2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid represents the company’s first foray into the hybrid sedan market. The company had previously released a few hybrid models, the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, and the new Fusion reflects the lessons learned from those vehicles and also represents the second generation of Ford’s hybrid technology.
As with most other hybrids, the discussion on the Fusion begins at its engines. The gasoline engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 156 horsepower and it is mated to a 106 horsepower electric motor. If you are familiar with the other big hybrids on the market, particularly the Prius, you’ll probably notice that a 2.5-liter gasoline engine seems a bit big. However, the decision to include such a large engine is made on sound principles.
The gasoline engine uses what is called an Atkinson Cycle Engine. This varies from the traditional Otto Cycle used in most car engines because it shortens the piston’s compression stroke in relation to its power stroke. While that may seem a bit overly technical, the result is that the engine’s efficiency is boosted. A trade-off of this efficiency is that the engine doesn’t produce as much torque as it otherwise would, but this is more than compensated by the electric motor.
The next stop in the discussion on hybrids is the gas mileage. The electric motor does a great job around the city, leading to 41 mpg city and 36 highway, the highest mileage ratings in the mid-size class. Particularly impressive in this model is the fact that the electric motor can drive the car up to 47 mph without the gasoline engine taking over. Those with a lead foot will drain the batteries quickly, causing the gasoline engine to take over sooner, but careful drivers will be able to travel at swift speed powered entirely by electricity. Also, for those looking to take long trips, the Fusion comes equipped with a 17 gallon gas tank, meaning that you can easily go 600 miles or more on a single tank of gas.
In all, the new Fusion is an impressive entrant to the hybrid market. While it isn’t likely to upseat the Toyota Prius as THE hybrid, it does provide a welcome option for those who aren’t enthralled with the Prius style.Garfield Gets Real trailer
