Ford has raised the performance bar for hybrid vehicles to whole new levels with the introduction of the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

In electric mode, the Fusion Hybrid can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h and it has a city driving range of more than 1,100 km on a single tank of gas. Yet, it's the fluid and flawless way that this hybrid can switch between power sources and recoup braking power that is most impressive.

The all-new Fusion also comes in five gasoline-engine (only) trim levels (S, SE, SEL I4, SEL V6 and Sport) and the engine sizes offered are 2.5-litre I4 (S/SE/SEL), three-litre V6 (SEL) and 3.5-litre V6 (Sport). An all-wheel-drive version of the SEL V6 is also available and the Sport trim comes with AWD. Prices range from $21,499 to $35,299.

The gasoline engine in the Fusion Hybrid is an Atkinson-cycle version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder that's mated with a permanent-magnet AC electric motor and an electronically-controlled continuously variable (e-CVT) transmission.

An Atkinson-cycle engine is more fuel-efficient than a conventional auto-cycle engine, but it produces less torque at low engine speeds. That's not a problem in a hybrid drivetrain, because the torque-rich electric motor is a perfect drive power partner.

Taking full advantage of the best qualities of each power source is the key to optimal performance and a smooth transfer between them is crucial to driving pleasure. Ford has done a masterful job in both areas in the Fusion Hybrid.

A new Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT) system on the 2.5-litre engine allows a more seamless transition from the gas to electric mode and vice-versa. Its spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions and an enhanced electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns, which reduces the fuel required on restarts.

It has a new, smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride battery pack that produces 20 per cent more power than the first-generation hybrid system used in the Ford Escape. Positioned behind the rear seatback, it has improved internal chemistry that allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature and the passenger cabin air is cleverly re-used to keep it cool.

A smarter climate-control system monitors cabin temperature. It uses a more efficient electric air-conditioning compressor and will even focus its energy use on the driver when the front passenger seat is not in use.

Regenerative braking captures the friction energy that's normally lost and stores it in the battery. Fusion Hybrid has an almost 94-per-cent energy-recovery rate as full regenerative braking is followed by friction brakes during city driving. It's a brake-by-wire system with simulated brake actuation and brake-pedal feel is just like a conventional braking system.

Our test Fusion Hybrid came with a Vision Group option ($1,400) that included a blind-spot detection system, a Moon and Tune package ($1,600) that includes a power moon roof and a Sony audio upgrade ($1,200) and a Navigation system ($2,100). So its full price came to $36,799.

THE LOOK

The three-bar grille takes on an even stronger and more prominent role in the front-end design and the headlight assemblies are smaller and slanted. It all gives this Fusion a more menacing appearance as it approaches, and new chrome trimming adds quality to the appearance.

A slippery body with a low 0.32 coefficient of drag helps with fuel economy and its overall dimensions are about the same as the previous generation.

THE INSIDE

Fusion is a perfectly sized family car with decent rear seat space and the test car came with (eco-friendly) black cloth upholstery that matched a mainly black interior with tastefully orchestrated chrome and aluminum trim pieces.

The new standard leather-wrapped steering wheel has a more substantial and much better feel than Ford parts I've griped about in the past. The layout of controls is familiar, easy to use and hand operated parking brake adds a Euro feel to the driving position.

A top-of-dash storage box is a unique and handy feature and there are lots of convenient storage locations for bits and pieces in the cabin. The driver has an eight-way, power-adjustable seat with a cleverly positioned manual lumbar-support adjustment. It's located on the side of the seat cushion but in a forward position that's much easier to access than usual seatback placement.

Heated seats are not available with cloth upholstery but do come with the full leather-upgrade.

SAFETY

In addition to the standard six air bags in every Fusion, the Hybrid comes with an extra air bag for the driver's knees. A new crash-alert system also activates the hazard lights and sounds the horn if an air bag is deployed or a seatbelt pre-tensioner is activated.

THE DRIVE

Fusion Hybrid's frugal fuel-economy rating is better than the Camry Hybrid and its city fuel rating is even slightly better than the Civic Hybrid. The instrument panel also coaxes you to drive in an eco-friendly fashion and it rewards you by sprouting new green leaves.

That said, it didn't deter us from driving in an uninhibited fashion and our leaf collection was severely depleted by the end of my week with Fusion Hybrid. An overall average of 6.9 L/100 km was still very respectable and far better than we expected. Starting this hybrid is a little different, as it can be completely silent. The gas engine may or may not fire up when you turn the ignition key, depending mainly on temperature. A little green car on the instrument panel tells you that it's now ready to roll, solely on electrical power.

There's more than adequate power available when you need it and its combined horsepower numbers are actually more than the base four-cylinder version. An energy-flow chart on the dash monitor gives a graphic display of what's happening under hood plus in-depth fuel economy info.

The smooth transfer of power between the gas and electrical power sources is top-notch engineering and braking performance is exceptional. No change in pedal feel can be sensed, yet the system is using or combining regenerative braking with a conventional disc-brake friction system.

THE SCORE

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a roomy and comfortable mid-sized family sedan that boasts a state-of-the-art hybrid drivetrain and truly outstanding fuel economy.

2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID

Trim levels: Fusion Hybrid.

Sticker Price: $31,999.

Power: 2.5-litre I4 and AC motor, 191 horsepower.

Transmission: e-CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Fuel consumption: 4.6/5.4 L/100 km (city/highway).

Basic warranty: Three years / 60,000 km.

Powertrain warranty: Five years / 100,000 km.

Rust warranty: Five years / unlimited km.

The Competition

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid: $28,395.

Honda Civic Hybrid: $27,350.

Nissan Altima Hybrid