2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Audi Q7 TDI Clean-Diesel SUV Earn Car, Truck Eco Honors
By Scott Doggett December 1, 2009
The 2010 Earth, Wind & Power awards for green car and truck of the year went to the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (right) and the 2010 Audi Q7 TDI sport utility vehicle, it was announced tonight at a gala event in downtown Los Angeles on the eve of press days for the city's annual auto show.
The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the first American hybrid that offers a fully functional gasoline-electric powertrain that isn't connected to a giant full-size SUV. (Ford's compact Escape Hybrid doesn't meet that criteria because it can't run in full electric mode with the air-conditioning on. The Fusion can.)
The Fusion Hybrid can also be purchased (MSRP: $27,625) in all 50 states (unlike the otherwise desirable Nissan Altima Hybrid) and is based on a fun-to-drive family sedan (unlike the Toyota Camry Hybrid).
And although its real-world fuel economy isn't quite as spectacular as the EPA estimates (41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway) would suggest, the Fusion Hybrid is still one of the most frugal gas-sippers available in America.
As for the truck, the 2010 Audi Q7 TDI is one of the newer large luxury SUVs to become available, and it doesn't disappoint as it comes with all the quality and understated opulence buyers have come to expect from the respected German marque.
But who would expect less from an SUV with a starting price of $50,900 (plus $825 in those lovely destination fees). Now might be a good place to mention that the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel Q7 qualifies, for the time being, for a federal alternative motor vehicle tax credit of $1,150.
This Audi comes with an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway - 20 mpg overall average - which disappoints until you note that it represents a 30 percent improvement over the comparable 3.6-liter, V6 gasoline model.
A 3.0-liter TDI engine delivers 225 horsepower and an outstanding 406 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,750 rpm, using a turbocharger and common rail injection technology to increase power output and fuel economy. An advanced particulate-neutralizing system helps the 3.0 TDI attain a ULEV II emissions rating.
Like the Fusion Hybrid, the clean-diesel 2010 TDI model - which starts with Audi's Premium trim level - is 50-state legal.
The event, held at a swanky Marriott hotel, was sponsored by Bridgestone. It was hosted by Courtney Caldwell, publisher of Earth, Wind & Power Media, with co-hosts Kevin Smith, editorial director of Edmunds.com, and Howard Walker, auto editor for Palm Beach Illustrated.
The three announced the winners for the most environmentally progressive car and truck of the year. Recipients were selected by The EWP jury, a group of 19 nationally-renowned automotive editors and journalists.
Accepting the award for EWP Car of the Year on behalf of Ford Motor Company was Moray Callum, executive director, North American Design. The award for EWP Truck of the Year was accepted by the Chief Audi Designer, Jae Min.
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