Introduction
In case you are of the opinion that in order to save America in this time of economic crisis it is necessary to buy American cars then 2010 may be your year. Ford has released the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid which offer superior styling, impeccable driving experience and incomparable fuel efficiency.
The EPA gives the Ford Fusion Hybrid an unbelievable rating of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. In the mid-size hybrid sedan segment these ratings should make a lot of us very excited.
Best of all is that the Fusion Hybrid does not have to be driven like you are in a procession to achieve the stated mileage ratings. Even better is the fact that city driving allows the Hybrid to do an astonishing 700 miles.
Apart from the Hybrid, the Fusion also offers a choice of three different engines in its lineup: a 2.5-liter inline-4 of 175 hp, a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V6 of 240 hp, and a performance-tuned 3.5-liter V6 of 263 hp. The Hybrid’s combined power output from the gas and electric engines is around 191 horsepower, but the torque it generates gives the feeling of it being a lot more.
The Fusion has remained relatively unchanged in terms of its dimensions from that of last year’s model, although styling and mechanics of the 2010 model are great improvements. The outside is now enhanced with sleek chrome detailing and has a tougher, more masculine feel to it.
The different Ford Fusion models are very comfortable, accommodating, and nimble especially the Sport model. The new Fusion, available in a various trim levels, is a car to be noticed with agile handling and world-class fuel economy.
In The Stable
The new 2010 Ford Fusion is available in five models: S, SE, Sport, SEL and Hybrid.
Fusion S selling for $19,270 is stocked standard with keyless entry and trunk release, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, power locks, remote deck-lid release, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with four speakers, cruise control, trip computer, instrument panel with message center, speed-sensitive wipers. It is fitted with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, black power mirrors, 16 inch wheels, tinted glass and body-color bumpers and door handles. There is also an automatic six-speed transmission available as optional.
Fusion SE selling for $20,545 comes with fog lamps, Sirius satellite radio, six-speaker audio, six-way power driver, fold-flat passenger seat, 17-inch wheels, steering wheel audio and cruise controls and illuminated visor mirrors. The options on the SE include a 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine with six-speed automatic. Also available optional is the six-speed select-shift automatic.
Fusion Sport available for $ 25,825 combines 3.5-liter V6 engine, six-speed select-shift automatic, sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, rear spoiler, chrome trim, dual exhausts, SYNC communication system, auto-dimming rearview, side rocker moldings and front fascia and unique interior trim. The option of all-wheel is drive is available as an option.
Fusion SEL at $23,975 comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and is upgraded with dual-zone temperature control, leather heated seats, eight-way power driver seats, auto-dimming rearview, halogen headlamps, six-way power passenger seat, heated outside mirrors, keyless entry pad, leather steering wheel, six-speed select-shift automatic and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine with six-speed automatic transmission comes as optional.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid selling for $27,270 has the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and Hybrid 275-volt sealed battery. It also has reverse-sensing system, permanent magnet-electric motor, LCD graphic instrument panel, 17-inch wheels, regenerative braking system as well as E-CVT electronic constant-velocity automatic transmission.
The fusion conforms to all safety standards with standard safety features on all models including: dual front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags (with crash-severity sensing), anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitoring, seatbelt pre-tensioners and traction control.
Birds-Eye View
The commonalities between the 2009 and 2010 Ford Fusion’s are restricted to the use of the same platform. The new exterior design features include an improved front fascia with a sleek three-bar chrome grille and chrome-trimmed intakes below the nose that give it the appearance of a racing car. It’s been a while since a mid-size American everyday car has portrayed that.
The graceful flow of the Fusion is continued with the slight raising of the hood, which gives the impression that there is really something precious under there. The Fusion is no drag racing car by any stretch of the imagination but is not slow either. The Fusion Sport flies from 0-6 in about 7.0 seconds putting it above both the Camry and Accord.
The new-age bold curves of the Fusion place it firmly among the better looking cars in its segment. The smooth, graceful flanks accentuated by tasteful touches of chrome not only allow the Fusion to slice through the air more aerodynamically but also give it a fresher appearance. The flowing lines of the fusion are amply aided by underbody airflow tuning which enables it to have one of the lowest drag coefficients (0.32) in its class thereby affording high fuel efficiency.
The careful combination of grace and practicality by designers at Ford allows the Fusion to provide ample room in the boot and well as an easier lift-over height. The Fusion has a very sporty feel to it making any driver want to drive it.
On The Inside
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is fitted with instrumentation that is unique to it as opposed to the other gas engine versions. The EcoGuide information system surrounds the centrally located speedometer and communicates what the power-train is doing through two LCD panels. It also provides this information in real-time allowing the driver to optimize fuel consumption of the car.
The touch of a button is all you need to switch between the four different modes. Understanding the distinctions between Inform Mode, Enlighten Mode, Engage Mode, and Empower Mode may take a few minutes, but ensures that you get optimum performance and output from your system. The EcoGuide is almost like an in-car video game, giving you interesting bits of information while taking away the tedious, irksome elements that other digital systems have.
If commuting to work in heavy, stop-and-go traffic at under 50 mpg is your main reason for getting a car then the Fusion Hybrid will offer mileage unheard of before. The most efficient speed range of the Hybrid is less than 50mph and it is here that the system shows you how to get it done.
Attractive black leather adorns the seats of the Fusion Hybrid and a black pebble-grain finish on the dashboard provided a striking look. The center console contains the navigation system and Ford’s SYNC as well as the Comprehensive Communication Network that allows the driver to make hands-free calls, track weather patterns, check movie listings, find the cheapest place for gas in your area and lots more.
Driver seat is supported well laterally, offering good lumbar support as well as elevation at the front edge to prevent slipping under the belt during an impact. The gear shift is sturdy, accented with chrome and offers a firm grip. The steering wheel in the Fusion features audio and cruise control buttons on either side of the hub, far away enough from the steering hub to prevent accidental volume or radio changes.
The Fusion comes with Sony audio and the sound emanating from it is gorgeous with volume control adjustable by a knob. Air-conditioning, which is run directly off the battery, in the Hybrid, further improves performance by limiting strain on the engine and is cool, strong and adequate.
The rear cabin of the Fusion is conventional to say the least. The cushioning is minimal and plain with the outer seats having a semblance of lateral support but the passenger in the middle might require an additional upgrade. Although the roof tapers downward considerably, taller passengers will feel comfortable in the rear as headroom is very sufficient.
What It’s like to Drive
The Fusion Hybrid is quite different to drive as compared to the other Fusion’s as the EcoGuide’s constant tutorial keeps updating the driver in real-time about fuel consumption and other details. Acceleration in the Fusion is ok, with it neither being quick of the blocks nor sluggish, which probably suits driver’s needs. The surprise element of the Fusion Hybrid is in its ability to achieve such a good mileage for a car of its size. The electric motor functions in cruise mode up to 47 mph and thus provides superior mileage in the city and in case further power or a sudden burst of acceleration is required, then the power is acquired from the gas engine instantaneously and smoothly with minimum of noise.
As a result of world-class engineering, the shift between electric and gas engines is so discreet that it is almost imperceptible to make out when the gas engine shuts down. The only way to know this is by paying attention to EcoGuide. Power, in the Fusion Hybrid is transferred seamlessly and progressively without the usual sudden throttling of other cars in the segment. Along with this, handling in the Fusion is agile and responds to driver inputs instantly and accurately.
For those buyers looking for fuel efficiency with the combination of good styling and comfort, you cannot go wrong with the new Ford Fusion Hybrid. The ride is smooth and you will no doubt have an even better, pleasing experience with one eye on EcoGuide letting you know you have another 500 miles till you reach home.
2010 Ford Fusion Specifications
| Model Lineup | Ford Fusion S ($19,270); SE ($20,545); SEL ($23,975); Sport ($25,825); Hybrid ($27,270) |
|---|---|
| Engines (standard) | 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4, permanent magnet electric motor |
| Engines (optional) | 175-hp 2.5-liter inline-4; 240-hp 3.0-liter V6; 263-hp 3.5-liter V6; hybrid 2.5-liter inline-4 with permanent magnet electric motor |
| Transmissions (standard) | E-CVT electronically controlled continuously variable transmission |
| Transmissions (optional) | Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic; electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | Frontal airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, crash severity sensors, seatbelt pre-tensioners, lower anchors and tethers for children, electronic stability control with brake-actuated traction control, ABS |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Blind spot information system, rear-view camera, daytime running lamps |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Base Price MSRP | 19270 |
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Specs
| Model MSRP | Ford Fusion Hybrid $27,270 |
|---|---|
| Standard Equipment | Auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone and compass leather shifter/steering wheel, reverse sensing system, 8-way power driver’s seat, 6-way power passenger’s seat, front/rear defroster, , SYNC voice-activated electronics, console w/message center, trip computer, tilt/telescope power steering, keyless entry pad, reverse sensing system, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, 110V power point, two 12V power points, 17-inch aluminum wheels, capless fuel filler, dual-zone climate control, halogen headlamps |
| Destination Charge | $725 |
| Options (MSRP) | Package 502A ($3,945) includes leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, voice-activated navigation system, Sony AM/FM/6CD/MP3 sound system with 12 speakers, 10GB Music Jukebox, voice-activated navigation system, rearview camera, Sirius Travel Link, moon roof, BLIS (blind spot info system) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | Nil |
| Layout | Front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 31940 |
| Horse Power | 191 hp (net) |
| Torque | 136 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 41/36 |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 |
| Length/Width/Height | 190.6/72.2/56.9 |
| Turning Radius | 37.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.7/54.0/42.3 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.8/53.3/36.7 |
| Trunk Volume | 11.8 |
| Front Suspension | Independent |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Multi-link |
| Ground Clearance | 5.2 |
| Curb Weight | 3720 |
| Stock Tires | P225/50VR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Disc/disc with ABS, integrated regenerative braking |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.5 |
