By all accounts, past and present, Ford’s Fusion midsize sedan is a hit. And the 2015 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid 4-door is poised to again add its fair share of eco-friendly posh to that current popularity. With its distinctively green footprint, this 5-seat gas/electric commuter car flaunts style and comfort, luxury and efficiency, along with a rumored cut of significant proportions to its MSRP. And, of course, that legendary selectable all-electric power means cleaner emissions and some heady fuel savings. Returning for the upcoming year in 2 trims, the base SE and the flagship Titanium, the Fusion Energi will flaunt some minor changes, giving this futuristic Ford yet another leg up on the competition. For instance, look for several new exterior paint colors to debut, along with a Terracotta Package, featuring Terracotta leather trim and 18-inch Terracotta-painted alloy wheels, that’ll be available to the SE trim. Oh, and this lower-level variant is also slated to tote a standard 6-way power-adjustable passenger seat in 2015. Said improvements to the entry-level Fusion Energi SE complement the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior power mirrors and the leather upholstery carried over from 2014. Also returning are full power accessories, heated front seats, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, Sync/MyFord Touch destination guidance with an 8-inch touchscreen, MyFord Mobile apps (battery-charge monitor), dual-zone auto climate control, a rear-view camera and memory for 3 drivers' settings. Entertainment, meantime, is offered via a standard single-CD player boasting 6 speakers, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface. The top-shelf Titanium is expected to return sporting such additional standard bling as keyless entry and ignition, remote engine start, a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors and aluminum pedals. Added standard techno-goodies, meantime, include a 390-watt premium Sony sound system with 12 speakers and iTunes Tagging. Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warnings remain standard on this high-end trim, as well. Many of the Titanium’s delectable extras can, of course, again be delivered on the SE as optional equipment, while available options like a power moonroof, voice-activated GPS navigation, a heated steering wheel, Active Park assist with front parking sensors and adaptive cruise control with emergency braking also remain ready to adorn either trim. Further options available only to the Titanium, meanwhile, include premium leather upholstery and cabin trim as well as ventilated front seats. At the heart of the 2015 Fusion Energi’s appeal is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) hybrid engine that combines with what Ford calls a high-voltage electric motor for 195 total hp and 129 lb-ft of torque, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) again managing the ponies and the pounds. Now, where this futuristic Ford gets its advantage over, for instance, its somewhat more humdrum Fusion Hybrid sibling is in its plug-in feature for recharging the 7.6-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack right from home… or from an as yet limited number of charging stations. Ford claims a full recharge of the electric motor can be done on a standard 120-volt system in about 7 hours, while an available 240-volt charger will do the job in approximately 2.5 hours. Also according to the folks at Ford, the 2015 Fusion Energi will scoot up to 85 mph for some 19 plus miles on electric power alone when the driver-selectable “EV” mode is engaged. Beware, however, that electrically generated speed and distance numbers depend on a number of factors, including outside temperatures, battery age and driving habits, and that acceleration won’t be nearly as quick as it would be using the gasoline engine. Mileage estimates, meanwhile, should remain 44 mpg city/41 highway, with regenerative braking also helping keep the battery juiced. Standard safety features, finally, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and a post-collision safety system. Of course Ford’s programmable MyKey speed- and audio-limiting technology is again standard in both Energi trims for 2015, as is Sync-integrated emergency assistance. LED running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote antitheft alarm also remain standard. Optional safety equipment, meantime, depending on the trim selected, includes blind-spot monitoring (BLISS), lane-departure warnings and lane-keeping assist. Oh, and inflatable rear seatbelts are also once again optional.