Our 10Best derby was my first experience with the Fusion Hybrid, and for me it was the most agreeable surprise in the 58-car field.
The electronic instrument cluster does a better job of involving the driver than any hybrid I’ve seen, thus promoting the objective of maximizing fuel economy: regardless of my normal driving habits (which [...]
Related posts:
- 10Best Test Notes: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
- 10Best Test Notes: 2010 Ford Fusion SE
- 10Best Test Notes: 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Our 10Best derby was my first experience with the Fusion Hybrid, and for me it was the most agreeable surprise in the 58-car field.
The electronic instrument cluster does a better job of involving the driver than any hybrid I’ve seen, thus promoting the objective of maximizing fuel economy: regardless of my normal driving habits (which I all-too-frequently find myself explaining to police officers), I try to get those gauges into optimum.
However, if the driver has other priorities, the transition between the various hybridic modes, including electric power, is totally transparent, which I regard as a plus. And if the driver finds himself in a hurry, there’s enough muscle to keep pace with traffic—no sense of the anemia that afflicts some hybrids.
Beyond that, this car is exceptionally well put together—not a hint of the dreaded BSRs (buzzes, squeaks, and rattles), and not a hint of quiver in the unibody.
All this and a reasonably high fun-to-drive index. The price premium—over $5000—versus a comparable four-cylinder Fusion is a little tough to digest. But that’s true of all hybrid sedans; all that technology and extra hardware is expensive. And if I was seriously considering a hybrid (as distinct from my purchase choices: Ferraris, Aston Martins, Isotta Fraschinis) the Fusion would be at the top of my list. Unless I found myself seduced by the hybrid version of the Mercury Milan.
Our 10Best winners will be announced in our January 2010 issue. Please check for it on newsstands on December 5.
Related posts:
- 10Best Test Notes: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
- 10Best Test Notes: 2010 Ford Fusion SE
- 10Best Test Notes: 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
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