COVETED CARS
New Ford Fusion models impress
Ford Motor Company continues to add to its everincreasing status by developing stylistic and fuel-efficient products. Long accused of producing cookie-cutter vehicles, it has completely reversed the tide of its designs, engineering and technology to craft some of the most coveted cars in the world, let alone North America.
2013 Ford Fusion
Arguably one of its most popular vehicles in decades, the 2013 Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with top fuel economy. It’s new for 2013 and bears striking styling from any direction. Its new grille, which is the new face of Ford, borrows heavily from the Aston Martin. Its sculptured sides and handsome view from the rear has already resulted in a huge sales increase.
Besides its terrific appearance, the new Fusion comes with a host of available driver assistance technologies, like a lane-keeping system; active park assist; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS); cross
traffic alert; and adaptive cruise control. It’s equipped with electric power assist steering (EPAS) that adds up to a 4 percent increase in fuel efficiency. It comes in three distinct models: S, SE, and Titanium.
The new Fusion offers three naturally-aspirated engines: a 2.5-liter iVCT four-cylinder that delivers an estimated 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway; a 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder that delivers an estimated 26/37 mpg; and a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder, delivering an estimated 23/33 mpg. Sixspeed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions are available. MSRP begins at $21,700. 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid The complete redesign of the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is expected to deliver better fuel efficiency than either the Toyota Camry Hybrid or Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. It features all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries. It also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle fourcylinder engine in combination with an electric motor.
Fusion Hybrid’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide is a unique instrument cluster that gives hybrid owners a more connected driving experience by coaching them to further maximize fuel efficiency, which is already 10 percent more efficient than a traditional four-cylinder gasoline engine. MSRP for the Ford Fusion Hybrid begins at $27,200.
2013 Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid that aims to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in America. It’s projected to deliver more miles-per-gallon equivalent (100 MPGe) than the Chevrolet Volt or Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. It’s chargeable through a port conveniently located on the driver’s side. A light ring illuminates when the car is plugged in and charging so owners know how much power is contained within their Fusion Energi battery. One gallon of gasoline equals 33 kilowatt hours of electricity. MSRP of the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi SE is $38,700, and the top-of-the-line Titanium starts at $40,200.
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid/CMax Energi
Designed and engineered to be fun to drive as well as highly fuel-efficient, the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid and its Plug-In Hybrid sibling achieve both. It bears a familial resemblance to the larger Focus and the even larger Ford Fusion. MSRP for the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is $25,200. MSRP for the C-MAX Hybrid Energi is $29,995.