2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Review
$27,270 buys you a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. All upgrades and enhancements granted to the Ford Fusion are intact on the hybrid, and it comes with the foundation of fuel savings, improved tuning standards and even the new SmartGauge LCD screen for vehicular information. Along with the Mercury Milan Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid, the Ford Fusion Hybrid rounds out Ford's contribution to the ever-growing hybrid market.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid features a combination of power entities including a 2.5L 155hp 136 lb-ft 4-cylinder engine with variable intake cam timing standards and an integrated electric motor. The electric motor is housed along with the CVT transmission and mated to the Atkinson engine. A nickel hydride battery is mounted in the trunk and is cooled with cabin air as opposed to a dedicated AC unit. This battery is charged and recharged by a generator as well as a braking system that is regenerative in nature. This means that energy created from applying your brakes is harnessed and redirected to recharge the nickel hydride battery. Further, the vehicle also replaces a traditional belt-driven AC compressor with an electrical unit.
While several of the features on the Ford Fusion Hybrid are fairly ordinary, the Ford Company has a new claim to fame. The Fusion Hybrid does something that none of its competitors do: it has the ability to travel up to 47 mph on electrical charge alone - no gasoline engine required. Besides saving loads of fuel, this operational mode is extremely quiet. Optimally using a conjunction of these two power sources can allow travel for over 700 miles on a single fuel fill up.
If you opt to have a navigational system installed in your new Fusion Hybrid, the Energy Flow Display function will also be included. This system provides you real time information on your navigational screen concerning each of the four operational modes for the vehicle. These include: Hybrid Drive, Electric Drive, Idle Charging and Gas Engine as well as overall fuel efficiency reports.
The Ford AdvanceTrac ESC is an electronic stability control system that automatically engages the braking system and modifies engine torque when any degree of wheel slip is detected. As a result, all instances of fish-tailing and/or skidding are significantly reduced. Terrain conditions involving gravel, rain and ice among others are met with increased confidence and control.
Of course, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid also comes with as many optional features for safety, luxury and show as you will find desire for. Explore the new Ford hybrid technologies today and rediscover what makes Ford a world leader in automotive innovation. The future looks very exciting - especially through the eyes of Ford.
Source : Ford
