With over a decade of development under its belt, the gas-electric hybrid has evolved
to the point where it's now wrapped in attractive packages and underpinned by a drivability
that'll have even the discerning driver giving approval.
And this one is near the top of the list; it's the 2014 Ford Fusion.
Since its rebirth last year, the Ford Fusion instantly became one of the top picks in the
midsize segment, driven by its Aston-Martin good looks and multitude of powertrain choices.
And for me, this test week in the Hybrid completes the Fusion trifecta having driven the regular
and Energi models in 2013.
And this Fusion Hybrid bridges the gap between those 2, giving you a gas engine and an electric
motor but no plug.
The EPA rates this car at 47mpg, city and highway, particularly impressive when you
consider that's over 20mpg better than a Fusion with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost.
But it's not just the huge gains in gas mileage that make the hybrid so enticing...it's also
this Fusion's proficiency as an overall excellent car.
There are a handful of hybrids that don't require the driver to make big sacrifices
and this Fusion is certainly one of them.
Almost all of the regular Fusion's sophisticated drivability is on display here, providing
that transparency hybrid owners desire.
I got up to speed with this powertrain a couple of weeks back in the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid which
also uses this 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder and continuously variable electric hybrid
transmission to split power between the engine and motor.
The electric energy used to propel the car is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery
pack located behind the rear seats.
Coincidentally you'll also find the 12 volt battery back here, too.
Total system output is 188 horsepower with the electric motor kicking in 177 pound-feet
of let's go torque, allowing you to drive in pure electric mode when feasible, using
just the engine or a combination of both.
It's quite responsive and completely enjoyable to drive with quick, sporty-steering and a
high-end composure to the ride quality, providing both capable handling and long-trip agreeable
smoothness.
Even the regenerative braking system used to generate more electricity doesn't get in
the way of the Fusion Hybrid's natural sensations.
Ford sized this car right, too.
Even though the trunk is down 4 cubic feet of luggage room, there's a useful cut to its
layout and the rear seats are positioned perfectly for visibility and all around comfort.
There's even an AC outlet to keep the iPad charged.
The same tailored fit continues into the front seats which here are leather trimmed, heated
and support an ergonomically sound cabin design replete with Ford's expertly conceived Hybrid
gauges and meters which are incorporated into this optional navi screen and the configurable
cluster.
And even though this is the SE trim and not the range-topping Titanium, it can be loaded
with items like the Driver Assist Package, Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control,
and many other luxury-level safety and convenience features giving this car even greater value.
The base MSRP of the SE is $28,105 and chock full like this for $35,270.
There is a new base S model for 2014 which gets you into the Fusion Hybrid game for even
less.
Did I average 47mpg?
No.
Might you?
Possibly.
But with the heater set to high and heated seats blasting as the Fusion warmed-up in
my driveway all week the cold weather adjusted number was closer to the mid 30's.
Still, I really like the Fusion in all of its forms but this one might just make the
most sense.