American automaker Ford was recently crowing about its upcoming Fusion Hybrid.
Yes, the Environmental Protection Agency certified the midsize sedan with a fuel efficiency rating of 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined. This, for the moment, makes it one of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class.
The hybrid powertrain is not the only offering for the 2013 Fusion, according to Ford, as there’s also a choice of two EcoBoost engines as well as a plug-in hybrid offering. The 1.6 liter EcoBoost sports specs of 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined; the 2.0 liter EcoBoost 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined and the forthcoming Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid a projected 100-plus MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent).
The Fusion equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine also comes with what Ford says is its “Auto Start-Stop” system, which “automatically shuts off the engine at stationary idle to help save customers even more fuel in stop-and-go city driving.” This system, as well as the various powertrains, are tied to available options of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with both six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.
Other green features of note for the Fusion Hybrid specifically include a readout that coaches drivers for top fuel efficiency and a more environmentally friendly “cruise control functionality that helps optimize powertrain elements for convenient yet economical highway travel.” The vehicle as well can achieve a top speed of 62 mph in electric only mode.
Ford has put into the 2013 Fusion line up a number of useful driver assistance and convenience technologies that make use of sensors, cameras and radar to enable what it believes is a better driving experience. These can include a lane keeping system to help one stay in their lane of traffic, cruise control that adapts to upcoming traffic conditions, active parking assist and blind spot alerts.
Also tossed into the Fusion is Ford’s SYNC communications and entertainment system, “which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.” New Fusion models begin arriving at dealers nationwide this fall.
