The new Ford Fusion (and Mercury Milan)have just been given their mileage ratings by the EPA. 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. This may not seem like such a big deal until you compare the city EPA mileages to other four door sedans and you quickly understand these numbers are nearly TWICE as favorable as its competitors. The exception is the Toyota Prius which is smaller than this sedan. If every four door sedan in the US boasted these numbers, the oil savings would be astounding.
From Automotive News:
"The ratings put the hybrids' fuel economy at the front of the mid-sized pack, Ford said in a statement. Ford engineers spent three years revamping the gasoline-electric powertrain that debuted in the 2004 Escape Hybrid crossover.
The announcement underscores efforts by the Detroit 3 to bring more fuel-efficient vehicles to market.
During recent congressional hearings for federal bailout funds, the Detroit 3 were criticized for their past adherence to larger vehicles with poor fuel economy.
The latest version of Ford's hybrid powertrain again uses a one-speed continuously variable transmission. The size of the gasoline engine has been increased to 2.5 liters from from 2.3. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack is smaller and lighter but puts out 20 percent more power.
The Fusion Hybrid arrives in dealerships next spring with a base price of $27,270, excluding delivery charges that have not been announced. No price has been announced for the Milan Hybrid.
Ford may have the edge when it comes to driving on pure electric power. The Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid can reach speeds of 47 mph on electricity alone, a higher speed than other hybrids.
"The Fusion Hybrid's ability to run at much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiently in many driving situations," said Praveen Cherian, Fusion Hybrid program leader. "This would allow drivers to travel around their subdivision and parking areas in all-electric mode."
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