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HOT FUSION
Ford Fusion Hybrid Platinum

This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!

Published on Thu, Oct 19, 2017

By: The LACar Editorial Staff

By Harold Osmer Our Ford Fusion Hybrid review vehicle is similar in most respects to earlier versions, which is a very good thing because Ford has produced a winner. Differences come via the newly offered Platinum Package that brings along a group of what we previously referred to as Options.

Platinum trim brings smooth leather upholstery, quilted door panels, heated/cooled front seats, and a technology group that includes parking assistance, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic parking, and a host of other driver awareness systems that blend well with Fusion’s modern exterior look.

A wider grill, new LED lights and some minor body tweaks here and there add to the Fusion’s overall appearance. Setting one next to an earlier version is about the only way to actually tell the difference. We like the new look.

As a mid-sized sedan, Fusion promises room for five and a reasonable amount of trunk space. Typical for manufacturers, four people fit better than five. The ride is quiet and secure. Split fold down rear seats allow for more cargo room. The lithium ion battery eats into available trunk space yet not so much that you can’t get a decent load aboard. Ford’s hybrid system is among the best available and it was interesting to see the gas tank registering at ¾ full while the dash panel indicated 511 miles remaining range. We suspect reality to match pretty close to the officially claim of 43/41mpg. Automatic switching between battery and gas operation is seamless. Acceleration from a full stop is adequate and freeway cruising is effortless. We noticed the 141hp 2.0-liter engine kicking in when climbing freeway grades but not so much otherwise. Our Ford Fusion Hybrid is no racer and spirited canyon zipping is best left for another time. Where this Fusion really shines is in the day to day trips to/from work, random errands, and basic weekend automotive functions (exactly why we have cars in the first place!). Seats are very confortable and there is plenty of interior room. Gear selection is now accomplished via a rotary switch on the center console. This used to be done with a shift lever/handle. We imagine this gives us more space for small handheld devices and coffee cups. Long panel doors make ingress/egress as easy as it should be both front and rear. Fit and finish is top notch and the Platinum appointments create a satisfying tactile experience.

I'm not a huge fan of the myriad warning sounds and alert systems found on most of today’s cars. While I  understand and appreciate the added safety they bring, I'm an old-school believers in a driver being situationally aware enough to tend to those functions without need of onboard assistance. That said, with so many distracted drivers on the road today - any added technology that can help ensure the safe completion of my trip is welcome.

The Fusion receives a slight refresh for 2018

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a fine looking and operating mid-sized sedan. I know people who own slightly older versions of this same vehicle and they report positively on their experience. My review time with the Fusion was time well spent. Fore more information on Ford’s vehicles, visit Ford.com. SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Platinum Price: Base $37,895; As tested $37,895 Options include (base Fusion S Hybrid: $26,060): Platinum Hybrid Package EPA mileage estimates City/Highway: 43/41 MPG Engine type: 2.0L iVCT Atkinson-cycle inline 4 88kw Electric Motor (1.4kWh Lithium-Ion Battery) Horsepower: 141hp @ 6000 rpm (total combined 188hp) Torque: 129 lb.-ft @ 4000 rpm Performance: 0-60 mph: 9.1 seconds Drive configuration: Front Wheel Drive Transmission type: Electronic Continuously Variable (eCVT) Suspension: Front: Short-Long-Arm Design w/Stabilizer Bar Rear: Independent Multilink Wheels and tires: 18" Machined Aluminum Wheels Brakes: Power 4-wheel disc, ABS and ESC Overall length/wheelbase: 191.8 inches/112.2 inches Overall width: 72.9 inches (w/o mirrors); 83.5 inches (with mirrors) Trunk Volume: 12.0 cu. ft. Overall height: 58 inches Weight: 3,668 pounds EPA Size Class: Midsize Cars* Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 miles Bumper to Bumper 5 Year/60,000 miles Powertrain 5 Year/60,000 miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program * Passenger car classes are designated by the EPA based on interior volume index or seating capacity, except the ones classified as special vehicle. A two-seater is classified as a car with no more than two designated seating positions.

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