In Canada, we have a choice of two Fusion Energi models. The $38,800 Energi SE arrives with an illuminated charge port, MyFord Mobile (more on that later), SYNC connectivity, a six-speaker audio system and leather-trimmed seats with driver’s seat memory and heated front seats.
The $41,399 Energi Titanium substitutes a 12-speaker Sony audio system and adds a remote start system, push-button start, sport seats, rear-view camera, aluminum interior trim, rear spoiler, chrome exterior garnish and a reverse sensing system. A sunroof, intelligent cruise control and automatic park assist are among the options.
  2014 Ford Fusion Energi. Click image to enlarge |
Granted, these prices are a big step up from the base S but some provinces do offer a rebate to offset the cost and encourage the proliferation of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. In Ontario, for instance, $4,300 is available.
Our experience at the event was that the Fusion Energi is smooth, quiet and responsive. It drives very much like a conventional sedan. It’s no sports car but the suspension was firm enough to prevent lean in the corners, yet compliant enough to give a comfortable ride.
The interior is spacious and likewise comfortable with good outward visibility all around. Power was entirely sufficient in my view, and braking was sure and progressive. We didn’t have an opportunity to drive the vehicle for any length of time in hybrid mode, but it’s worth pointing out that you can switch from hybrid to EV via a control on the dashboard (assuming you have sufficient power in the battery to do so).
 2014 Ford Fusion Energi. Click image to enlarge |
The gauge cluster is modern and easy to read, but the SYNC controls do take some getting used to. Rumour has it that as SYNC continues to evolve Ford will add some redundant knobs and switches in future generations for simple tasks like tuning the radio. As with hybrid vehicles from many manufacturers, leafy vine graphics grow in the instrument cluster to reward your efficient driving style, and are a nice nod to your environmental consciousness. But the more pragmatic might appreciate being able to switch them to dollar signs as a motivator.
MyFord Mobile by the way, is a smartphone application that allows users to monitor charging, receive alerts, find charge stations, plan trips and, according to Ford, “do more from their smartphones or computers for an effortless transition to an electrified vehicle lifestyle.”
Other Fusion Energi features include Eco Cruise, which saves vehicle energy by relaxing acceleration compared to standard cruise control; EV Mode, which as well as allowing the driver to switch between EV and hybrid modes, also makes available an EV Later mode that conserves battery power for later use. Regenerative braking captures and reuses up to 95 percent of kinetic energy of the vehicle when stopping; and the Lithium-Ion battery comes with an eight-year/160,000 km warranty.
While the Fusion Energi is a perfectly usable, five-passenger sedan, it does have one obvious shortcoming: its compromised trunk capacity. The issue is the Lithium-Ion battery, which, while compact, still encroaches on trunk space.
