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Publication Date: November 6, 2009 The Scoop
Chevrolet recently announcing that they are going to discontinue producing the Chevy Malibu Hybrid due to poor sales. This means that the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the only mid-size hybrid sedan being built by the Detroit three. The Ford Fusion's main competitors both come from Toyota, the Prius and Camry hybrid. In fact, there is then a bit of a battle taking place in the advertising arena with Ford claiming to have the best fuel consumption of any mid-sized sedan in North America knowing that the Prius isn't a sedan but it is a mid-sized car. (The Prius does have the best fuel consumption of any hybrid on the road) I don't is think the comparison really matters because the Ford Fusion Hybrid is more than likely going to be cross-shopped with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the best-selling hybrid in Canada.
The Skin
Ford has done a great job of taking a rather bland looking car and turning it to a much more refined in upscale sedan. This new 2010 model is wider and sportier including a newly designed hood, headlights, grill and bigger fog lamps. The hybrid model gets unique badging and 17-inch eight-spoke wheels. The 2010 fusion is a good-looking car, it has a solid stance, the fit and finish of the exterior panels are first rate and has an almost European inspired look that says it could have been designed by Ford of Europe
The Cockpit
The same attention to detail that went into producing the outside of the car has followed through on the inside. The materials used on the dash, door panels and centre console are all on par with any sedan sold at this price point. The hybrid model has fabric seats made out of 100% recycled material and unique instrument cluster that will soon be mimicked by many in the industry. On either side of the speedometer there are two LCD displays that Ford calls "Smartgauge". (Imagine an iPhone screen placed sideways on either side of the speedometer and that's what looks like). These innovative displays inform the driver about the hybrids fuel level and battery charge status, electric vehicle mode, battery power and another innovative display that actually grows leaves depending on the driver's efficiency. The wonderful thing about this system is it is very easy to see and it does make the driver engage with the car and get excited about potential fuel savings.
The Ride
The Fusion Hybrid drives like no other hybrid on the road, it is able to drive on full electric power up to 75 km an hour, which is twice as fast as any competitors hybrid machine. I found the best way to achieve good results was to accelerate up to speed and then lift off the throttle quickly, activating the "EV" or electric vehicle mode. At steady speeds, under light throttle, the Fusion is able to drive silently on pure electric power for much longer, making more use of the battery over different driving situations. When the gasoline engine is activated the transfer of power is as seamless as any I have tested, in fact it may just be the most drivable hybrid on the road. With electric power and a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine the Fusion has a combined output of 155 hp, very close to most gasoline sedans. Even though the Fusion has electric power steering, road feel as good and handling is rewarding.
The Good, The Bad
Good: The innovative Sync entertainment and communications system is standard, allowing hands free calling, Bluetooth audio playback, voice commands and even text message readout. The interior is comfortable, even for rear seat passengers
Bad: Unfortunately some potential hybrid buyers won't consider this Ford product even though Ford rates just one point behind Toyota in the latest JD Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.
Zack's verdict
As mentioned, the Camry Hybrid is the best-selling hybrid in Canada and for many people who are looking at that vehicle should also consider the Ford Fusion Hybrid. With a city rating of 4.6 L/100km or 61mpg and 5.4L/100km or 52mpg on the highway the Fusion does have better efficiency than the Camry Hybrid and it is priced competitively at $31,999. With the Fusion's good looks, sensible interior, along with its highly innovative dashboard and best mid-sized sedan mileage it should help to establish Ford as an even bigger player in the hybrid market. The Fusion Hybrid might just be the best hybrid on the market and Ford makes it! I don't think anyone, not even Toyota saw that one coming.
The Lowdown
Power: 2.5L 4-cylinder plus electric motor equals 155 net hp
Fill-up: 4.6L/100km city and 5.4L/100km highway
Backup: 3-year/60,000km 8-year/160,000 on hybrid system
Sticker price: $31,999
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