2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: peppy fuel-sipper

JIL MCINTOSH FOR THE TORONTO STAR

The Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Jil McIntosh

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

DEARBORN, MICH.–The gauge on my Ford Fusion is sprouting leaves. It starts with an empty branch, and as I drive along with my foot pressing as gently as possible on the throttle, the greenery starts to grow. By the time I'm done, I have a forest as a virtual reward for my fuel-miserly method.

Naturally, this is no ordinary Fusion. Ford's mid-size sedan has been overhauled for 2010, with regular models receiving new engines and six-speed automatic transmissions. My "green" ride, the Fusion Hybrid, is the first time the model has been offered as a gasoline-electric hybrid. It goes on sale in early 2009; Canadian pricing hasn't yet been announced, but south of the border, the MSRP will be $27,270 (U.S.), a premium of $1,442 over the priciest conventional Fusion.

Ford says it's targeting the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Pricing will have to be similar, of course, so I expect the Fusion will probably float around the $30,000 mark up here.

Fusion's hybrid system is similar to the newly revised one used in the Escape Hybrid SUV. It uses a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine with Atkinson cycle, a system that maximizes fuel efficiency, mated to an electric motor, nickel hydride battery pack, and a continuously variable transmission. The engine produces 155 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque.

It's a "full" hybrid, meaning it can run on electricity alone (its only domestic competitor, the Chevrolet Malibu/Saturn Aura Hybrid, cannot). Ford says it will stay on battery power alone at speeds up to 75 km/h. In a short test drive, I couldn't get it that high. From a standing stop, the gasoline engine generally kicked in at about 55 km/h.

I'm willing to give the car the benefit of the doubt, though, as it was bitterly cold and, according to the gauge, the battery pack wasn't fully charged. As with all hybrids, the engine quits running when you come to a stop, while lights, heater and stereo continue to operate. It's restarted by the electric motor, so there's no conventional starter to wear out.

As with every current factory hybrid, the Fusion uses energy from braking to recharge the battery. This "regenerative braking" has resulted in some nasty-feeling pedals in the past, but Ford has that problem licked – Fusion's brakes feel confident and conventional.

Certification is still underway, but Ford expects fuel figures to be about 6.0 L/100 km (47 m.p.g.) in the city, and 6.5 L/100 km (43.5 m.p.g.) on the highway, using the U.S. testing methods. Ford says it will be the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan available.

Those numbers are good, but pale next to the fuel ratings for the compact Prius, which gets 4.9 L/100 km (57 m.p.g.) in the city and 5.2 L (54 m.p.g.) on the highway.

Although the Hybrid's exterior doesn't look any different from its conventional siblings, save for its badges, the instrument cluster contains Ford's new SmartGauge, including a system it calls EcoGuide.

Two LCD screens on either side of the speedometer are configurable through wheel-mounted buttons to four levels. Each adds information, starting with the simplest display of fuel and battery charge status. From there, you can add items such as a gauge to show when the car's running on electricity, power consumption from accessories, power output, and the foliage feature.

It's gimmicky, but fun: drive more economically, and the branches sprout more leaves, while a lead foot makes them fall off. For my short highway-and-city trip, and with some heavy throttle to judge the car's performance, I averaged 6.3 L/100 km (44.8 m.p.g.).

The gauge I found most useful was the engine threshold, which shows how close the car is to switching to either gasoline or electricity. You can't manually control it, but knowing how close you are to the threshold, you can adjust your driving for maximum efficiency.

Still, there's a down side. Too often, I was watching the gauges instead of the road. Yes, you can turn them off, but I think few people will.

A hybrid's more than just technology. It has to work as a driving machine, and for that, Ford has done a very good job.

The switch from gasoline to electric is seamless and, combined with the car's sound-deadening, it's so quiet that if not for the gauges, you might not immediately realize it is a hybrid.

Steering is responsive, highway performance is fine, and when you're not worrying about how many leaves you're racking up, it's peppy and has enough power for highway passing.

Styling is handsome, and the interior is a considerable improvement over the outgoing model in quality of materials and workmanship, with very comfortable seats.

In its business proposal to the U.S. government, Ford said it's planning a full battery-electric commercial van in 2010, and an all-electric sedan in 2011. If you can't wait that long, the Fusion Hybrid will be a viable alternative.

Freelance auto writer Jil McIntosh can be reached at jil@ca.inter.net

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