While the interior of the Fusion and conventional dash layout would not get mistaken for a luxury car, the price of the Hybrid is a few notches above. Only this one takes the group of Ford SmartGauge instrument LCD. Electronic calls and display of information is almost as fun as it is functional. There are several different ways to help drivers keep tabs on the environmentally friendly (or not) of their car usage and a battery meter, electricity generation and more typical readings as a tachometer and a temperature gauge engine. The SmartGauge can show even the history of fuel economy.

Apart from the gauge cluster, the interior is essentially the same as any other Fusion, with few exceptions. There is a 110-volt outlet and all the seats covered with a friendly fabric made from post-industrial, 100-percent recycled materials. In front, these earth-friendly seats are deep and comfortable, and the rear living room has enough space for passengers. Several useful storage containers are easy to conceal items like a wallet sunglasses, and keys. voice-controlled Ford Sync system is standard; a sound system from Sony, navigation and Sirius Travel Link is available as options.

Badge of quiet pride

It is difficult to distinguish a hybrid Fusion from a gas model only. But there are some exterior design tweaks that stand out. Some automakers feel the need to plaster the word “hybrid” throughout their gas / electric cars, but the only Fusion uses subtle badging, with a little green leaf at the bottom of both front doors and trunk. Fusion Hybrids also get 17-inch alloy wheels that are not available for the remaining range.

The car looks good because it does not advertise its presence. Consumers looking for an autonomous hybrid might not like it - will not get “credit” for green ways by friends and neighbors. For those who want a hybrid sedan that just gets on with the Fusion Hybrid works perfectly.

Another emotion and an even saved U.S. dollars

The Fusion Hybrid is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 41 miles per gallon in the city. Hybrids typically do better in this test, because low-speed drive motors allows to take more often it means using less gas. With a combined city / highway EPA rating of 39 mpg, the Fusion Hybrid beats the Camry Hybrid for fuel economy, which is expected to get 33 mpg in combined driving.The combination gas and electric motors: the Fusion Hybrid is faster than the line with more muscle left in reserve for poor thirst passing.The Fusion Hybrid is almost identical to that of the smaller Honda Insight. One reason for this is that the Fusion Hybrid can run on electric only mode at speeds up to 47 mph. Is it possible to “trick” the car running for a while the batteries by lifting off the accelerator and then again pressing gently. This is especially easy to be on major highways where the speed limit is 35 or 40 mph.

However, Ford engineers not only focused on the large economy. The Fusion Hybrid also has excellent dynamic behavior. This is mainly due to the fact that the Fusion is a light and nimble, even somewhat fun to drive. The extra weight of hybrid components such as batteries and electric motors could squash the fun of any car, but fortunately, the Fusion Hybrid retains the nimble personality gas only brother. There is also plenty of power when needed. The combination of gas and electric motors: the Fusion Hybrid is faster than the line with more muscle left in reserve for passing.

Not all hybrids are created equal

There are less expensive than this hybrid Fusion (MSRP: $ 28.100), but this is hardly the point. Smaller cars like the Honda Insight less expensive (from $ 19.800), but is less car for the money. The Camry Hybrid is cheaper ($ 26,400), but the Fusion Hybrid is more fun to drive and has features such as rugs, mats, Bluetooth, voice control for a connected phone and iPod, and a six-disc CD changer as standard.

An alternative to the Fusion Hybrid comes from a different brand of Ford. The Lincoln MKZ is also available in gas / electric format, but is much more expensive (from $ 34,225). The most obvious competitor is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, despite a marked difference between the two. Fusion is more pronounced and the handling is definitely more style than the Camry. Altima’s Nissan Hybrid (26.780 dollars) is slightly more spacious inside, but, like the Camry Hybrid, is a very impressive 41 mpg in the city of fusion and 39 combined mpg.

When choosing a hybrid, fuel economy is usually a primary concern. Hybrid SUV can not do much better than 20 miles per gallon or so, but it’s good enough for a large vehicle. Medium-sized hybrid sedan should have an estimate on the high EPA at least 30 years. The ability to run on all electric-mode is also crucial because it will no longer clean fuel. Because hybrids are usually more expensive than non-hybrid counterparts, a search with many standard features. Big-ticket items like a navigation system will still be optional, but better looking wheels and an upgraded electronically as part of the standard hybrid package.

It is rare to find a car that combines performance, style and excellent fuel economy so effectively, but this is what the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid does. It’s great looking, handles better than most other hybrids, but it offers when it comes to sipping fuel. For those who really enjoy driving, but still want more miles per gallon, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best of both worlds. Never before has the fun and simplicity blended so well.
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Brian Moody is an automotive writer and presenter for over 10 years. He has contributed to such media, like CNBC, the Fox Business, the Today show, Speed ​​TV, Edmunds.com and KTLA in Los Angeles. He currently covers the automotive industry and reviews new cars for the national syndicated radio show Car Concerns.