize sedan can deliver on its promise of fun, family-friendly frugality.
About CG’s Test 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Fusion Hybrids come in a single trim level with a starting price of $27,625. Our test example is loaded to the nines with such luxuries as a voice-activated navigation system, 12-speaker Sony-brand audio system, sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The bottom line on our test car? A somewhat sobering $32,295.
Creature Comforts and Safety Equipment
As mentioned above, our test car comes with just about every creature comfort you could want. In addition to navigation, leather, and high-end audio, our extended-use car includes Ford’s Sync voice-activated control interface for cell phones and MP3 players.
While every Fusion comes with a full complement of standard safety features (ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags), our test Hybrid comes with some additional ones including a rearview camera and blind-spot alert with Ford’s new “Cross Traffic Alert” system. Cross Traffic Alert detects vehicles moving towards the car when the transmission is in reverse.
Initial Impressions
Though not a new-from-the-ground-up redesign, Ford has made enough improvements to the Fusion where it would be easy to think it were. The cabin benefits from the use of higher-grade materials with more padding and other soft-touch surfaces.
Dynamically, this is one of the most seamless hybrid vehicles we’ve ever driven. The transition from electric to gas and vice versa is incredibly smooth. The only demerit of real significance is the braking. As usual with hybrid vehicles, it’s regenerative, meaning that braking energy is captured and used to recharge the battery. While the Fusion Hybrid tries to emulate a conventional car for brake-pedal feel, it’s not quite there. There’s still a bit of a learning curve for ensuring smooth stops, though you do acclimate to it quickly enough.
Otherwise, this car goes about its business with little fanfare. Though it’s not genuinely entertaining to drive (those pretensions are left to the Fusion Sport), it never feels ungainly. It rides well for the most part, though occasionally some bumps register a bit sharply through the cabin. We blame low-rolling-resistance tires that are designed to enhance fuel economy.
So far, Consumer Guide is averaging 40 mpg in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
In the first couple weeks we’ve had our extended-use test car, we’ve put on more than 1,000 miles, and our fuel economy average is exactly 40 mpg. Some of our editors partially attribute this excellent result to SmartGauge encouragement.
So far, we’re quite pleased with what this car has to offer. It’s quiet, comfortable, and is proving to be quite fuel efficient. We’re a bit miffed at the $4,000 worth of options on our test car, but you can pass on most of them with little adverse effect on what makes this car so appealing. Check back with us throughout the remainder of the calendar year as we rack up miles on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
10.22.2009
