The Fusion Hybrid uses an evolution of the powertrain in the Escape Hybrid, and it promises to be the most fuel-efficient mid-size hybrid sedan, besting the hybrid versions of the Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry, while falling short of smaller fuel-sippers like the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.
Like the hybrid Escape, the Fusion uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, modified to run on the more efficient-but somewhat less powerful-Atkinson cycle. The Fusion, however, has its own specific continuously variable automatic transmission, its own electric motor, and its own lithium ion battery pack. The system's total combined power output is 191 hp, which is enough to provide decent acceleration. Ford says the Fusion Hybrid is able to run in engine-off, pure-EV mode at speeds up to 47 mph, but that doesn't mean the engine only starts up once you reach 48 mph. Trying to accelerate to 47 mph in EV mode would take an eternity (and likely enrage the line of drivers behind you). In truth, engine assistance is needed for all but the most glacial acceleration. But the fuel frugal needn't worry too much that they're slurping the world's oil reserves, since Ford's hybrid system engineers advise that the most economical driving is done by accelerating normally-using the gasoline engine-then backing out of the throttle, getting the car quickly into EV mode. Under those circumstances, yes, you can go as fast as 47 mph without aid of the gasoline engine, depending on the batteries' state of charge. That is, until you encounter an uphill grade.
In order to help would-be hyper-milers, the Fusion Hybrid has its own unique instrument cluster, in which the speedometer is flanked with several LCD color displays that help the driver keep tabs on the unique powertrain and monitor his all-important mpg. One can select from four different settings (called inform, enlighten, engage, and empower) to choose how much info is displayed. The most advanced setting not only shows when you're in EV mode but also how close you are to the threshold, whereby you'll slip out of it and wake the engine. This works far better than a simple EV indicator to help you maximize EV time (and hence fuel economy). For those who do well, another part of the display shows an image of a vine, which grows a bit larger after every three-minute segment in which you're driving efficiently. Stomping on the gas should cause it to wither and die, but that doesn't happen.
Within the Fusion family the Hybrid is its own trim level, perched just above the SEL. Pricing is not yet available, but we expect that the hybrid premium over a four-cylinder SEL will be roughly the same as that of the hybrid Escape, which should put a Fusion Hybrid in the mid-$25,000 range. Sure, at the moment, gas is cheap again, but does anyone think it will stay that way? When prices shoot back up, the $3000 or so extra you'd spend on a hybrid Fusion will likely seem well worth it for this combination of exceptional economy, acceptable performance, and a high degree of livability.
Source : automobilemag.com
Like the hybrid Escape, the Fusion uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, modified to run on the more efficient-but somewhat less powerful-Atkinson cycle. The Fusion, however, has its own specific continuously variable automatic transmission, its own electric motor, and its own lithium ion battery pack. The system's total combined power output is 191 hp, which is enough to provide decent acceleration. Ford says the Fusion Hybrid is able to run in engine-off, pure-EV mode at speeds up to 47 mph, but that doesn't mean the engine only starts up once you reach 48 mph. Trying to accelerate to 47 mph in EV mode would take an eternity (and likely enrage the line of drivers behind you). In truth, engine assistance is needed for all but the most glacial acceleration. But the fuel frugal needn't worry too much that they're slurping the world's oil reserves, since Ford's hybrid system engineers advise that the most economical driving is done by accelerating normally-using the gasoline engine-then backing out of the throttle, getting the car quickly into EV mode. Under those circumstances, yes, you can go as fast as 47 mph without aid of the gasoline engine, depending on the batteries' state of charge. That is, until you encounter an uphill grade.
In order to help would-be hyper-milers, the Fusion Hybrid has its own unique instrument cluster, in which the speedometer is flanked with several LCD color displays that help the driver keep tabs on the unique powertrain and monitor his all-important mpg. One can select from four different settings (called inform, enlighten, engage, and empower) to choose how much info is displayed. The most advanced setting not only shows when you're in EV mode but also how close you are to the threshold, whereby you'll slip out of it and wake the engine. This works far better than a simple EV indicator to help you maximize EV time (and hence fuel economy). For those who do well, another part of the display shows an image of a vine, which grows a bit larger after every three-minute segment in which you're driving efficiently. Stomping on the gas should cause it to wither and die, but that doesn't happen.
Within the Fusion family the Hybrid is its own trim level, perched just above the SEL. Pricing is not yet available, but we expect that the hybrid premium over a four-cylinder SEL will be roughly the same as that of the hybrid Escape, which should put a Fusion Hybrid in the mid-$25,000 range. Sure, at the moment, gas is cheap again, but does anyone think it will stay that way? When prices shoot back up, the $3000 or so extra you'd spend on a hybrid Fusion will likely seem well worth it for this combination of exceptional economy, acceptable performance, and a high degree of livability.
Source : automobilemag.com
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
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