Sunset_Blogger

Two and a half years ago when Ford began work on its 2010 Fusion Hybrid, nobody envisioned the fuel price roller coaster that was in store for American drivers. Luckily for Ford, the company did its homework and honed in on maximizing efficiency: The new Fusion Hybrid boasts 39 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, numbers that beat the Camry Hybrid by 6 mpg in the city and 3 mpg on the highway. Add a new instrument panel and a host of other improvements, and the spotlight is suddenly shining brightly on Ford's thrifty new midsize sedan, which will hit the market in the first quarter of 2009.
Starting at $19,270, the 2010 Fusion lineup gets more engine options, increased power, better fuel economy, and six-speed transmissions across the board. But for truly cutting-edge tech look no further than the $27,270 Hybrid model. Niceties like a more seamless transition between gas and electric make the Fusion Hybrid's driving experience feel more "normal," but the bottom line for next-gen hybrids goes far beyond how invisibly the tech is implemented.

The hybrid model gets new instrumentation, EcoGuide, that flanks a traditional analog speedometer and tachometer with two 4.3-in. thin-film transistor (TFT) screens. The digital displays can be configured to show four degrees of hybrid systems data: "Inform" displays fuel level and battery charge status, "Enlighten" includes the electric-vehicle-mode indicator and tachometer, "Engage" adds engine-output power and battery-output power, and "Empower" goes the whole nine yards by displaying power to the wheels and
As automakers ramp up to build the next generation of hybrids for a fuel-conscious America, Ford is positioning itself as being cognizant of the unique needs of this niche market. From its inventive and entertaining TFT displays to its competition-busting mpg numbers, it's apparent that Ford has put plenty of blood, sweat and tears into its 2010 Fusion Hybrid. Whether or not gas prices eventually stabilize, their whole-hearted approach to fuel economy suggests that Ford is finally focused on building cars that are relevant.