2013 Cadillac XTS
News
Reviews
Guides
Gas Mileage
Car Types

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: at Least 6 MPG Better Than Toyota Camry Hybrid

 
1,140 views Dec 26, 2008

2010_fusion_dsc15551Enlarge Photo


Sitting with a group of hybrid executives at Ford, one message was made abundantly clear: They're going after the Camry Hybrid.

“It beats the Toyota Camry by at least 6 MPG city.” said Nancy Gioia, Ford Motor Company's director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “At least…” immediately echoed the two other Ford execs present. It wasn't subtle.

The Fusion is roughly Camry-sized, roughly Camry-priced, and uses about 20% less fuel than the Japanese competitor. It has a next-generation instrument display called Smart Gauge that rewards good driving with a virtual bush that sprouts a new leaf here and there as your fuel efficiency goes up, allowing you to see that efficiency graphically represented at a glance. And the new EV mode allows you to drive all-electric up to 47 mph as long as you don't need to floor it.

The new Fusion will at least give Camry a run for its money. At least.





Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (5)

  1. By akojim Posted: 12/26/2008 10:38am PST

    Well, I won’t criticize an increase in mileage, but a Smart Gauge that rewards us with virtual bush that sprouts leaves? I think the Ford engineers have been playing too many video games. How about sprouting a plug and giving us a real reward.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By The Grump Posted: 12/26/2008 2:57pm PST

    I'll wait for the Honda Insight. The rumors about the Insight's MPG vary from mild to wild. Even though I signed up on Honda's website for updates, I haven't received anything from them yet. Honda is holding theirr cards close to the vest, so I will wait until Honda finally spills the beans about the Insight. Then, I can make a decision about my next new car.
    Kudos to Ford for their new hybrid, but the rumors about the Insight are just too enticing to ignore - I heard Insight reports of 68 MPG, and a price under $20,000.00. Even if the Insight is all that, Ford may win, due to more interior space and a better (not bone-jarring) ride. We live in interesting times.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. By Noel Park Posted: 12/26/2008 9:47pm PST

    NPNS!!
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  4. By Doug Posted: 12/29/2008 1:12pm PST

    Nice of the article to focus on the least important fact about the smart gauge. It is a break through system that gives relevant and immediate information on how the car is performing. Almost every major auto manufacturer is in the process of trying to compete with this system. The Fusion is an excellent first foray into the hybrid sedan market and Ford deserves kudos for pushing this through. This in addition to the hybrid escape give Ford a decent start in the EV world and from the way Mullahy has been talking, I would be shocked if Ford does not come out of this stronger and more viable than any American auto company.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  5. By old man Posted: 12/29/2008 2:11pm PST

    This car is a nice step for Ford and hopefully will be followed by the other domestic builders. If my car has to be replaced prior to the Volt being available to the general public then I will most likely buy the Fusion.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Find Green Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
Green Car Reports
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 Green Car Reports. All Rights Reserved. Green Car Reports is published by High Gear Media. Send us feedback. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC.