THE CAR COACH REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW
Green Car Journal Gets It Edition
The Green Car Journal, a highly-respected authority on, you guessed it, green cars, awarded the 2013 Ford Fusion “The Green Car of the Year” yesterday at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/11/30/ford-fusion-wins-green-car-of-the-year-prize/
Heresy you say? It should have been the new Prius or the Tesla Model S. Not so fast. The Fusion Hybrid trumps the Prius’s MPG ratings all around. This is due to the fact that the Fusion can travel up to 62 mph on its electric engine alone. Additionally, the Fusion doesn’t look like some strange EV experiment on wheels. It is a gorgeous car, even striking, reminiscent of a Jaguar or an Aston Martin.
And while the Tesla is certainly a looker and a performer, it is unattainable for the vast majority of the driving public. The Green Car Journal chose a car that is accessible to the masses, looks great, is super fuel efficient, practical, and which engages the driver in ICE (internal combustion engine) or hybrid form.
Additionally, the technology available in the Fusion will satisfy even the most hardcore geeks out there. Laser guided adaptive cruise control, parallel park assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, backup camera with parking aid, remote start, three fully-customizable LCD screens with green driving coach, and a 12 speaker surround sound system with video playback are just some of the features available.
I say kudos to the Green car Journal for getting it right. They didn’t choose an EV and for good reason. They just don’t travel far enough on a charge, nor do they charge quickly…yet. This relegates EVs to second car status for most owners and prohibits most eco-conscious buyers from even considering one. EVs will eventually catch up in terms of the technology needed to satisfy most buyers but we’re not there yet.
I also say kudos to Ford for getting the Fusion right. It is simply a spectacular-looking car in a segment of ho hum styling. It also drives competently, quietly, and dare I say sporty when you need it to.
Hey GM and Chrysler: Buy a Fusion and reverse engineer it. This is what a midsize sedan should be.
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
My Final Thought:
Oh Honda, didn’t we learn a lesson regarding that ugly beak of a grille on the Acura TL a few years ago? Apparently not, because your new RLX flagship sedan has it planted squarely in the middle of its schnoz.
Why oh why are you continuing with this design? Where are the inspired cars like the 2004 TL and the fun little RSX? Remember when you made exciting cars like the Integra R and the TL Type S?
I hope the upcoming NSX isn’t as much of a disappointment.
What are your thoughts?
Post your comments at http://laurenfix.blogspot.com/
Love your car! See you next week!
--Lauren Fix
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