In 2008, as gas prices in the Chattanooga area exceeded $4 a gallon, many new-car buyers were buzzing about hybrids. Then prices dipped. Now, with gas prices moving higher for 50 straight days this spring, hybrids are back on many wish lists. I drove the new 2010 Fusion Hybrid last week and came away convinced that Ford has a winner on its hands. The Ford is a comfortable, safe, adequately powered sedan that gets 41 mpg in city driving.

“It runs off electric power up to 47 miles per hour,” explained Richard Maddox, sales manager at Marshal Mize Ford. This accounts for the city mileage premium.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: Powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with a battery assist, the Fusion Hybrid makes 191 horsepower. On a jaunt up Highway 27 in late afternoon traffic, the Fusion Hybrid felt willing and able. Acceleration is brisk, if not breathtaking, and it’s easy to forget this is not a 6-cylinder power plant. A continuously variable transmission propels the car with space-ship smoothness. Like all Fusions, the hybrid is well balanced, with precise steering and handling characteristics. Braking is tenacious.

STYLING: The entire Fusion line gets a refreshing for 2010, with a bolder front grill and angular headlights. Our white platinum tester, with handsome 15-spoke alloy wheels, looks aggressive on the road while it remains gentle to the environment. Except for some modest hybrid body badges and a special SmartGauge instrument cluster (an analog speedometer surrounded by LED fuel and battery gauges), the Fusion Hybrid is virtually indistinguishable from its normally powered siblings.

FEATURES: Our well-equipped tester from Marshal Mize included stone-colored leather interior with heated front seats. The nicely furnished interior is a pleasure. The tester included the popular FordSync feature, which allows for seamless integration of Bluetooth-enabled phones and MP3 players.

BOTTOM LINE: As gas prices inch higher, the price premium for the Fusion Hybrid begins to fade. If you’re looking for an Earth-friendly car with a performance profile, this is the perfect Fusion.