Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford Fusion hybrid is in fact the most advanced car on this list. Though the body of this unpretentious family sedan runs the sturdiest bridge between the tech of 20^th and 21th century.

Modern engines rely on catalytic converters to transform many of the pollutants they produce into harmless gases. The problem is that the catalyst is all but ineffective until it warms up. As a result, most pollutants produced by engines are released during the first few minutes of operation after a cold start. Once the catalyst is ready, upwards of 99 percent of pollutants are eliminated. Thus, when the engine starts in a hybrid, the electronic management system is programmed to keep it running until the catalyst is warmed up enough to be effective. This obviously takes a bit longer in cold weather.

Thus, even if heaters, defrosters or lights are not turned on, a hybrid may not allow its engine auto-stop function to work for the at least the first 5-10 minutes of operation in cold weather. Yet when the ambient temperature is that low, there is no getting around using the climate control system because just breathing fogs up the inside of a car’s windows. If you have a relatively short commute (5-6 miles) to the office, that means that no auto-stop will likely be available before you arrive. As a result of those conditions, the Milan Hybrid we reviewed struggled to get 25-26 mpg during that period.

The Smart Gauge cluster in Ford’s hybrid sedans has a number of display modes from extremely basic to hyper-miler special. That latter mode provides much more information, including the accessory power draw gauge. Back in February, it quickly became apparent that switching on the window de-foggers front and rear, heated seats and lights puts a significant drain on the electrical system of the car.

The Fusion’s Hybrid power train is so refined and compact, power tracking gauge display gives the game away. This is a boon to both car guys and the unafflicted- you can drive it for  fun. On the subject of in car entertainment, Ford sync system offer  Sirius travel link, featuring weather, sports, traffic info, even movie times.