2013 Ford Fusion Energi Review

A hybrid with fashion sense
Slowly, but surely, I’m warming up to the idea of hybrid-drive living. After many hours behind the wheels of vehicles such as the Prius c, Chevy Volt and even the Nissan LEAF, I’ve come to appreciate them quite a bit.

Now, after a week with the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, I’m once again singing the praises of a hybrid vehicle. It’s amazing what a little evolution, and a good design package, can do for one’s opinion.

What is a Ford Fusion Energi?
While definitely not the first hybrid Fusion to hit the streets, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is one of two plug-in hybrids from Ford. The Energi promises a 1,000km total range (gas and battery combined), with an MPG-e rating of 2.4L/100km (in full electric mode), and it’s combined gas/electric rating is 4.1L/100km.

Sitting squarely in the midsize sedan segment, the Ford Fusion Energi offers up good looks, plenty of space and rather outstanding fuel efficiency numbers; something much of its competition has yet to do.

While definitely not the first hybrid Fusion to hit the streets, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is one of two plug-in hybrids from Ford. (Photo: Ford)
Technicalities
The base 2013 Ford Fusion model starts at $24,149 while the top tier Titanium tops out at just over $35k. Amidst the now five available Fusion models, there are four engines and two drive types (FWD or AWD), as well as both a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic, and an available E-CVT.

To save space and headaches with endless numbers, let’s focus on the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi SE: With a starting price just under $39k, it sits at the top of the Fusion price bracket.

The engine in the Energi is a 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I4 good for a combined 195 horses, coupled with an Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) transmission. On a full charge, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi could potentially take you up to 34km in battery mode alone; however, much depends on driving style and other influencers along the way.

On a full charge, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi could potentially take you up to 34km in battery mode alone; however, much depends on driving style and other influencers along the way. (Photo: Ford)
Driving the Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi was as big to drive as it looked -- with a dash that seemed to stretch on forever before me and a nose I felt was much too long -- it was also quite nimble to pilot.

Thanks to the e-CVT, in full EV mode the power delivery is smooth and silky… and silent. It’s a strange thing driving a battery-powered vehicle, I was constantly sneaking up on people everywhere.

Of course, the 2.0L will kick on if you push the throttle to the floor hard enough (read: for passing manoeuvres on the highway). However, once the vehicle realizes you’re done being a yahoo (and travelling under 137km, which you should be!) the gas engine will flick off and you’ll be back in battery mode, provided you have the charge.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi features Ford’s cute little “Efficiency Leaves” in the gauge cluster and it became a game; how many leaves could I get into that little screen? Every time one floated away, I felt quite defeated.

How efficient was the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi? Well, very. I travel close to 100km a day to and from work. The max range I was able to pull from the Energi in full battery mode, with regen kms added, was 39.1km -- not bad. After eight days of driving in all conditions (city/highway/traffic/country roads/hot/cold) for a total close to the 900km mark, I managed an overall average of 3.1L/100km and the highest battery range I managed after a charge was 33km. I used just over a ½ tank of gas.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi was as big to drive as it looked -- with a dash that seemed to stretch on forever before me and a nose I felt was much too long -- it was also quite nimble to pilot. (Photo: Ford)
Inside and Out of the Ford Fusion Energi
The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a good looking sedan, truly. Parking it next to the previous generation is almost laughable. If we thought the old Fusion was nice to look at, the new Fusion is a super model by comparison.

Inside, the good looks continue. Large, comfortable seats up front and in the rear ensure the Ford Fusion Energi is accommodating to all who enter. Add in Ford’s SYNC system, an easy-to-understand and operate gauge cluster and there’s very little not to like.

Of note, the trunk in the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is, in a word: useless. At just 232 litres (8.2 cu-ft) it’s not exactly practical. Why so small? The battery is back there.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is a good looking sedan, truly. Parking it next to the previous generation is almost laughable. (Photo: Ford)
Comparing the Ford Fusion Energi
Based on fuel efficiency numbers, the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi’s main competition is the Toyota Prius PHEV, which offers up the same fuel ratings. However, in its segment the Fusion is up against the likes of the brand new Honda Accord PHEV and the Kia Optima Hybrid. However, it seems to stand alone in terms of “the complete package” with great styling, drivability, practicality and great fuel efficiency.

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My two-day experience with the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi

I've just handed back the keys to the awesome 2013 Ford Fusion Energi which I had the opportunity to test drive for two days. Yet, at the same time, I was glad to return to my good old 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Say, what?

I have to admit I had a mostly wonderful time with the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, the plug-in hybrid variant of Ford's sleek new midsize sedan. While I loved the silent operation in full electric mode, the accommodating interior, and the added convenience of MyFord Touch, the sheer lack of trunk space generated plenty of frustration -- with three kids to take care of, I need lots of cargo room, if only for a week's worth of groceries.

Oh, and what were the designers thinking when they put the cup holders at near elbow level? That's with my seat pushed a good deal back; I can't imagine how smaller drivers need to contort their body to grab their coffee.

Reactions from the family
My 14-year-old boy: “What? A plug-in car? Does this thing go fast? No? Man, that's a wheelbarrow!” (FYI, he dreams of becoming an F1 driver.)

My 11-year-old son: “Wooooooooowwwwwww! It's nice! How long do you have it? Just two days? Oh…”

My little 4-year-old: “Where's the other car?”
“At work, sweetie. Do you like mommy's new ride?”
“Yeah, but where has the other car gone?”

My husband: “Awesome!” (as he explored the Fusion's MyFord Touch interface).


City driving
My daily commute to work amounts to 22 kilometres, mostly in the city. The ability to run in full electric mode, coupled with the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi's range, allowed me to cover the entire distance without any intervention by the gasoline engine.

Once, with the battery on the verge of running empty, I was counting on red lights to let the regenerative brakes work their magic, but alas, Murphy's Law reared its ugly head and presented me with nothing but green lights! I wouldn't have been so stressed driving my Grand Caravan…

Impressive economy
At the end of each trip, the on-board computer displays various driving data including energy performance and remaining range. Every time I got back behind the wheel, my goal was to save even more gas than the previous time -- and that's one of the things that makes driving the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi so great.

Of course, the best was seeing “0.0L/100km” on the screen. My Grand Caravan does that, too… when I don't start the engine!

The morning after his first “wheelbarrow” experience, my eldest son was viewing the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi with a much different eye:

“Mom, can I just start the car?”
“No.”
“Oh, come on!!!”

My next car?
I have a soft spot for green cars, yet I also love my Grand Caravan, if only to avoid playing Tetris with the mountain of luggage we have to load for a family weekend getaway. That being said, the silent operation of the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi, combined with my not having to stop by the gas station (what a relief at $1.44 per litre!), had me thinking long and hard about my next car. One thing's for sure: If it's not all-electric, it most certainly will be hybrid!

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