The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford adds gas-electric option to its mid-size, making for a peppy sedan that offers relief at the pumps

DEARBORN, MICH. - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Of course, a hybrid can’t be just technology; it must also function as a vehicle, and for that, Ford has done a very good job. The switch from gasoline to electric is seamless, even though it happens a great deal (the system has been optimized for the maximum number of gasoline engine shut-offs, which improves fuel economy). The redesigned Fusion has a great deal of sound-deadening, and it’s so quiet that, combined with the seamless operation, I’d be willing to bet that if a driver was placed in it with no indication of its hybrid status, it would take him a while to realize it.

Steering is responsive, with none of the vagueness that can sometimes plague hybrids, and it feels firmly planted and confident on the highway. If you’re not worrying about how many leaves are growing in your gauge, the car’s very peppy, and there’s enough power to get you around traffic on the highway.

Along with the new exterior styling – including attractive taillights that illuminate with a “honeycomb” pattern – there’s a revised interior, and it’s a considerable upgrade from the last-generation Fusion model. All plastics are now soft-touch, panel gaps look good, and the seats are supportive.

This new model is very well done. Ford has produced a hybrid that should have a genuine and well-earned shot at its Japanese gasoline-electric competition.

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.