Autoblog

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Zach Bowman — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Ford, New Car Reviews

Your Mileage May Vary

As difficult as it is to write this, I was actually excited about the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. With the beautiful looks of the newest midsize fighter from Ford and a fuel economy estimate capable of shaming even the stalwart Camry Hybrid, the battery-augmented four-door seemed like a recipe for unabashed success. But appearances love nothing more than swapping our boundless enthusiasm for cold platters of disappointment. The 2013 Fusion Hybrid gets hobbled right out of the gate with a lofty price tag, and real-world driving keeps the sedan from even approaching those EPA figures.

With so many excellent midsize hybrids on the market, is there any reason to consider the newest Fusion Hybrid? Are sharp aesthetics, a well-executed interior and capable driving dynamics enough to overcome the machine's shortfalls? Not from where I'm standing.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Ford

A California lawsuit over the fuel economy claims for the 2013 Ford C-Max was first reported back in December. Based on the numerous reports we've heard of disgruntled owners failing to get their car's EPA fuel economy ratings on the C-Max and 2013 Fusion Hybrid, we suspected there would be more to this story. The Detroit News is reporting that two California law firms are combining their lawsuits against Ford on this matter for "false and misleading" claims.

The article states that there are hundreds of C-Max and Fusion Hybrid owners who have joined the lawsuit, but the issue isn't limited to customers. In December, Consumer Reports extensively tested both the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max and found that both hybrids performed significantly worse than their EPA claims. This all comes just a few months after Hyundai and Kia took the unprecedented step of lowering the fuel economy ratings for all of their 2012 and 2013 model-year vehicles.

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA to investigate Ford C-Max, Fusion fuel economy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Ford

The Environmental Protection Agency has said it "will look at the report and data" from Consumer Reports indicating that the 2013 Ford C-Max and Fusion hybrids don't come close to achieving their fuel economy estimates of 47 miles per gallon. In CR testing, the C-Max Hybrid averaged 37 mpg; the Fusion Hybrid averaged 39.

CR reports that the 10-mpg difference recorded with the C-Max represents "the largest discrepancy between our overall-mpg results and the estimates published by the EPA that we've seen among any current models." For reference, the Toyota Prius came up six mpg short of EPA estimates under CR's testing.

So, what happens if the EPA finds a discrepancy in Ford's mileage claims? According to The Detroit News, automakers may face civil penalties over misstated claims. Just a few weeks back, Hyundai and Kia were found to have overstated mileage estimates for 1.1 million vehicles sold in the US and Canada, prompting the automaker to compensate owners for their now-reduced mileage figures. Lawsuits, reductions in consumer confidence and even inquiries from politicians are also potential problems in the pipeline.

It's too early to suggest such drastic measures will be taken by Ford, especially since "a hybrid vehicle is going to be far more variable than a conventional vehicle" when it comes to observed fuel mileage, according to Linc Wehrly, director of light-duty vehicle center compliance division at the EPA's Ann Arbor laboratory.

Ford, for its part, issued the following statement to Consumer Reports: "Early C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid customers praise the vehicles and report a range of fuel economy figures, including some reports above 47 mpg. This reinforces the fact that driving styles, driving conditions and other factors can cause mileage to vary."

EPA to investigate Ford C-Max, Fusion fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports calls out Ford for false Fusion, C-Max hybrid fuel economy claims

Sharon Silke Carty — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Videos, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford

Consumer Reports is calling out Ford, saying the new C-Max and Fusion hybrids don't get anywhere near the 47 miles per gallon the automaker claims.

Several automakers have faced backlash after consumers discovered their cars don't quite hit the lofty fuel economy figures promised by the companies, and Ford may be the newest casualty of all this pesky fact-checking by critics and watchdogs.

The magazine drove the cars 2,000 miles and consistently got around 39 mpg for the Fusion and 37 mpg for the C-Max. Jake Fisher, director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, said this is the largest discrepancy between what automakers MPG claims and the actual real-world driving results.

"It's not to say these are bad cars at all; they still get excellent fuel economy," Fisher said. "But we've been doing this for a long time, and we've never seen such a difference between the EPA estimates and our numbers."

Ford said its figures were certified by the EPA, but the EPA only tests about 10 to 15 percent of the cars on the road. Ford said some early reports from customers showed the cars getting even better fuel economy than 47 mpg.

"This reinforces the fact that driving styles, driving conditions, and other factors can cause mileage to vary," said Wes Sherwood, a spokesman for Ford. For customers who want to optimize their fuel economy, the cars come with different driving coach software to help drivers get better fuel economy, he said.

Scroll down to watch the video report from Consumer Reports.

Continue reading Consumer Reports calls out Ford for false Fusion, C-Max hybrid fuel economy claims

Consumer Reports calls out Ford for false Fusion, C-Max hybrid fuel economy claims originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford adds Titanium trim to 2013 Fusion Hybrid [UPDATE]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Ford

Ford obviously thinks it was on to something good when it decided to offer its Lincoln MKZ sedan with a no-cost hybrid option, as the Blue Oval will now be taking a similar tack with its new Fusion Titanium. For $32,995, the range-topping 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium can be equipped with either the sporty 2.0-liter EcoBoost and all-wheel drive or hybrid power and front-wheel drive.

At launch, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid will only be available in mid-grade SE trim, but starting early next year, Ford will add a Titanium model that includes sportier exterior styling and a more premium cabin. This trim level will come standard with tech features like a 12-speaker Sony audio system, MyFord Touch, parking sensors and luxury items like power front seats, leather seats and 18-inch polished alloys. It isn't clear if the Fusion Hybrid Titanium's starting price includes the $795 destination charge [UPDATE: it does], but when optioning up a Fusion Hybrid SE with similar equipment, it's right in the same neighborhood at $33,370.

For those keeping track, the fully loaded Fusion Hybrid Titanium is just a step under the $35,925 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, with which it shares its chassis. Scroll down to see Ford's full presser on this new trim.

Continue reading Ford adds Titanium trim to 2013 Fusion Hybrid [UPDATE]

Ford adds Titanium trim to 2013 Fusion Hybrid [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Fusion does the techno sound collage music thing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

If you're wondering what the 2013 Ford Fusion has to do with techno music... well, join the club - we have no idea. We'll defer to an expert, musician Joshua Harrison:

"Techno music, by its nature, is very similar to the makeup of a car... In both cases, there are lots of little pieces mechanically put together. Just like a car, a Techno song has many elements that serve their own small purpose, and the masters of the craft are those who can put it all together and make everything work as one solid piece."

Who are we to argue?

In any case, Ford has used an old trick in a somewhat new way in conscripting artists to create techno tracks using sounds made by its Fusion, in this case a 2.0-liter Hybrid model. Listen to the three resulting tracks, then scroll down below to watch a video explaining the process and showing the musicians working their magic.

Even if you don't like techno, it's at least interesting to hear how each track is so wildly different from the other two. And if you do like what you hear, maybe you should consider attending the Movement Electronic Festival in Detroit, May 26-28.

Sounds of Fusion Track 1 by Joshua Harrison by fordfusion
Sounds of Fusion Track 2 by Keith Kemp by fordfusion
Sounds of Fusion Track 3 by Tom Newman by fordfusion

Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion does the techno sound collage music thing

2013 Ford Fusion does the techno sound collage music thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pricing added to 2013 Ford Fusion configurator

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

We've noticed that 2013 Ford Fusion configurator has been updated with dollar values for each of its four models, however, we're not so sure the pricing is that black-and-white. Ford has also updated the disclaimer at the bottom of the page, to read, "Prices and features are for survey purposes only and are subject to change and features may become unavailable at the time of vehicle introduction." In other words, don't get too fixated on the numbers, as they're not locked down yet. And by playing with the configurator, you're likely serving as a FoMoCo lab rat - after all, this is the company that never met a focus group it didn't like.

It's worth noting that Ford has not issued an official press release on pricing yet. But for now, it seems like the base Fusion S will start at $22,495, though we're not sure whether that includes destination or not. Stepping up to the SE at $24,490 will upgrade the steel wheels to alloys, add heated, lighted mirrors with turn signal indicators, and get you body color rocker panels. Inside, the SE has a power driver's seat and a better stereo, and backseat passengers get an armrest and their own HVAC ducts. The SE also allows you to order other stuff, including navigation and start/stop, or opt for a different engine than the base-spec 2.5-liter four-cylinder with automatic transmission.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is available with a manual or automatic on the SE for $25,290, while the start/stop-equipped version (automatic only) is $25,585. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost with automatic is $26,745 when ordered in SE trim. Ford lists a number of different packages and options, but they seem to be offered on a sliding scale, such that the packages are more expensive on the lower-priced models. For instance, the Luxury Package with leather and heated seats, among other equipment, is $1,505 on the 1.6-liter EcoBoost but only $1,050 on the 2.0-liter EcoBoost.

On the SE Hybrid, which starts at $27,995 and is equipped with a non-EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a CVT, the same Luxury Package is listed at $2,000. Apparently if you're saving all that money on gas, you can afford to pay double the guy with the most powerful engine.

At the top of the Fusion price list, of course, rests the Titanium, which offers a lot of the optional stuff standard for $30,995. It's also the only way to get all-wheel drive, which will set you back $32,995. Note that the Titanium is exclusively powered by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and is not available with a manual, so you won't be configuring your Fusion as a dual-use weekend rally car.

But then again, Ford will likely change this all tomorrow.

Pricing added to 2013 Ford Fusion configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid packs 47 mpg, dashing good looks

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:24:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford

When the original Ford Fusion Hybrid debuted in 2009 as a 2010 model, it was rated at 41 miles per gallon in the city, making it the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan in North America. Ford aims to re-capture that same magic with the 2013 Fusion Hybrid, which makes its debut today at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Final EPA numbers have not been released just yet, but Ford's preliminary data suggests that the 2013 Fusion Hybrid will be capable of achieving 47 mpg in the city, along with an immensely respectable 44 mpg highway. That's better than the mid-size hybrid offerings from Hyundai, Kia and Toyota. Power comes from a new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, rated at 180 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque in this application. Power is sent to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

But that's just half of the Fusion Hybrid story. It's easily one of the prettiest cars in the class, combining elements of the Ford Evos concept along with design cues that look like they were swiped from the Aston Martin team (it's all in that fascia). Click through our attached high-res image gallery above to see a new batch of Fusion Hybrid photos live from the Detroit Auto Show floor.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid packs 47 mpg, dashing good looks

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid packs 47 mpg, dashing good looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Fusion debuts along with 47-MPG Fusion Hybrid, 100-MPGe Fusion Energi

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford, Electric

Your eyes do not deceive you - the sleek, pretty, low-slung sedan you see above is indeed the 2013 Ford Fusion. But don't think that the 2013 Fusion is all beauty and no brains. Ford is preparing the new Fusion, as well as its Hybrid and Energi fuel-mizing siblings, to be the most fuel-efficient, best-driving, tech-packed range of sedans in the mid-size segment.

Thanks to vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, we've seen that mid-size sedans don't necessarily have to be conservatively styled three-box appliances, and this new Fusion is certainly a looker. Combining elements of the Ford Evos concept, not to mention a front fascia that's decidedly Aston Martin-esque in approach, the Fusion has a wide, flat stance with strong character lines down the side that wrap around to a sleek rear end. Clearly the design builds upon the Kinetic language of the European Mondeo rather than the Fusion we've lived with in North America since 2010.

The standard Fusion - available in S, SE and Titanium trims - will be available with three engines. The base mill is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, mated solely to a six-speed automatic transmission. We're sure it's a fine powerplant, but our interest is more settled on the next two: a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with 179 hp and 172 lb-ft, and the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost four with 237 hp and 250 lb-ft. Both engines can be had with the same six-speed automatic, though the smaller 1.6-liter engine can be mated to a six-speed manual box. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, but top-of-the-line Fusions with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine can be had with all-wheel drive.

Ford is ditching a V6 for an all-four-cylinder lineup.

Like many other automakers, Ford is ditching a V6 for an all-four-cylinder lineup. That's par for the course these days, and with the Fusion weighing in at just over 3,300 pounds (loaded, AWD Fusions will likely weigh as much as 3,600 pounds), fuel economy is expected to be best-in-class. Ford hasn't released complete - or official - economy numbers, but Fusions equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine (complete with start/stop technology) are expected to achieve 26/37 miles per gallon city/highway, while front-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter-equipped cars should net around 23/33 mpg.

But if fuel economy is your thing, Ford has two even more efficient examples of the 2013 Fusion. Their names? Hybrid and Energi.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion debuts along with 47-MPG Fusion Hybrid, 100-MPGe Fusion Energi

2013 Ford Fusion debuts along with 47-MPG Fusion Hybrid, 100-MPGe Fusion Energi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford teasing 2013 Fusion with new interactive app

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:31:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Ford

Ford is gearing up to unveil the 2013 Fusion at the Detroit Auto Show, and the hype machine starts with a new app for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

After downloading the app, you can point the device's camera at any Ford logo - be it on a car or a screen - and it opens to reveal a 360-degree view of an artfully pixelated Fusion and the ability to drive the new sedan along a series of courses.

Between now and the big show in January, a new course, feature and video clip will be unlocked, but you can get your first taste of the app in the video after the break.

Ford teasing 2013 Fusion with new interactive app originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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