Marvelous mixture
Ford Energi fuses gas, electric
Although Ford’s new plugin hybrid, the 2014 Fusion Energi, offers many ways to measure mileage, one thing is certain: the Energi’s electric-only mode offers a longer single-charge trip than any other plug-in of its kind.
Its 100 combined gasoline-andelectricity MPGe (miles per gallon electric) is more than the Toyota Prius Plug-in that’s rated at 95 MPGe and the Chevy Volt at 98 MPGe.
The five-seater Fusion Energi starts at $38,700. More than just an EV geek’s dream, the Energi is a lovely looking midsize sedan. It’s available with a number of uplevel features, such as adaptive cruise control, automated parking assist, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, inflatable (airbag) rear seatbelts and an audio system from Sony with 12 speakers and HD radio.
A wide, multi-slatted front grille makes a bold appearance for a strong first impression. The grille is capped by glistening narrow headlamp slits and a sleek character face, with lines that sweep from the front of the hood to the windshield. The sedan rides on 17-inch tires and sparkling aluminum rims that up-level the looks. The roofline is low and the rear end is clipped short, while details like integrated front fog lamps and body-color side mirrors add a classy touch.
The Fusion Energi is called an “extended-range technology vehicle.” These cars have small gasoline-fueled engines and generators that help provide motivation when charged batteries discharge. The gas-powered engine that powers Fusion Energi is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with variable intake timing. It delivers 195 horse- power-combined-hybrid output and 129 lb.-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the electric motor is a permanent magnet AC synchronous design that makes 118 horses and 117 lb.-ft. torque. The 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack takes about 2.5 hours to charge with a 240-volt power source or 6 hours with a 120-volt plug (a typical household connection).
Our impressions driving the Energi were very much the same as driving its Fusion stablemates. These are great handling front-wheel sedans that have the engineering to make them perform all normal driving tasks with aplomb. The biggest difference in the Energi is the lack of noise when it’s powered by the electric motor, and the seamless start/stop.
Power-assist rack-and-pinion steering and a front MacPherson strut/ rear multi-link suspension combine to make Fusion Energi feel firm and confident on the road. Energi’s brakes are four-wheel power-assist discs with ABS and regenerative capabilities; traction and stability control are standard.
The Fusion Energi’s interior is upscale in design with a uncluttered, refined cockpit that seats five comfortably, with ample leg room. Split-folding rear seats add practicality for stowage. The trunk space carries just over 8 cubic-feet of cargo, which makes Fusion Energi perfectly capable for a weekend away or a week’s worth groceries.
The cabin is built for commuter comfort and technological convenience. Leather seats are standard and there are two 4.2-inch LCD screens that contain enough vehicle information — from fuel economy to regenerative braking performance, which helps capture energy harvested from more efficient braking to further boost electric motor mileage — to keep even the most jaded rush-hour driver engaged.
Focus forges ahead
Sales of the compact Focus totaled more than 1 million cars worldwide, according to Polk automotive data. Market gains for Focus were partly driven by consumer demand in China, where registrations were up 51 percent. Focus pushed past the Toyota Corolla, which counted almot 900,000 sales. Corolla remains the top-selling nameplate ever, with more than 40 million sold. (Sources: Ford, Toyota)