TEST DRIVE: Inhabitat Takes Ford’s Stylish 2013 Fusion Hybrid For a Spin

The midsize hybrid sedan segment just got even more appealing thanks to the introduction of the all-new <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/ford-fusion/">2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid</a>. For the 2013 model year, <a href="http://www.ford.com">Ford</a> has completely revamped its midsize Fusion with an all-new stylish exterior and a hybrid powertrain that gives it the title of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2013-ford-fusion-hybrid-rated-as-america%E2%80%99s-most-fuel-efficient-midsize-sedan/">most fuel-efficient sedan available in America</a>. How does it drive? Ford invited us along for a quick spin in Manhattan to find out.

The all-new Fusion adopts many of the design cues from the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-ford-evos-concept-is-an-electric-gullwing-beauty/">Evos concept</a> that Ford unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Its exterior is now more European influenced than ever before and everyone loves drawing connections between an <a href="http://www.astonmartin.com">Aston Martin</a> and the new Fusion's face, which is not a bad thing.

Under the hood the Fusion Hybrid is powered by a new 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which gives it a total 185 horsepower.

The interior of the 2013 Fusion Hybrid is now more upscale than before and gets all the latest technology like the SYNC with MyFord Touch system, rear view camera, dual LCD smart Gauge Cluster, Bluetooth and a navigation screen.

The Fusion Hybrid is more than just a sedan with green hybrid drivetrain.

So how does the new Fusion Hybrid drive? The 2013 Fusion Hybrid drives just as well as its gas-powered counterparts.

Its engine is very smooth and the transition from electric to gas and electric power is barely noticeable. Compared to other <a href="http://inhabitat.com/7-sexy-sporty-hybrid-cars-hitting-the-streets-soon/">hybrids</a> we've driven, the Fusion Hybrid drives more like a regular car.

Cloth-seat Fusion models also contain the equivalent of 38.9 recycled, clear 16-ounce plastic bottles.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid arrives this fall starting at $27,200. Early next year Ford is going to release another Fusion Hybrid, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/ford-unveils-2013-fusion-energi-plug-in-hybrid-at-the-detroit-auto-show/">Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid</a>, which is estimated to have an EPA rating over 100 MPGe.

One interesting tidbit is that Ford used new technology like Active Noise Cancellation to help it achieve the Fusion Hybrid's best-in-class fuel economy rating.