The all-new Ford Fusion has been crowned the 2013 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Beating off competition from the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero, Ford C-MAX, Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV and the Toyota Prius c, the new Fusion was praised for its significantly reduced petroleum use, improved overall environmental impact and also for its pricing; allowing it to achieve sales volume that should truly influence environmental improvements.
“We are very honoured that the all-new Ford Fusion has been recognized as the Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal," said David Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. "From EcoBoost to hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings, the new Fusion is delivering best-in-class fuel economy all wrapped in a dynamic package. Ford's all-new Fusion exhibits a stunning design and Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, plus an affordable point of entry at just $21,700.”
Set to arrive in US showrooms from the new year, the new Fusion will be available with a choice of petrol engines as well as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The hybrid model is rated 47 mpg according to EPA while the plug-in hybrid model is expected to top 100 mpg equivalent. Powering the base model is a 175 horsepower, 2.5-litre engine, that's EPA rated at up to 34 mpg on the highway. There will also be two EcoBoost options; a 178 horsepower, 1.6-litre powerplant that achieves up to 37 highway mpg, and the more powerful 240 horsepower, 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine netting 33 mpg highway estimates.
“The 2013 Ford Fusion approaches the market with a 'game-on' attitude," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, which dishes out the annual Green Car of the Year award: "There's no overstating the importance of what Ford has done. Many have long envisioned new car showrooms where a desired model could be purchased with one of many distinctly different and efficient powertrains, selected to satisfy a buyer's particular needs and desires."
The Fusion is known as the Mondeo here in Europe, with a new Mondeo model expected to launch in the UK by around March next year. Over here, the model will be available with the 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine while a plug-in hybrid and hybrid model are expected to launch at a later date.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
December 03, 2012
Filed under: Ford
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