By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Ford Fusion is a stylish and well-built mid-sized sedan that features a variety of engine options; but the most intriguing powertrain for us is the Fusion Energi Hybrid Plug-In that delivers 21 miles on pure electric and very competent performance when the hybrid system switches over to the gas engine.

The gas mileage rating, after the 21 miles of all-electric is used up, is only average for the mid-sized hybrid segment at a combined 42 mpg. Of course that number soars if your daily driving is local such as running errands, traveling to the office and back or picking up the kids from school  — all easily managed with electric. Plus — there's no need to install a 240-volt power source in your garage because the battery pack can be fully recharged in seven hours with a standard 120-volt outlet. But if you have a 240 outlet, the Energi can be juiced up in just 2.5 hours.

A new high-end Platinum model provides a premium experience for Fusion buyers including quilted seating surfaces and door panels; a high-end, leather-wrapped instrument panel and window sills; and hand-wrapped steering wheel finished in premium Venetian leather. This edition also features a unique grille finished in Magnetic paint and 19-inch polished wheels.

The Energi Platinum is not for those on a strict budget — our test car carried a bottom line of $40,880. But if you find adding 21 miles of gas-free driving to your daily on-road endeavors but 40 grand is a no-go, you can move into the well-equipped base Energi for $31,995. If driving a hybrid vehicle enthralls you, and you like the very likable Fusion, the standard non-plug-in hybrid starts at an affordable $26,550 including destination charge and is rated at 43 mpg city and 41-highway.

For us, adequate performance is a must-have, and if the car feels slow regardless of gas mileage, it's a deal breaker. But that's not the case with the Fusion Energi, which lives up to its name with very adequate energy. The Energi is motivated by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that's fueled by a lithium-ion battery pack producing 195 horsepower. The plug-in Ford has been measured from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds and in16.2 seconds at 88 mph in the quarter mile.

One caveat, if you desire a pedal-to-the-metal start from the stoplight in full electric mode, you are reduced to a rather turtle-like 15 seconds to 60 mph. The big question, why would you want to eat up the charge in your battery pack for this sudden exuberance? Here's the thing — it's possible to reach speeds of up to 85 mph on full electric power.

We like the fact that Ford has devised a way to let the driver pick when he wants to use the car's available electric power with three settings. The EV setting engages all-electric operation, EV Auto lets the computer decide how to divvy up the load, and the EV Later mode relies mainly on the gas engine — saving the battery for conditions such as stop and go city driving.

The Fusion Energi has a substantial, confident feel with a smooth ride and a remarkably quiet interior thanks in part active noise-canceling. Unlike many hybrids it can acquit itself quite nicely through the back-road twists and turns. Like many hybrids with regenerative braking, the brakes can be a bit tricky to smoothly modulate until you get used to the pedal's feel. Braking distance is good with the ability to come to a complete stop from 60 mph in 128 feet.

The Fusion's graceful styling is not limited to the exterior. The interior features clean lines that evoke a good feeling from behind the wheel. Passenger space is abundant and the front seats are comfortable and supportive. Unfortunately, cargo capacity is severely limited by the large battery pack under the trunk to a rather smallish 8.2 cubic-feet, about half of what is available on the standard Fusion.

The Fusion's controls are user-friendly thanks in part to the new Sync 3 infotainment system that is much easier to use than the old MyFord Touch system. The 11-speaker audio readout includes pre-set buttons that are large and easy to use. Climate controls can be operated separately from the center touchscreen. The base Energi also comes with keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a rearview camera. We would opt for the Driver Assist Package which brings blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, automatic high beams, rain sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel and Ford's Lane Keeping System for $1,320.

Essentials
Base price: $31,995; as driven, $40,880
Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, electric motor
Horsepower: 195 (in charge depletion mode)
Torque: 129 pound-feet @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: continuously variable
Drive: front wheel
Seating: 2/3
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 191.8 inches
Curb weight: 3,986 pounds
Turning circle: 37.5 feet
Luggage capacity: 8.2 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 14 gallons (regular)
EPA rating: 42 combined city, highway
0-60: 7.8 seconds (Edmunds)
Also consider: Hyundai Sonata plug-in, Chevrolet Volt

The Good
• Appealing styling inside and out
• Excellent gas mileage
• Many technology, safety features

The bad
• EV range not as good as some competitors

The Ugly
• Battery eats up trunk space