Check Dealer Pricing On a New Ford Fusion! Hypermiling in L.A. From the December, 2010 issue of Motor Trend / By Allyson Harwood / Photography by Mike Shaffer | Tweet
Click to view GalleryThe Ford Fusion Hybrid has proved a highly capable commuter, but it doesn't visually stand out in a crowd like the Prius. For those who want to make a statement with their car, this isn't the one to buy. What the Fusion does do, though, is provide a great compromise between ride and handling, with a roomy cabin and large trunk.
As assistant Web producer Scott Evans explains, "The ride is surprisingly soft and comfortable, but not at the expense of handling. No, the handling isn't quite as sharp as the Sport model's, but the Hybrid is no penalty box. And, let's be honest, it's made for Main Street, not Mulholland Drive.
Click to view GalleryAround Los Angeles, the Fusion Hybrid is a fantastic commuter. It's quiet and smooth and glides easily along our rough urban streets. It has the power to move with frantic drivers when needed, but it feels so good cruising along that you suddenly don't feel like racing with everyone else on the freeway anymore. Kick back, relax, and get there when you get there.
Click to view Gallery"As good as it is on these streets, it'll only enrage L.A. drivers," Evans says. "I love the power display that shows you how much throttle you can give it and stay in EV mode only, and it's actually kind of fun to challenge yourself and see if you can get it all the way to 47 mph without the gas engine. Unfortunately, it's a long, slow process. The leaves are a likewise fun way to challenge yourself if you're not in a particular hurry to get anywhere. They come and go so easily that it really is a challenge to collect them. On the other hand, while I enjoyed geeking out on the hybrid system, I found it incredibly distracting. A heads-up display might make leaf collecting a bit safer."
Another potential safety issue, one inherent with all hybrids, is that in full-electric mode, pedestrians walking in a parking lot don't always hear this car as it backs out of a space, and they walk right behind it. Ford may need to address this in the future.
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