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Ford Fusion Hybrid: Best In Class Fuel Economy

Of all midsize sedans, the Ford Fusion is one of the most fuel efficient models on the market. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave the 2010 "S" model a 23 city, 34 highway fuel economy rating which is the highest figure for any gasoline powered five passenger sedan.

Top Fuel Mileage

But the good news doesn't end there: the Ford Fusion Hybrid returns 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, which trumps the Toyota Camry Hybrid, a model that returns 33 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The hybrid's technology is particularly efficient around town where it can stay in all electric mode until it reaches a speed of 47 mph.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid's fuel economy accomplishment put the car in the category of many smaller, lighter vehicles such as the Smart ForTwo, Honda Civic Hybrid, and beats almost every other car on the market except for a handful of compact hybrid and diesel models. And it does that with no sacrifice to room as the passenger compartment on the hybrid matches what is offered on the gasoline model.

Well Equipped, Not Stripped

Moreover, with a starting price of around $28,000, the well equipped Ford Fusion Hybrid basically includes everything you need. Indeed, though the car is priced some $8000 more than the base "S" model, Ford says that the equipment level is equivalent to what is found in the V6 SE. That makes for a $4500 price differential. Oh, did I mention the federal and in some cases state tax credits that can close that gap further?

The Ford Fusion Hybrid offers a number of important features including:
- An all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower/136 lb.-ft. of torque) operating with the well-tried Atkinson cycle paired to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT.
- Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), permits the Ford to seamlessly switch from gas to electric mode and back. Spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to hone efficiency and vehicular emissions.
- A smaller nickel-cadmium battery is used which also produces 20% more power than earlier generation units used on hybrid versions of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.
- Regenerative braking allows for the Ford Fusion Hybrid allow it to recapture 94% of brake energy and store it in the battery.
- An EcoGuide display helps drivers optimize their fuel economy, by delivering real time fuel economy results. You'll pay as much attention to the dash as you will to your driving!

Clearly, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the new benchmark for larger hybrid vehicles. While the Toyota Prius has the compact end of the market sewn up, the Fusion demonstrates that five passengers can ride in comfort, bring all the gear that they want, and still deliver a comfortable and powerful driving experience. Whoever said that being kind to the environment meant driving a car that was ugly, underpowered or simply boring? Outfitted the way you want, the Ford Fusion Hybrid offers an outstanding design while delivering on the goods as promised and then some.



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