What can Ford do to make the Fusion Even better?

[acdii]

I think this would be a neat topic, and if anyone from Ford Corporate would ever see this, it might help get ideas actually put to good use.

 

One thing that I think would be a great idea is on the battery display, instead of the circle thing going around when you apply brakes, a bar graph right next to the battery showing amount of regen being sent to the pack would be better. In fact it would be best if it was staged in such a way as to show you how much braking to apply to get the most and when you are about to apply too much braking that would put it into the service brakes. Maybe like yellow green yellow red, with yellow displayed when not enough pressure, green when just the right amount, yellow again when giving too much, and red when you exceed it. From a programming standpoint, shouldnt be too hard and since the display is LED Graphics, it can be a backwards compatible upgrade. For that matter, it doesnt even need to be a bar graph, the turning circles itself could change color.

 

 

[aaronj1159]

 

One thing that I think would be a great idea is on the battery display, instead of the circle thing going around when you apply brakes, a bar graph right next to the battery showing amount of regen being sent to the pack would be better. In fact it would be best if it was staged in such a way as to show you how much braking to apply to get the most and when you are about to apply too much braking that would put it into the service brakes. Maybe like yellow green yellow red, with yellow displayed when not enough pressure, green when just the right amount, yellow again when giving too much, and red when you exceed it. From a programming standpoint, shouldnt be too hard and since the display is LED Graphics, it can be a backwards compatible upgrade. For that matter, it doesnt even need to be a bar graph, the turning circles itself could change color.

 

 

The only issue I could see with this is someone not paying attention to, you know, the road and then suing Ford because the car told them not to brake harder in order to avoid rear-ending the tanker in front of them.

 

I think we all wish Applink was working on our cars right now. That's the main thing for me. Also, as Riggo said in another thread, some sort of trickle charger for the battery would be fantastic so that we could get that extra hybrid benefit right upon starting up.

[acdii]

Well, you know, somethings just cant make up for common sense. :)

[djminfll]

I think the FFH is an amazing vehicle, probably my favorite car I have ever owned, and I've been driving since 1973! My suggestions for improving the FFH would be pretty minor, but here is my list of suggestions:

1. Driver's armrest could be angled up, or window buttons moved so they are more accessible by touch, without having to look at them.

2. Daytime Running Lights! Are there any other cars today that do not offer these as standard equipment?

3. Full-circle LED taillamps should be standard, or at least available, on all models.

4. Push-button start should be part of the Technology package.

 

Other than that, I couldn't be happier! :sing_rain:

[Toz]

This, this makes it better!!

 

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/54287-ford-to-offer-free-updates-to-boost-hybrid-vehicle-efficiency/

[Osofast]

 

This is great news, wonder how backed up dealers will be with the fuel mods, washer replacements, battery message fix and now every hybrid vehicle gets new software......

 

Current hybrid owners will be notified and can have the software in their vehicle updated — free of charge — by the end of the month.

 

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130716/AUTO0102/307160105#ixzz2ZKqfIJjN

This, this makes it better!!

 

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/54287-ford-to-offer-free-updates-to-boost-hybrid-vehicle-efficiency/

[TKing]

After the first few days, the efficiency leaves on the center right display are pretty useless. As is a compass in that same location. Better to be able to put some of the screens that are available on the center left display on the right side. This way I wouldn't be switching the left display from screen to screen all the time and ignoring the right one.

[hermans]

My wife likes the leaves in hers and that's the only thing that counts. In mine I have entertainment.

[aaronj1159]

After the first few days, the efficiency leaves on the center right display are pretty useless. As is a compass in that same location. Better to be able to put some of the screens that are available on the center left display on the right side. This way I wouldn't be switching the left display from screen to screen all the time and ignoring the right one.

That would be helpful indeed. I generally just leave it on the media screen but it's kind of redundant with the center console.

[acdii]

When using the Nav, the right screen comes in handy, so does the climate screen.

[aaronj1159]

When using the Nav, the right screen comes in handy, so does the climate screen.

But for those of us with an SE without the Nav option, neither of those are options. I could see where they would be though.

[acdii]

Oh thats right, forgot they left the climate off on the SE.

 

Hey Ford, add the climate on the SE.

[vangonebuy]

Make the Fusion better.

 

1) Fix the packages....

No leather option with the 5 spoke wheels....??? Why ???

Too few options for wheel choices in Hybrid. Give me what I want.......Please !

No option for block heater in my region. (Unless dealer installed after)

 

2)Give me a internet browser in my center screen. Through my phone or the cars own service.

 

3)Center console hybrid status screen. Why doesnt the background car represent my car?

 

4)Get 47mpg for real. Or advertise 37-39 mpg.

 

5)Give me a actual % number of the hybrid batteries charge option ...Not a battery graph.

 

6)110 power adapter in rear seat. s/b 400 watts not 150 watts. AND running off the hybrid battery also.

I ran things in my home off an inverter, after Hurricane Sandy. It was a great backup option.

 

7)Rear view camera, should be viewable anytime, Not just backing up. And with pix capture.

Maybe one in front to see the end of my hood when parking.

 

8) I dont need a shelf in my glove box.

 

I agree with some other ideas posted here.

[hermans]

4)Get 47mpg for real. Or advertise 37-39 mpg.- I really would be happy if they advertised 37-39 because I get the 47 MPG.

 

8) I dont need a shelf in my glove box. - My wife really likes the shelf....and that's what counts.

[jeff_h]

4)Get 47mpg for real. Or advertise 37-39 mpg.- I really would be happy if they advertised 37-39 because I get the 47 MPG.

 

8) I dont need a shelf in my glove box. - My wife really likes the shelf....and that's what counts.

 

4) I got 49.91 MPG for the tank from yesterday's fill-up, was the first time in several fill-ups that was under 50 and was just barely, so MPG is fine on mine. Will be interesting to see if the pending software update might improve it more, time will tell....

 

8) I like the shelf but neither seems deep enough and top shelf needs a small ridge on it, stuff is always falling out when I open the glove box.

[hermans]

 

8) I like the shelf but neither seems deep enough and top shelf needs a small ridge on it, stuff is always falling out when I open the glove box.

If you put a piece of Rubbermaid shelf liner on the glovebox shelf it will keep everything in place. I also put one on the area above the battery pack. Nothing falls off.

[aaronj1159]

If you put a piece of Rubbermaid shelf liner on the glovebox shelf it will keep everything in place. I also put one on the area above the battery pack. Nothing falls off.

Yeah I put one of those sticky pads that people use on the dash for their cellphones on the glove box shelf. Had it sitting around anyways, and it makes a nice place for my tire gauge.

[hermans]

Yeah I put one of those sticky pads that people use on the dash for their cellphones on the glove box shelf. Had it sitting around anyways, and it makes a nice place for my tire gauge.

My wife put a box that checks came in on the shelf and she keeps small stuff in it.

[acdii]

I put the factory floor mats on the battery shelf, those buggers are sticky, nothing moves off of them.

[vangonebuy]

4) I got 49.91 MPG for the tank from yesterday's fill-up, was the first time in several fill-ups that was under 50 and was just barely, so MPG is fine on mine. Will be interesting to see if the pending software update might improve it more, time will tell....

 

You must be hot in that car with the A/C off for an entire tank.

That or no ethanol in your gas.

 

 

My thoughts on the patch are mixed.

If FORD could have given us better mileage. Wouldn't they have done it already.

They went so far for bragging rights.. Only to be trashed over this slip.

 

I think the actual improvement will be small. Although higher speed electric maybe a good difference.

[aaronj1159]

 

You must be hot in that car with the A/C off for an entire tank.

That or no ethanol in your gas.

 

 

No, there are other explanations. My last tank was 45.9, and I always use the A/C and my gas is not special in any way. In my experience, Ford gave me a number that I regularly achieve, so the bragging rights are deserved. That may not be the case for a lot of other people, but it is for a lot of us too.

[Thomz Fusion]

This is a GREAT forum - and I appreciate the opportunity of adding my 2 cents. I am generally very pleased with my Fusion, but as always, there are a few things:

 

• The trunk lid really needs to be re-designed to allow it to swing out of the way. It would be a relatively simple fix for BlueOval. I know the designers liked the way it blends into the body, but the corners of the trunk lid near the rear window keep it from moving as high as it should.
• I think BlueOval needs to seriously think of a station wagon version of the Fusion. This would make the plug-in hybrid much more practical. amd would also be appealing to all future hybrid owners. believe they offer it in Europe. It's time to bring it to the USA. (I LOVE nimble wagons!)

As an aside, I'm delighted that Ford is tweaking the hybrid controls. I have been able to achieve 47 MPG on a couple of tank fulls, but fuel efficiency drops off radically above 65 MPH. (My lifetime MPG is 41.9 overall on Fuelly). Ford was obviously designing the controls to achieve the highest rating using the government's test standards. While I don't fault them for 'aceing the test', they didn't spend enough time to address practical realities of driving.

[vangonebuy]

Oh yea, One more idea for the Fusion.

 

Driver programable EV+ setting. More like a GPS Favorite setting.

[hermans]

 

You must be hot in that car with the A/C off for an entire tank.

That or no ethanol in your gas.

 

 

My thoughts on the patch are mixed.

If FORD could have given us better mileage. Wouldn't they have done it already.

They went so far for bragging rights.. Only to be trashed over this slip.

 

I think the actual improvement will be small. Although higher speed electric maybe a good difference.

Since you live on Long Island your should be getting good gas mileage. It's basically flat. I travel to the Island frequently and get 45+ when traveling around from point to point. When I take the ferry to Conn. I get excellent mileage.

[vangonebuy]

Since you live on Long Island your should be getting good gas mileage. It's basically flat. I travel to the Island frequently and get 45+ when traveling around from point to point. When I take the ferry to Conn. I get excellent mileage.

 

I also get great mileage when I take the ferry too ! :)

 

Mileage varies greatly. I have had 46 mpg tanks. and 2 tanks under 30 mpg. 3 drivers, 1 car.

Our total average so far is 36 mpg to date. 4K miles. With many trips of 51+ mpg. :salute:

I believe that some of our mpg variance is due to the fuel filler.

My last fill up clicked off at 10.4 gal's. But it filled to 12.7 gal's.

So, I'm focused on long term average mileage for accuracy.

 

Long Island is the land of Stop lights and Stop signs.

That's why I got the hybrid. No better choice for us here.

I see no driving benefit of this area over others.

 

I can and have gotten 32mpg out of a Chrysler T&C. Way over EPA on trips.

My point is, Fusion should get closer to posted EPA. For average drivers. Shouldn't have to hypermile to achieve.

 

Didn't intend to get into mileage on this post.

I posted a bunch of other good idea's.

Such a touchy subject, here.