2010 Ford Fiesta - Redefining The HOT Hatch

Simply put, it’s one of the most exciting cars coming to the United States. What’s so excited about a Ford Fiesta (besides the fact that the car’s green)? It’s a cheap, small car that gets great gas mileage and will not break the bank. Sure, you could buy a Prius that gets 50MPG (Fiesta should be just under 50MPG), but it costs well over $20k (the Fiesta should cost under $15k base price). You could buy a Mini Cooper, but again the price savings (and the Fiesta is still a cool car that could be in the same class as the Mini) is huge and the gas mileage is as good if not better.

In the end, if Ford does bring over a non-neutered version of the Fiesta (there is a 65+ MPG version in the UK), it will surely be a smash in a time when people are becoming more energy concious. Sure, it might not be as flashy as a Prius, but it was built without the use of VERY hazardous materials like battery acid and lead other battery waste. Expect to see this car tweaked by the import tuning crowd AS SOON as it hits American shores.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford has announced that their new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids will be eligible for a $3,400 tax credit from the US government.The highest amount ever offered for hybrids purchased or placed in service after Dec. 31, 2005.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which is paired to a 93 kW electric motor, an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This combination allows the car to travel at speeds up to 47 mph on electricity alone. The end result means that both hybrids are rated at 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, figures that beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg city and 2 mpg highway.

The Fusion hybrid will be in dealerships this spring with prices starting at $27,270. While the $3,400 tax credit helps to offset some of the cost associated with the fuel sipping model, it is still considerably more expensive than the standard Ford Fusion S which goes for $19,270.

2010 Ford Fusion

Building on last year’s impressive design, the 2010 Ford Fusion is bolder, sleeker, has more power, better fuel economy and is certain to be one of the best deals around.

After incorporating a three-bar grille for the 2009 model, the new Fusion boasts a bigger grille and redesigned headlights, while the rear fascia is simplified. The Fusion is available in four trims – S, SE, SEL and Sport. Out of those four trims, there are four available engines that yield enhanced power over last year’s models. A 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower I-4 engine provides impressive power for a base model, while the 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower V-6 is both powerful and versatile with a FlexFuel option. The Sport comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V-6 that will raise a few eyebrows with its sublime power. Both V-6 engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the I-4 is mated to a six-speed manual and automatic.

For enhanced handling and traction, the 2010 Ford Fusion offers All-Wheel Drive on V-6 models, which is class-exclusive. The Fusion Sport features 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust pipes, a rear spoiler and leather seats with contrasting accents. Fusing power with fuel economy, the Fusion gets an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway and will rival the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for midsize fuel efficiency dominance.

Interior amenities include the available SYNC™ Communications and Entertainment System, which allows you to use voice commands to access your music collection by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth®. The optional voice-activated DVD-based navigation system has a 8-inch color LCD monitor and a 10GB hard drive that stores photos and music. An optional Sony Sound System features Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, 390 watts and 12 speakers with two subwoofers giving you optimal sound performance.

Standard 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes prevent wheel lockup and shorten stopping distances. Six airbags come standard and the new Reverse Sensing System uses ultrasonic waves to help you parallel park in tight spaces. A rear-view camera and 911 Assist, which alerts the authorities within seconds after airbag deployment, are standard. The available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert is exclusive to the 2010 Ford Fusion and can detect objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the Fusion.

2010 Ford Mustang Review

Offering more power, a redesigned interior, exterior and a more comfortable ride, the 2010 Ford Mustang is almost like an all-new car.

The new Mustang is available in four main trim levels – V-6, V-6 Premium, GT and GT Premium that can be ordered in either coupe or convertible form. The 4.0-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 is good, but is no match for the revised 315-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 GT, which produces 325 pounds-feet of torque and adds 15 horsepower due to a cold-air induction system. All models come equipped with a choice of five-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 2010 Mustang has slightly enhanced fuel economy with16-18 mpg in the city and 23-26 mpg on the highway and competes with other muscle cars, the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro.

None of the changes made to the exterior are too audacious, but when placed to the 2009 model, one will notice its shorter grille, chiseled rear fascia and smoother fenders. Mustangs are all about style, and a selection of 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheels are available to customize your Mustang. Convertible models have a power-folding convertible top and optional soft boot for open-air fun. GT models feature integrated fog lamps, and optional high-intensity discharge headlamps offer superior nighttime visibility.

Once on the inside, you will notice the plastic is gone and a soft-touch dash and quality metallic trim are in giving a fresher, more sophisticated look and feel. Interior options include an 8-inch, voice-activated touch screen navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link. Two powerful Shaker audio systems are available – a 500-watt version and an Earth-shattering 1,000-watt version with dual trunk subwoofers. An auxiliary audio input jack will accommodate your iPod® with ease, and SIRIUS® satellite radio comes standard. The SYNC™ Communications and Entertainment System, which allows you to use voice commands to access your music collection by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth®. Standard cloth or optional heated leather seating surfaces wrap around supportive front bucket seats, while coupes feature a 50/50 split fold rear seat back to handle large cargo items.

For safety, all Mustangs come with dual front and side airbags, and an anti-lock braking system is optional on V-6 models and standard on GT. An electronic stability system is new for 2010.