The winner, to be selected among this group, will be announced Friday, April 12 at the Green Living Show, in the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

The finalists were selected by members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada from a variety of environmentally advanced vehicles nominated by their manufacturers.

The finalists include a plug-in hybrid, three conventional hybrids and a highly efficient internal combustion vehicle.

The finalists are:

- Ford C-MAX Energi

- Ford Fusion Hybrid

- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

- Mazda3

- Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid

The award, presented by AJAC and Green Living Enterprises, which hosts the annual show, has been launched to recognize vehicles with the potential for strong environmental benefits and to provide consumers with authoritative information about them.

“The judges found the choice difficult because all the entrants are worthy, and they incorporate such differing routes to greener driving,” said Peter Gorrie, chair of AJAC’s Green Car Award steering committee.

The competition placed heavy emphasis on fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle – for example, use of recycled or naturally sourced materials – and steps each manufacturer has taken to green its operations.  Equally important, it assessed market potential – factors such as build quality, driving experience, overall features, availability, general consumer appeal and price.

“Driving is the most energy-intensive action most people do every day; our hope is this award will shine a light on how folks can improve their health, their planet and their monthly fuel bills, if they have to use a car,” said committee member Michael Bettencourt.

Other nominees included the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Edge EcoBoost, Ford Focus Electric, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B 250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.

“After all, a car loaded with ‘green’ features will make a difference only if it sells in large numbers and supplants lesser models,” Gorrie said. “While EVs represent impressive technology that focus might have prevented the four battery-electric nominees from making the final five.”

The association said the award ceremony will take place at 9:45 a.m., Friday April 12 at the Green Living Show’s main stage.

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Ford hit a grand slam two years ago with the introduction of an all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid. It was awarded the North American Car of the Year prize at the 2010 Detroit auto show, named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, was one of Car and Driver magazine’s “10 Best Cars for 2010” and was given the inaugural Hermance Vehicle Efficiency Award by the publishers of HybridCars.com.

Why did the Fusion Hybrid rack up so many awards? Because the vehicle established a new benchmark in hybrid technology. Marrying a seamless, sophisticated hybrid powertrain to the outstanding Fusion platform – positioned solidly in the middle of the mainstream market – proved to be a winning combination. It’s fun to drive and speaks of refinement all around, from handling and braking through comfort and convenience. And then there was the icing on the cake – class-leading fuel economy of 41 city/36 highway and 39 combined.

But Ford is not resting on its laurels. An all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid will be in dealer showrooms this fall. It not only ups the fuel economy numbers to an expected 47 city/44 highway, it is blessed with the styling of the gasoline-powered Fusion that auto critics are calling the best-looking midsize car, bar none.

Given that the 2013 Fusion Hybrid arrives later this year, there are no changes for the 2012 Fusion Hybrid.

Correcting the Bad Rap Against Hybrids

“The Toyota Prius and other hybrids are great for eco-geeks who hold fuel efficiency, low emissions and high-tech auto technology as sacrosanct – and all other car features as sacrifice. But drivers looking for a smooth, comfortable ride – with a modicum of style and performance – might as well forget hybrids.” So went the opinion of many auto journalists who historically dinged hybrids for lackluster driving characteristics, squishy brakes, and clunky transitions between gas and electric power. But that was before the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a family sedan that offers 41 mpg in the city – and more importantly, some fun and refinement behind the wheel.

USA Today emphatically stated, “The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet.” And Car and Driver said, “High mpg is a hybrid must, but the Fusion interpretation adds a modicum of fun-to-drive, thanks to precise steering.”

From Gas to Electric and Back

Ford engineers did a remarkable job of eliminating the flutter-rumble that many hybrids make when transitioning from gas engine to electric mode. In the Fusion Hybrid, the gasoline engine seamlessly starts up and shuts down “with only the very faintest shudder” according to Automobile magazine. USA Today goes further: “There was no – none, nada, zip – vibration or shimmying in the test car when the gasoline kicked in to help the electric. No other hybrid – not even that $112,000 Lexus – can make that claim 100 percent of the time.”

The Fusion Hybrid – and its sibling at the time, the Mercury Milan Hybrid – were the first vehicles to use Ford’s second-generation hybrid system. Hybrid-electric vehicle systems engineer Gil Portalatin told us that the control logic for the new hybrid system provides much tighter integration of engine operation and power delivery. The new logic goes as far as to vary the engine’s valve timing, fuel delivery, and spark timing to match the power delivered through the electric motor, permitting very aggressive fuel shutdown under light loads. As a result, the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine shuts itself off twice as often as the earlier hybrid design, with the electric system providing more power. In addition, new control logic for the regenerative brakes recaptures up to 94 percent of the braking energy and feeds it to the battery.

Zesty Drive

Enthusiasm from the auto press is also extended to the Fusion Hybrid’s road manners. Car and Driver said, “While most hybrids squeeze the fun out of driving, the Fusion has nicely weighted steering, a nimble chassis, and rides in a controlled, supple manner. You can hustle the car down a back road and get a smile on your face, which is not something one can say about the Camry hybrid.” Automobile magazine wrote, “Yeah, sure, there’s some of that artificialness in steering and braking responses that afflicts all hybrids, but it’s quite benign, and the car really does go down the road quite well. Anyone who’s shopping the Toyota Prius needs to check out this car also.” Nadaguides.com commented that the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for freeway ramps, while hugging the road and offering a comfortable ride.

The combined output for the Fusion Hybrid’s engine and motor is 191 horsepower. In addition to the Hybrid, the 2012 Ford Fusion lineup offers a choice of three different engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 175 horsepower; a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V-6 with 240 horsepower; and a performance-tuned 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower.

The one consistent criticism regarding the Fusion Hybrid’s drive is that Ford exaggerated with its claim that the sedan can go 47 miles per hour, and as much as two miles, in all-electric mode. That requires just the right conditions for acceleration, load, battery charge level, weather – and proper alignment of stars. Unless you exert extreme care to stretch the electric drive, you shouldn’t count on more than a few blocks at relatively low speeds.

Exterior & Interior Design

The entire line of Ford Fusions – including the base S, mid-level SE, well equipped SEL, and the Fusion Hybrid – were spruced up for the 2010 model year. Car and Driver said, “The refresh makes the Fusion sharper looking, particularly since the weird headlamps of the original have been replaced.” Reviewers said the Fusion Hybrid looks like an uplevel Fusion SE or SEL. But not everybody likes the design. Bloomberg wrote, “From the lackluster rims, which look like they’re made of plastic, to the generic sedan shape, the Fusion has no flash whatsoever.”

The interior, especially the high-tech features, gets mixed reviews, but mostly positive. Detroit News said, “The new instrument cluster looks much more sophisticated, and the dash has an easy flow. The touch points are soft, and every inch of the cabin uses high-quality materials. Car and Driver added, “Inside, the Fusion also receives a new instrument panel, redesigned seats, and more stylish trim, although the quality of some of the materials isn’t yet on par with those of the class leaders.”

The Fusion Hybrid offers Ford’s popular Sync voice-activated digital entertainment and integrated mobile phone system. Other options include blind-spot information mounted on the outside mirror, a backup camera screen cleverly hidden in the rearview mirror, cross-traffic alerts when reversing, and real-time traffic and weather through the Sirius Travel Link satellite radio system.

MyKey, added last year, will keep parents at ease when their teen drivers are behind the wheel. It chimes continuously when seat belts aren’t buckled, gives earlier low-fuel warnings, limits radio volume to 45 percent and can sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 mph.

Standard features include bags, belts, 110-volt outlet, six-CD stereo (instead of the typical single setup), dual-zone climate control, auto on-off headlights, and auto-dimming mirror.

The Fusion Hybrid uses a new nickel metal hydride battery with 20 percent more power, in a package that’s 30-percent smaller. That means the Fusion Hybrid sacrifices only a negligible amount of trunk space compared to the standard version – but not enough to retain rear folding seats, which are not available in the Fusion Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid manages to keep folding back seats.

Fusion Hybrid Comes With Fuel Economy Nag

The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid continues with Ford’s SmartGauge technology. Inspired by the Toyota Prius’ hybrid energy/consumption monitor, the SmartGauge goes further by helping the driver to learn specific techniques to achieve higher efficiency. The dashboard interface offers feedback to the driver – both visual and sound. In other words, it actually talks to you.

The gauge cluster is comprised of dual hi-resolution LCD screens to display instantaneous mileage and fuel economy history – as well as key data including battery charge, engine output, and accessory power consumption. One animation depicts a vine of leaves that grows larger as the driver becomes more efficient over time. To prevent sensory overload, the system allows the driver to decide how much information to see, and what can be ignored. That’s critical, because many reviewers believe the fuel economy system is distracting. And others experienced “false alarms” from the cross-traffic alerts.

Economics

If you like the Fusion Hybrid’s more dynamic handling and performance, and smoother hybrid system, compared to the Camry Hybrid, then get ready to pay for it. The 2012 Fusion Hybrid, with a base MSRP of $28,700 is $2,800 more than the 2012 Camry Hybrid LE and $1,300 more than the top line XLE model. Depending on the model, the Camry gets either more or less city fuel economy than the Fusion. Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid is also several thousands less than the Fusion Hybrid and offers a sleek exterior plus generous interior features. The Sonata Hybrid has worse fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrid in the city, but its EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating is better than the Fusion.

For reference, Ford’s other hybrid, the Escape Hybrid SUV, is comparably priced to the Fusion at $29,865 and offers fuel economy at 34 in the city and 31 on the highway. (Ford is dropping the Escape Hybrid in March.)

A dilemma is, should you buy a 2012 Fusion Hybrid or wait for the 2013 model with its stunning looks and improved fuel economy?

If you don’t place a premium on the latest styling or technology buy the 2012 Fusion Hybrid, it will serve you well. Plus, you can save money with the expected manufacturer incentives and dealer discounts as inventories of the 2012 model are cleared out to make way for the 2013 Fusion Hybrid.

Wait for the 2013 Fusion Hybrid if you want the advances in fuel economy, high-tech gear and safety features that accompany an all-new design. Waiting will also mean the car’s styling will look current for several years and it will be worth more at resale than the outgoing 2012 model.

Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at time of writing and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.

This review was originally posted when the Ford Fusion Hybrid was introduced in early 2009.

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The MSRP for a Ford Fusion Hybrid and a fully loaded Toyota Prius are identical: $27,270. So, the contest between the two comes down to mileage. Official numbers for Ford Fusion are 41 in the city and 36 on the highway—while the Prius delivers 51 in the city and 48 on the highway. We’re not saying that the Fusion Hybrid isn’t a great car—it is—but facts are facts.

We recently took out the Fusion Hybrid to test its real-world mileage on our usual twice-around 112-mile driving loop from Havre de Grace, Maryland to Towson, Maryland to Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, and back to historic Havre de Grace. Roads were mixed, comprised of everything from Interstate 95 to stop-and-go city driving to open country roads. The first run was with a light foot and a very conservative driving style, while the second was more ambitious and spirited.

As a saint behind the wheel, we managed a solid 47.4 miles per gallon in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. On several occasions, we were able to keep the vehicle in all-electric mode all the way up to 40 miles per hour. Even when using the EV button on the 2010 Prius, all-electric driving promptly cuts out at 26 mph.

On our second, more assertive spin, the Fusion Hybrid got 32.7 miles per gallon. While that’s a fairly steep drop, our run with a heavy foot showed that the Fusion Hybrids has quite a bit of power. You don’t need to use it, but it’s there. The gas-electric combination gives the Fusion Hybrid a noticeable boost on the highway. The Fusion Hybrid pairs a 155-horsepower 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine with a 106-horsepower electric motor. Combined output is 191 horses—compared to the Prius’s 134 horsepower. The Fusion puts its power to good use, offering quick capable turns and good responsiveness.

The cabin of the Fusion Hybrid is spacious for four, and suitable for five. It’s comfortable and well equipped. Safety comes from six standard airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, and an available Blind Spot Information System. For a plusher ride, the hybrid offers optional heated leather seats, moonroof, navigation, and a rear-view camera. The trunk is larger then that of most mid-size sedans.

In the End, It’s How You Drive

Ford’s SmartGauge on the instrumental panel gives feedback on driving habits to help achieve higher fuel economy. Unfortunately, this feature feels like a novelty, and a bit overdone. Ford designers apparently do not subscribe to the theory that good fuel economy, ultimately, comes down to common sense and basic driving instincts.

The dashboard SmartGauge rewards drivers with an animation that grows green leaves when the car is operated in an efficient manner. It’s the equivalent of getting smiley face stickers back in grade school when you did something right. And when you’re driving inefficiently (or being bad), leaves are taken away. It’s like a video game on wheels. On our first drive, we grew 20 leaves for most of the trip. On our second mileage loop, the leaves fell faster than a late fall day in New England. We couldn’t help but feel that an “instantaneous miles-per-gallon” readout and a power-flow graphic would be quite sufficient.

Petty complaints notwithstanding, our mileage loop proved that the Ford Fusion Hybrid—if driven with a light foot—can achieve mileage in the mid-40s. That makes the Fusion Hybrid the first American hybrid sedan to hit the mpg big leagues. And earns Ford a spot on any hybrid buyer’s consideration list.

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Ford sold a record number of Fusions—18,321—in April. More than 1,000 of those sales came from the hybrid version, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which helped boost the company’s hybrid sales up 21 percent compared to a year ago. The introduction of a hybrid version of a model that is gaining popularity bodes will for the future of Ford’s hybrid program. The Fusion Hybrid is rated at 41 mpg in the city. The company—which also sells the Ford Escape Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market—tallied 2,299 hybrid sales in April.

April was the sixth time in seven months that Ford made gains in its market share, enabling the company to push past Toyota to retake its position as the nation’s No. 2 car seller. By offering a hybrid counterpoint to Toyota’s midsize hybrids, the Camry Hybrid and Toyota Prius, Ford exhibited the ability to compete head-to-head on fuel efficiency with Toyota’s popular vehicles. This will become even more important when Toyota introduces the 2010 Toyota Prius in a few weeks.

While Toyota reported a 42 percent drop in overall April sales, Honda posted a modest 25 percent drop. Just as the introduction of the Ford Fusion Hybrid helped Ford, the first full month of sales of Honda’s 2010 Insight gave a boost to Honda. Honda’s one-two-punch for hybrids in April were the new Honda Insight, tallying 2,096 sales, plus the Honda Civic Hybrid, which continued to carry significant incentives. The combined sales of the two vehicles were 5,457 units, enough to produce a 25.5 percent gain from a year ago.

The bottom line: Ford and Honda—two of the three historic leaders in the hybrid market, along with Toyota—managed to increase its hybrid sales by 21 and 25.5 percent respectively, despite the worst possible macro-economic conditions for hybrids.

A full set of hybrid sales numbers and more analysis will be posted later this week in our Hybrid Market Dashboard.

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Toyota produces two midsize sedan hybrids with comparable fuel efficiency, the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Both vehicles sell in the mid-$20,000 range—but Toyota vehicles no longer qualify for the hybrid tax credit because the company has exceeded the 60,000-unit limit built into the federal incentive program.

Low gas prices have put a damper on sales of fuel-efficient vehicles, including small cars and hybrids. The $3,400 tax credit could stimulate interest in Ford’s new hybrid sedans. Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of global product development, said, “We’re glad to see our government help promote these advanced, clean fuel-efficient vehicles to the consumer.”

The 2010 Fusion and Milan Hybrids join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling the company’s hybrid product offerings and volume.

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Many of today’s hybrid drivers keep a close eye on the fuel economy reading on the dashboard. Instantaneous MPG readings provide essential feedback about the effects of toes tapping on the accelerator, extended stretches of coasting, and easing on the brakes.
But the new generation of fuel efficiency dashboard displays takes hybrid geekiness to a new level—turning drivers into game players on wheels.

The Japanese version of the new Honda Insight will use a color meter—think mood ring for MPG—that displays a green color when fuel-efficient driving is being achieved, a blue-green color for relatively fuel-efficient driving, and a blue color when fuel economy is thrown out the window during bursts of acceleration or when slamming on the brakes.

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Fuel economy feedback in the Japanese version of the new Honda Insight.

Another part of the Honda Insight screen has green leaves growing over time as fuel efficiency improves. Again, this will only be found in the Japanese version for now. However, Ford’s “SmartGuage with EcoGuide,” to be used in the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid due out in Spring 2009, uses a similar visual “organic” metaphor: growing vines to indicate optimal driving behavior. Ford takes it a step further by providing four levels of information that can be customized to fit each driver’s situation. For example, if you are cruising on the highway, only basic information may be displayed. But if you move from highway to city driving, additional information to optimize fuel economy can be accessed on the dashboard—or by voice.

Jeff Greenberg, senior technical leader at Ford, provides a demo of the “SmartGuage with EcoGuide” features.

Honda’s system—called Ecological Drive Assist System (EDAS)—allows drivers to see fuel economy for the past three trips. When combined with Honda’s InterNavi System, the display can offer suggestions for improving efficiency based on a driver history. Nissan’s telematic program, CARWINGS, was one of the first to plan for advanced systems to provide driver feedback regarding fuel efficiency. In August 2007, Nissan announced that all future new models will be equipped with a fuel efficiency gauge to give drivers more information on how their driving style directly relates to fuel economy. The company predicts it could “lead to an average 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.” The gauge provides the driver with both instant fuel-efficiency and average efficiency readings.

Toyota was not far behind, when in January 2008, it promised to install hybrid-like fuel indicators on many vehicles—hybrid or not. “We’re making this move because we’ve found that when hybrid drivers use their hybrid vehicle system indicators, their driving habits change as the system provides feedback on efficiency. And as driving habits change, drivers could experience estimated improvements of from 5 percent to 10 percent in fuel economy.” Toyota plans to include “Eco Driving Indicators” on next-generation Toyota, Lexus and Scion models, but has not yet released photos or drawings.

As the competition heats up to produce the must useful and slickest MPG display, carmakers will need to determine just how much information can be crammed into one dashboard—when after all, drivers should mostly have their eyes on the road. “When you’re driving, you have a second or so to look at your display,” said Jeff Greenberg, senior technical leader at Ford. “A dense display isn’t going to work. SmartGauge with EcoGuide is designed to minimize distraction.”

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