No trick: Fusion Hybrid is a treat By Jerry Kronenberg/ Motor Mouth Saturday, October 31, 2009 The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is perhaps the best U.S.-branded car that Motor Mouth has ever test-driven.       An all-new gas/electric version of Ford’s popular Fusion midsized sedan, the vehicle combines lovely styling and great ride quality with dynamite fuel efficiency. (Turn on the car with a full tank of gas and a display reads: “Miles to Empty: 650.”)       Priced at $27,625, this Ford is so impressive that when I ran an errand at a Toyota dealership this past week, two salesmen came by to check the car out.       That’s smart, because Ford is aiming Fusion Hybrid directly at the Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid.       The Fusion Hybrid comes in only one trim line, although two options packages and a selection of a la carte extras are available.       Motor Mouth’s test car came with the $5,215 Rapid Spec 502A package, which includes stitched-leather seats, a 12-speaker Sony AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, a power moonroof, a GPS, a backup camera and more.       On the outside, the Fusion Hybrid takes its styling cues from the Camry and other midsized Japanese sedans.       A medium-sized hood and a distinctive three-bar grille lead back to mid-sized doors and hefty 15-spoke alloy wheels.       All the way back, the Fusion Hybrid features a good-sized keyless-entry trunk.       Inside, the car offers a nice mix of comfort, convenience and cool fuel-efficiency displays.       My test Fusion Hybrid’s comfortable heated front seats featured electric seat adjusters and nice stitched-leather upholstery.       The car’s dashboard features a large speedometer flanked by cool fuel-economy displays.       Perhaps the neatest gauge is what Ford calls “Efficiency Leaves.” That’s a digital picture of a vine covered with leaves that thicken up or thin out depending on how efficiently you’re driving.       The Fusion Hybrid also features a great main LCD touchscreen to control the car’s GPS, stereo and dual-zone climate system.       This LCD also offers a second set of cool fuel-economy measures.       Motor Mouth’s favorite is a cartoon-like display that shows power flowing between the hybrid’s tires, gas engine, electric motor and battery pack.       In back, the Fusion Hybrid’s rear seats offer good headroom, legroom and hiproom for three passengers. Three adults can relatively comfortably use these seats for even somewhat long trips - a rare find these days.       All the way back, the vehicle’s 11.8-cubic-foot trunk offers enough room for perhaps two large suitcases and two fairly big gym bags.       On the road, the Fusion Hybrid’s 191-horsepower power plant and six-speed continuously variable transmission combine to offer a great ride.       Start the car up and the Fusion Hybrid’s electric motor makes absolutely no sound at all.       In fact, you’ll think the car has stalled out. The hybrid’s gas engine doesn’t kick until you hit roughly 2 mph.       However, the Fusion Hybrid offers a smooth, quiet ride even after its engine comes on.       The model also offers great acceleration, as well as solid cornering and braking.       Backing up and parking are similarly easy, thanks to the Fusion Hybrid’s good sightlines and modest size.       As for fuel efficiency, the EPA rates the Fusion Hybrid at a 41 mpg/city and 36 mpg/highway - 8 mpg/city better than the Camry Hybrid.       True, the $27,625 Fusion Hybrid costs a bit more than the $26,150 Camry Hybrid or the $26,650 Nissan Altima Hybrid.       Another downside: Ford makes the Fusion in Mexico, opening up questions about the car’s build quality and long-term resale value.       Still, the Fusion Hybrid is a real rarity - a U.S.-branded vehicle that’s as good if not better than its Japanese rivals. Way to go, Ford!            Test drive: Information about the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:       Base price: $27,625       As tested: $31,940       Type: front-wheel-drive five-passenger hybrid sedan       Engine: Electric motor and 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine (191 total horsepower)       Transmission: six-speed continuously variable transmission automatic       Mileage: 41 mpg/city, 36 mpg/highway       Built in: Mexico