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Hybrid Dealers Boston – 2010 Ford Fusion

bostonhybriddealers — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:40:18 +0000

Herb Chambers – 2010 Ford Fusion

All-new mid-size sedan offers world-class fuel mileage.
by courtesy New Car Test Drive

Save America; buy an American car. If you feel even the slightest inclination in that direction, your time may have come. The 2010 Ford Fusion, and in particular, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, delivers contemporary styling, a first-class driving experience, and world-class fuel mileage.

EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are a stupendous 41/36 mpg City/Highway. In a mid-size sedan as roomy and competent as this one, that is exciting efficiency.

The best news is, you don’t have to drive the Fusion Hybrid like you’re in a funeral cortege to achieve 40-plus city mpg; these are real-world figures. During Los Angeles morning rush, we drove the Fusion Hybrid in heavy traffic from the Sunset Strip 10 miles west along hilly, snaking Sunset Boulevard to the beach, then south to Santa Monica Pier, all the while proceeding at a distinctly non-funereal pace. Without fuss, the Fusion delivered an impressive 41.5 mpg.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

What’s more, in city driving, a full tank takes the Hybrid an amazing 700 miles.

Besides the Hybrid, the 2010 Ford Fusion lineup offers a choice of three different engines: a 2.5-liter inline-4 of 175 hp, a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V6 of 240 hp, and a performance-tuned 3.5-liter V6 of 263 hp. The combined horsepower of the Hybrid’s gas engine and electric motor is 191 hp, but the literally instantaneous torque of its forceful electric motor makes it feel like more.

Most of the new Fusion’s dimensions are unchanged from the previous model, but mechanically and in styling, the 2010 model exhibits vastly more than a mere freshening of last year’s model. The new exterior, nicely enhanced with chrome, has a muscular, crisp Euro panache that is, if anything, pleasingly Saab-like.

The various gas-engine 2010 Fusion models we drove are similarly comfortable, commodious, and in the case of the Sport model, excitingly agile. Offered in a range of trim levels, the new Fusion is a compelling mid-size car with agile handling and world-beating fuel thrift.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

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Model Lineup

The 2010 Ford Fusion offers five variants: S, SE, Sport, SEL and Hybrid.

Fusion S ($19,270) comes standard with cloth upholstery, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power locks, instrument cluster with message center, keyless entry and trunk release, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with four speakers, remote decklid release, capless fuel filler, trip computer, cruise control, speed-sensitive wipers. It comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, body-color bumpers and door handles, tinted glass, black power mirrors. A six-speed automatic is optional.

Fusion SE ($20,545) adds six-speaker audio, fog lamps, fold-flat passenger seat, body-color mirrors, six-way power driver seat, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, illuminated visor mirrors, and 17-inch wheels. A six-speed select-shift automatic is optional. Also optional is a 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine ($2,490) and comes with six-speed automatic.

Fusion Sport ($25,825) adds 3.5-liter V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, six-speed select-shift automatic, 18-inch wheels, chrome trim, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, unique side rocker moldings and front fascia, SYNC communication system, auto-dimming rearview, eight-way power driver seat, unique interior trim and center console applique. All-wheel drive ($1,850) is available.

Fusion SEL ($23,975) comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and upgrades with leather heated seats, dual-zone temperature control, SYNC communications system, halogen headlamps, auto-dimming rearview, heated outside mirrors, eight-way power driver seats, six-way power passenger seat, leather shifter, leather steering wheel, keyless entry pad, six-speed select-shift automatic and 17-inch wheels. A 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine with six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Fusion Hybrid ($27,270) comes fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, Hybrid 275-volt sealed battery, permanent magnet-electric motor, regenerative braking system, LCD graphic instrument panel, reverse-sensing system, Hybrid badging, 17-inch wheels, E-CVT electronic constant-velocity automatic transmission.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

Optional packages: Sun & SYNC Package with auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone and compass, power moonroof, SYNC communication system; Driver’s Vision Package with blind-spot information system, rearward camera in rearview mirror; Moon & Tune Package with moonroof, Sony audio with 12 speakers; Electronics Package with heated seats, six-way power passenger seat, ambient lighting, automatic headlights, blind-spot information system, dual-zone temp control, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, console rearview camera, keyless entry pad. Additional options: voice-activated navigation system (Sport, SEL, Hybrid), engine-block heater, reverse-sensing system.

Safety features that come standard on all Fusion models include dual front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags (with crash-severity sensing), seatbelt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, tire-pressure monitoring. Also available are a rearview camera, a reverse sensing system, and all-wheel drive.

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Walkaround

The 2010 Fusion uses the same platform as the 2009 model, but from there similarities cease.

The all-new front-end design, beginning with a bold, three-bar chrome grille and racecar-like chrome-trimmed intakes at the bottom of the nose, has a muscular confidence that makes you take a second, more interested, look. How long has it been since the mainstream American mid-size elicited that?

The Fusion’s sinuousness is continued in the carefully raised modeling of the hood, implying that what lies beneath is something genuinely worthy. True enough. The Fusion is no dragster, but its performance is spirited, and its 7.0-second 0-to-60 time in the Sport model gives it the edge over the competition.

Given the conservative looks of the competition, the Fusion’s styling makes a statement all its own. Its well-formed flanks, accented by gleaming streaks of chrome, give the Fusion both a dynamically fresh appearance and excellent aerodynamic efficiency. Its coefficient of drag, aided by underbody airflow tuning, is an extremely low 0.32, helping achieve high fuel mileage.

Ford stylists were able to combine graceful styling with practicality in another way. The Fusion’s high-bustled three-box design delivers a tall, capacious trunk volume of 11.8 cubic feet. It also delivers an easy lift-over height.

In style and stance, the new Ford has a sporting, fun-to-drive spirit not normally associated with either Japanese or American workaday mid-sizers. The Fusion, rather, has the cues of a finely conceived European sedan gone global.

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Interior Features

By necessity, our test Ford Fusion Hybrid was furnished with instrumentation not found in any gas-engine versions. The Hybrid’s so-called EcoGuide information system flanks the center-mounted speedometer with two LCD panels, communicating what the powertrain is doing, how it’s doing it, and how, in real time, you can optimize its fuel efficiency.

Pushing a couple of buttons, you select between four different formats. Learning the distinctions between Inform Mode, Enlighten Mode, Engage Mode, and Empower Mode takes a moment, but then, if you’re driving a hybrid, you’re likely to want the best from your system. And as annoying and intimidating as some digital systems can be, we found that within 10 minutes driving, thanks to the tutorial nature of the EcoGuide, we were already using the throttle pedal to effectively stretch our mileage. Think of EcoGuide as an automotive video game. It’s actually fun.

But if you just want to get to work really fast, especially if your traffic-heavy, stop-and-go commute often takes place at less than 50 mph, the hybrid system’s most efficient speed range, a Fusion Hybrid will deliver mileage you never dreamed possible.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

Our test car was upholstered with handsome black leather. Black pebble-grain texture on the dash gave things a well-furnished glow. The center stack contained a straightforward nav system and Ford’s SYNC, the comprehensive communication network that allows the driver to track storms, place hands-free calls, find a movie start time, locate the cheapest gas in your region, and more.

The driver’s seat had good lateral support, decent lumbar support, and proper elevation at the cushion’s front to inhibit submarining (slipping under the belts) in a head-on impact. A sturdy chrome-trimmed shifter provided a businesslike grip.

The steering wheel features cruise-control buttons on the left side of the hub, and audio and media controls on the right. (And these controls were far enough away from the steering function to avoid accidental radio-station changes, as they should be.) The switchgear was neither showy nor cheap, with a straightforward utility appropriate to this car.

The deluxe Sony audio in our test car provided gorgeous sound, and better still, was adjusted by knobs. We’ve found the most efficient way to tune a sound system is with a radial knob, particularly when underway and especially on a rough road.

The air conditioning, which on the Hybrid is run directly off the battery pack (providing no power-sapping belt drag on the engine), was cool, powerful, all you could ask.

Rear seating was conventional for this class, which is to say, so-so. The seat cushions were flat and minimally cushioned. The two outside seats had a hint of lateral support, while the passenger in the center rear would be well advised to negotiate an upgrade. Headroom was reasonably good in back, given the downward taper of the roofline, but leave the fedora in your Bentley.

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Driving Impressions

Driving the Fusion Hybrid is different from driving other Fusions. Its acceleration is right in the middle of adequate, as most hybrid buyers will want, but the EcoGuide instrumentation’s ongoing tutorial informs the driver in real time of the mileage being achieved. As EcoGuide demonstrates, the secret of the Hybrid’s excellent City mileage is that its electric motor powers the car in cruising mode up to 47 mph. If more power is summoned for acceleration or passing, only then does the gasoline engine instantly and nearly silently kick in, adding smooth forward motion.

We found that when a stoplight turns green, we could use the throttle pedal freely, accelerating to the speed of traffic around us. Then by letting off the pedal slightly at, say, 40 mph or so, the gasoline engine almost imperceptibly shuts down. We’re running on clean, thrifty electric power. Practically the only indication of this is by watching Eco-Guide. The smoothness of these transfers between gasoline and electricity is the unmistakable result of world-class engineering.

Power delivery in the Fusion Hybrid is smooth and progressive, exhibiting none of the artificially sudden throttle response of its Asian competitors.

Similarly, the Fusion’s handling and on-road dynamics are exemplary. Because its handling is alert and agile, more so in some respects than Accord’s or Camry’s, it will respond accurately to driver inputs in an emergency.

At the same time, its ride is smooth and pleasing.

Four-wheel disc brakes, made more effective with standard ABS, provide forceful, easily modulated stopping power.

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Summary

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

If you want to come to an accurate assessment of just how good Detroit products are, you need look no further than the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. It is roomy and comfortable, a cutting-edge mid-sized family sedan with world-class efficiency and satisfying performance. Factoring in the $3400 after-purchase federal tax credit because it’s a hybrid, the price is right, too.

Ted West filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after driving the Fusion Hybrid through the canyons and along Pacific Coast Highway north of Santa Monica, California.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

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Boston Hybrid Dealers – Top Selling Hybrids 2009

bostonhybriddealers — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:28:05 +0000

Top 2009 Hybrid Vehicles

Article Courtesy of: BY SHERYLL ALEXANDER

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California – CLICK HERE for Sheryll’s Home Page

For me, hybrid engine technology really took off in 2007 with the Lexus GS450h. It’s a wonder how Lexus took its super sports car GS and gave it a truly powerful rear drive, two-mode hybrid engine. Now in 2009, Lexus has unveiled its $100,000+ LS 600h, which comes with a 5 liter, 438 hp V8 gas-electric drivetrain.

Hybrid vehicles are more available than ever before. Truly, hybrids aren’t the answer for everyone, some hybrid vehicles do save money in fuel costs and yet still have perhaps thousands of dollars in upfront initial costs. And while subcompact and compact cars are now being built with super fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered engines, hybrid motors are perfectly suited for mid- and full-sized sedans, CUVs and SUVs.

2009 also marks the year of the more fuel-efficient large SUV hybrid with four models including the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid and a beefed up Saturn Vue Hybrid.

I’ve tested just about every hybrid vehicle on the market today. And although I haven’t yet driven all of the 2009 model year hybrids below. Here are some good notes for those considering a hybrid vehicle purchase:

Least Expensive Hybrid: 2009 Chevy Malibu

GM’s 2009 Chevy Malibu is the nation’s least expensive hybrid at an MSRP of about $25,000. In 2009, the Chevy Malibu actually has improved the fuel economy on its 2.4-liter Ecotec engine a few points to 34 mpg highway and 26 mpg city. But this sedan has more going for it than a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The exterior and interior on the 2009 Chevy Malibu are both stylish, modern, sporty and luxurious.

Best Compact SUVs: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid & 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid

I couldn’t narrow it down to just one mid-sized hybrid SUV because I love both the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid as all-around great picks. The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid bring class-leading fuel economy at 33 mpg overall, a long list of standard features, above average driving characteristics, good styling inside and out and Ford’s cool SYNC technology. I’m quite fond of the Saturn Vue as an overall good buy, so the 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid portends to be a winner with 50 percent better fuel economy over last year’s non-hybrid V6 model with a driving range of 500 miles on one tank of gasoline.

Best Subcompact: 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

OK, I’m gonna throw you for a loop here. Most subcompacts aren’t made with hybrid engines because small engines already get above average fuel efficiency and low emissions. The 2.2 liter, four-cylinder 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE gets 37 mpg highway, surpassing most hybrid vehicles. And if that’s not incentive enough to buy the 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE, the car comes with a long list of standard features, lots of options packages, an excellent powertrain warranty (five years/100,000 miles), five-star safety ratings and environmental stature as an ultra low emissions vehicle. GM’s Pontiac G5 XFE also gets 37 mpg highway.

Best Hybrid Sedan: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Recently, Consumer Reports announced the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid (34 mpg overall) saves the most money ($4,250) over five years compared to the conventional Toyota Camry (24 mpg overall). Now, there’s a lot of great hybrid sedans out there, including Toyota’s No. 1-selling hybrid: The Prius. However, there’s nothing like a super stylish, great driving, luxurious Camry to get around town.

Best Luxury SUV: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Finally, celebrities, music stars, captains of business and perhaps a presidential candidate or two can drive the world’s first full-sized luxury SUV with an environmentally-friendly hybrid engine. GM’s advanced two-mode V8 engine has achieved a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy. But at around $72,000 for a base model (with tons of standard features), the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is pricey.

Best Large SUV & Truck Hybrid: 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

This spring, I drove both the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid on a road test. I was surprised to find a noiseless, highly powerful 6-liter V8 gas-electric engine that gets 22 mpg overall. Plus, both of these large hybrids can tow 6,200 pounds and provide the same seating capacity, versatile cargo and luxury amenities as their non-hybrid counterparts. However, I do have to admit that I have yet to road test two other new, large SUV hybrid releases: the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and the Dodge Durango Hybrid.

Best Retro Hybrid: 2009 Honda Insight

Hybrid-powered car have only been around for a few years. So, how can there already be a retro model? The Honda Insight, which started the whole hybrid craze five year ago, will be completely re-designed and available at dealerships this spring. Built and marketed to compete against Toyota’s Prius, the five-seater 2009 Honda Insight will be priced as the “world’s cheapest hybrid” at around $19,000. The new Insight’s exterior styling actually looks quite similar to the Prius, which I believe is a wrong move for Honda since the goofy-looking styling of the Prius isn’t super appealing.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.

Hybrid Dealers Boston – Saving Money With Hybrids

bostonhybriddealers — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:14:20 +0000

Hybrid Cars and Gas Prices

By Consumer Reports

With gas prices in a constant state of flux is it a good idea to get yourslef behind the wheel of a hybrid? Gas prices should be one measure of weight used in making this determination; we have seen gas prices go from $4.00 a gallon in the summer of ‘08 to the current price of under $2.00 ( November ‘08). Environmental concerns should also weigh into the equation.

There was a time when luxury and performance were not used inthe same sentence as hybrid. Those days are gone with Mercedes, Lexus and BMW releasing hybrid luxury and performance vehicles. Please consider the tone of the Consumer Reports article as it was written when gas prices were reaching all time highs.

Gas/electric hybrid vehicles present a conundrum for many car shoppers. They typically deliver the best fuel economy in their class, but they’re also priced higher than similar conventional cars. So it has been difficult to know whether a hybrid will save money overall.

Not anymore. With gas prices soaring, our latest analysis of owner costs shows that you can save more than $4,000 over five years by choosing a hybrid over a similar conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.

Six of the 12 affordable hybrids we looked at can save you from about $500 to $4,250, even without tax credits, and pay back their price premium after only one year. They are the Toyota Prius and hybrid versions of the Malibu and Tahoe, Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, and Toyota Camry. For several, you can save even more by taking advantage of federal tax credits.

The Honda Civic and Saturn Aura hybrids will cost you a little more than their conventional counterparts—from $250 to $750 over five years—but some consumers might find it worthwhile to drive a more environmentally friendly car. With federal tax incentives, both come out ahead after just one year.

Three hybrids—the Lexus GS 450h and RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid—cost significantly more than their counterparts in the first five years.

Hybrid interest in the US peaked in Summer ‘08 in direct correlation to gas prices. Hybrids sales were up close to 40 percent last year. Many dealerships had a difficult time keeping up with consumer demand.

Other important determining factors when choosing a hybrid purchase in terms of return on investment.

It would take many years for most hybrids to pay back their premium price just on fuel savings. But fuel costs are only a relatively small part—25 percent—of the overall owner costs in the first five years. Other factors include depreciation, insurance, interest on financing, maintenance and repairs, and sales tax.

In a nut shell, the Consumer Reports article tell us that there is certainly room for more innovation in terms of the relationships between luxury, performance and economics. We would like to see that line more blurred and not so cut and dry.

With the world and US economies in as much a state of flus as the price of gas we hope that the US Automakers make a bit a sea change in terms of the vehicles they are putting out and get int a competitive lockstep with the foreign auto manufacturers.