WonderMoms was recently given a wonderful opportunity to
take a test drive of the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid (HEV) along side Mohammad, a Product Specialist for Ford of Canada.
Mohammad's professional insight was very beneficial to my understanding
the amazing technological advancements that Ford Fusion Hybrid has to offer their potential new owners. He highlighted the
differences between the traditional gas format and the state of the art HEV vehicles that Ford is now producing around the
world.
What sets the Fusion apart from the others, is on-board
technology that is not only intuitive but designed to keep the driver's attention on the road while maintaining a safe driver
experience. Unlike so many of the other vehicles in its class, the Fusion doesn't sacrifice exterior or interior luxury. Compare
the Fusion's styling's to others and she wins hands down. The Fusion is a sexy, sleek sedan with very forward thinking.
Translation: this car is HEV in technology only, as it's ride
and capabilities certainly don't feel like it. It rivals other gas-powered engines with pleasantly unexpected power, style
and elegance.
As a mother of four, safety
is paramount in my eyes. My precious cargo means the world to me and Ford gets that. Most days I am carting around 5 people,
so any car that comes with 8 airbags, offers me the security of anti-lock brakes, and can save me money at the pumps is a
winner in my books. The Fusion Hybrid fits my lifestyle because as much as I am concerned about a safe ride, I am equally
interested in one that looks and feels great too. Ford has successfully designed their car line up with features that can
be added on as options should your budget be more frugal. Options like Active Park Assist, whereby the car actually parks
itself with you operating only the brakes.
When
it comes to being economical with your pocketbook, the Fusion Hybrid (HEV) is a leader in that category too. The engine design
works to provide the owner with added efficiency on the fuel side, and a lot more time to appreciate the fuel saving technology
that goes along with it. In other words, more time to drive the car gas free. It sounds like a win-win situation for all those
who drive her. The Fusion Hybrid also leads the way in taking some conventional vehicle features such as kinetic energy loss
through friction while braking and converting that to user-friendly regeneration. With good braking habits the Fusion Hybrids
regenerative braking can recover more than 90 percent of this energy and sends it back to the car's battery pack to be stored
for later use. If you look closely in the video we made while driving around Toronto, I was able to give back 100% to the
braking systems. I was quite in awe of myself as well as the car.
Ford's latest technology game changer is the Lane-Keeping System, which includes both the lane-keeping alert
and lane-keeping aid. A camera mounted behind the windshield watches road lane markings to determine your vehicles position
and detects any lane departure. The Lane-keeping alert warns you with steering wheel vibrations, which feels just like a rumble
strip in the road, should the system detect any unintended lane departure.
I have driven other Hybrid (HEV) vehicles and I am quite certain when stacked up with the Fusion,
both from an esthetics standpoint as well as comfort and convenience, the Fusion wins hands down. It is a vehicle that fits
my lifestyle, now and in the future. I must say though, my favourite feature of the Fusions cockpit like instrument panel
is the "efficiency leaves." As you learn to drive this car with more efficiency in mind, the leaves on the branch
begin to grow meaning you are being very responsible with your fuel consumption and overall driving characteristics. And conversely,
if you drive it hard, then the leaves will begin to drop off the branch, which translates into reduced mileage and higher
fuel costs. In my eyes, Fusion makes me a better driver, both from a safety standpoint as well as helping to line my pocketbook.
Anyone considering a new mid-size sedan, be it conventional fuel
or Hybrid would be remiss to not give Fusion Hybrid a test drive. It is a truly sexy, sleek and technologically savvy car
to drive. I am quite certain she would impress even the shrewdest of car buyers.
Visit your local GTA Ford Dealership to book your extended test drive today.
*Contest: Tweet at @FordCanada Blog using the hashtag #FordHybridDrive
for a chance to be entered into an iPad give away. See the Ford Canada blog for details.
