As the sales leader of the CD3 triplets, the 2010 Ford Fusion is the most important of the trio and does its best to pave the way for the new European-derived models that Ford plans to have appear shortly (pending any Carpocalypse-related financial troubles) and the new 2010 Ford Taurus we expect to see hit the show floor at the Detroit Auto Show. For starters, the most noticeable changes to the 2010 Fusion happen in the front fascia. Ford designers seem to have tried to split the difference between the “Hi, I’m Dave” bold American design and the more sophisticated Euro Ford styling. They may have failed. Instead, the three bar grille retains the signature best-a-man-can-get look, but does so in a much larger “Hey, look at me, I’m Dave’s garish cousin from fake America” fashion. Gone are the simplistic geometric forms, replaced by a swoopy, upswept chrome three bar treatment with a bevel running through the bottom, leading up and over the headlights. The headlights have lost both the squircles and the vertical design from the previous model, replaced by an aggressive horizontal set encompassing a pair of projector lamps.

The hood has now been completely reshaped, taking some of its design from the 2007 Ford Interceptor concept, featuring a simulated high-rise power dome. If there’s one design element we truly like, it’s the leading edge of the hood, helping the overall front design in its message of strength and sophistication; without it, this design would look contrived and weak.

The lower fascia is now comprised of a large central opening flanked by chrome detailing wrapping around the outer edge, giving visual continuity with the upcoming Fiesta small car. The outer surround features an aggressive trapezoidal form diving into the lower fascia opening while housing two small projector fog lamps. The chrome detailing here represents Ford’s attempt at heightening the perceived quality of its new mid-size contender. We’re not sure why Ford decided to move the side marker lamps lower in the fascia - their placement seems a little haphazard and we would have preferred that they follow the same design as the 2010 Mercury Milan by sitting on the front wheel arch. But whatever, it’s an improvement over the Bland Moves of the original Fusion.

The rear end of the 2010 Fusion has the same overall feel of the outgoing 2006-2009 model, but the devil’s in the details. The use of existing rear quarter panels dictated the use of a similar shape for the taillights, but the detailing is all new. The dip to the lower lamp surface mimics the dip in the trunk surface and helps lift the rear visually. The taillights have lost the visual depth from the previous model (and the squircles!), but have gained an attractive honeycomb pattern that will help make up the difference.

The trunk surface gains a horizontal bevel that dips to mimic the taillights and borders the new, narrower license plate pocket. Another horizontal line runs through the top surface of the plate pocket and leads into the taillight to provide a resting place for the newly-chromed badge surround with integrated CHMSL.

Ford interior designers for some reason decided the Fusion’s interior wasn’t in need of a full refresh though the changes made were for the better. By moving the belt line of the IP up, the 2010 Fusion now appears less cramped and more inviting though we’re not sure how we feel about the painted accents in the Sport model which remind us more of boy-racers than urban sophisticates. The horizontal break line splitting the top of the center stack reminds us of the horizontal lines of the front and rear, a nice tie-in to the exterior. The center stack now houses new HVAC controls and Ford’s awesome SYNC 2.0 multimedia system. The steering wheel is a carryover piece but now features some aluminum bright work to help lessen the visual weight of the overwhelming black plastic.

Easily the coolest part of the 2010 Fusion interior is found in the Hybrid model. The greener-than-gas-alone model features two high resolution LCD displays on either side of the speedometer that give valuable information such as battery power levels, average and instant mpg. Ford really hit a home-run with this display and weíre excited to see future applications of this system.

The 2010 Milan takes a subtle approach to its front end sheet metal changes. The waterfall grille is now wider and takes on a trapezoidal form with a large chrome strip on its top edge. An upward facing bevel runs around the lower edge and rises to meet the hood, running rearward to the outer edge of the windshield. The headlights lose their horizontal form from the previous model and now feature an attractive vertical layout flowing downward from the hood. The peak of the front fender runs down to the edge of the lower fascia and wraps rearward to create a small light catcher just before the front wheel arch. The front reflector has moved from the fascia cutline of the previous car to the flat edge of the wheel arch, following in line with the revised vertical headlight design. The lower opening of the fascia is now lower and wider and has two projector fog lamps neatly tucked within.
Rear

Differences between the rear design of the outgoing model and the new 2010 Milan are again, very subtle. The use of the existing rear quarter panel once again dictates the outer edge of the tail lights and it seems as if Fordís designers gave up changing the overall form. The carry over trunk surface features a horizontal crease that runs into the tail light housing and forms the break-up of brake and reverse lamp details which now feature vertical elements that follow the trunk cutline and talk to the vertical elements of the front fascia design. The rear fascia has subtle differences that help modernize the car and visually tighten up and shorten the rear view.
Interior

The 2010 Milan shares it’s interior with the 2010 Fusion and thankfully loses some of the outgoing cars cheap looking metallic surfaces. As with the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, the Milan Hybrid gains the visually stimulating SmartGauge with EcoGuide; a sharp twin LCD unit displaying information to the driver about fuel economy and other vehicle functions.

The 06-09 MKZ had to defend its spot in the Lincoln lineup when the handsomely designed MKS made its debut this year. The 2010 MKZ can rest easy knowing while still not as attractive, it received a worthy upgrade to its front sheet metal, highlighted by a stunning double-grille/headlight setup. When the 2007 MKR concept made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, many heralded it a design renaissance for the Lincoln brand and the 2010 MKZ represents this philosophy well. The modern double-wing grille was first seen on the MKR concept and is also featured on the ‘09 MKS. Its historical inspiration is the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr.

This split grille is designed to resemble the bow of a boat cutting through the water while the new, larger Lincoln star sits proudly dead center. The grille features jewel-like chrome elements on the vertical blades and a finely detailed chrome strip runs around the full shape of grille and headlights. The headlights themselves carry most of the MKR concepts form until the unfortunate outer edge where they meet the carryover front fenders, resulting in a limp execution to an otherwise precise form.

The front fender peak runs downward through the headlights and wraps underneath the grille to meet the centerline peak. The lower fascia features a wide opening flanked by two fog lamp openings on either side. The design tries to communicate a similarity to the MKR concept through a chrome detail that runs along the lower edge of the fascia and the surrounding for the fog lamp bezels but fails to execute in the same delicate fashion.
Rear

The 2010 MKZ carries on with horizontal LED tail lights that are now much wider, prominent and better detailed, almost touching in the center of the trunk surface. The top edge of the bumper surface wraps upward toward the front of the car and ties in with the rear forward swept surface of the MKR concept while the lower edge features two blackout sections for the dual exhaust and reflectors. Overall the rear design appears taller, wider and more elegant than the 06-09 MKZ.

The 2010 MKZ interior has been significantly upgraded over its Fusion and Milan siblings. A strip of either Swirl Walnut or Olive Ash wood runs horizontally across the center of the instrument panel and finishes on the newly designed door panels. The IP surface now features a horizontal layout as opposed to the vertical dual cockpit design of the outgoing model. The HVAC and radio controls run vertically, sitting below the wood trim line and a new larger NAV system with SYNC sits above. Square vents sit to the side of the NAV screen and the whole lot is surrounded by an aluminum trim piece that also runs parallel down the center stack and onto the center console. Twin beveled pads sit on top of the IP and help retain the feel of the front and rear exterior design by centering the THX center speaker. The steering wheel is mostly a carry-over unit but now features its wood trim between the 10 and 2 positions rather than being encompassed by the spokes. The door pads now feature a wrap up 360 degree door pull featuring a chrome strip that runs upward and towards the rear, above the wood trim. The leather used on the seats and the clamshell armrest is the same leather that was originally used on the Lincoln Continental Mark II and now features tuxedo stitching.

Dissection Conclusion

Ford has pulled off three successfully redesigned mid-size sedans for 2010, each carrying their own flavor and flair above and beyond the cars they replace. Each car has a decidedly European look and feel and we give kudos to Ford for showing it can still compete against the best the world throws at it. At least in design refreshes anyway. Call us when any and all of them get an Eco Boost engine under the hood.

It's funny, we're pretty excited about the new Fusion, but these two cars offer much the same package and yet we're apt to give them both a "meh" (look it up in the Collins English Dictionary, it's a real word now). Where the Fusion provides a perfect example of an American car done right, the Milan and the MKZ are perfect examples of one luxury car that could be great but is split in two to satisfy the dealers.

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

For the 2010 model year, the Mercury Milan adds an all-new hybrid model. The Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling both the size and volume of Ford’s hybrid lineup.
“Offering consumers more fuel-efficient vehicle choices, including improving and increasing our hybrid vehicle offerings, is part of Ford’s broad plan to deliver technology solutions for affordable fuel economy for millions,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development.

“With the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, we are now able to offer even better range of travel on battery power at a greater speed, thanks to a more efficient, seamless transition between the battery-powered motor and gasoline-driven engine,” he said. “These new hybrids will exceed expectations on all fronts – fuel efficiency, comfort, convenience and drivability.”

The Ford Hybrid team has developed a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. Additionally, the propulsion system for the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids transitions between gas and electric power and back more efficiently and seamlessly.

The overall system upgrade allows the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

The next-generation hybrid system features:
• New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower/136 lb.-ft. of torque) running the proven Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT.
• Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), which allows the vehicle to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa. The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions.
• Enhanced electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
• Wide-band lambda sensor analyzes the air-fuel ratio and adjusts the lean/rich mixture accordingly to keep the system in balance and to minimize emissions.
• A new smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20 percent more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature and it is cooled using cabin air.
• An added variable voltage converter boosts the voltage to the traction battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently.
• A new high-efficiency converter provides 14 percent increased output to accommodate a wider array of vehicle features.
• Smarter climate control system monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin; it also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.
• The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving.
• A simulator brake actuation system dictates brake actuation and delivers improved brake pedal feel compared to the previous generation braking system.

“Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city-driving situations,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or mall parking lots without using a drop of gasoline.”

The Milan Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver’s efficiency.

EcoGuide uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:
• Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
• Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
• Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
• Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.

Several other elements help differentiate the Milan Hybrid from its gas-powered sibling, including unique hybrid “road and leaf” badging on both sides and the rear of the vehicle; unique 16-inch, eight-spoke wheels; eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials; and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

[Source: Ford]

2010 Mercury Milan

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 19, 2008 – The Mercury Milan builds on a strong foundation of quality and reliability, adding to the mix for the 2010 model year an all-new hybrid model, more fuel-efficient gasoline powertrain options, class-exclusive technologies and a more refined, sophisticated design.

“The Milan has been a strong part of the Mercury lineup since its initial launch and has helped attract more consumers to dealer showrooms,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing. “For sophisticated consumers looking for a stylish hybrid, the Milan now offers them the most fuel-efficient hybrid sedan in its class.”

Chief designer Darrell Behmer and his team had the advantage of working from a vehicle that’s been lauded by consumers and consumer groups. “Our approach was to build upon the Milan’s strengths – to improve rather than reinvent,” Behmer said. “From a design standpoint, we wanted to clarify the design, making it cleaner and more modern.”

The changes to the exterior design were focused on the grille,and front and rear fascias. The chin was pulled forward and the fascia was pulled down to give the 2010 Mercury Milan a wider, sportier look. Those changes as well as substantial underbody work made for a cleaner, more aerodynamic car.

The two-tone look on the interior continues as a Milan signature, with satin-aluminum accents and a wood finish around the center stack. The Milan features Dark Charcoal Black, Medium Light Stone and Camel as interior choices through the Premier Series, which includes embossed leather.

An improved seat design with a new perforation pattern has been added as well. The seat contour itself was revised, with more side support to help create a softer seat overall.

Door sill plates mirror the satin-aluminum look as well. Drivers also are greeted with contrasting stitching on the steering wheel. Ice Blue lighting now illuminates the cluster and instrument panel display.

More powertrain options, more horsepower, better fuel economy
Both the inline four-cylinder and V-6 engines are upgraded, with the four-cylinder engine increased to 2.5 liters and the 3-liter V-6 increasing its horsepower rating from 221 to 240. Each engine improves fuel economy as well, up to 4 or 5 mpg depending on the model.

The 2.5-liter I-4 engine, which improved its 0-60 mph time by more than 1 second to achieve best-in-class performance, is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, up from five speeds.

“The gear ratios and the overall span of the transmissions allow us to have a more-efficient shift schedule,” said Matt Hettenhouse, powertrain team leader for the Milan. The first gear can be made a little deeper, which provides smoother acceleration. At the top end, a higher gear allows the engine to run slower in highway conditions, which also aids fuel economy.

The innovative Easy Fuel™ capless fuel filler system also is standard. This industry-exclusive feature helps to reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.

Better handling in a quieter, more-comfortable ride
Bringing a premium driving experience to the Mercury Milan was one of the goals for the team. For the 2010 model, strides were made in steering and handling, turning circle (better by about 1 foot) and an improved brake pedal feel. Upgraded 17-inch painted aluminum wheels are another performance and appearance enhancement standard on the Premier.

The 2010 Mercury Milan team also took a look at how to improve the comfort of the car. “We made a major improvement on interior quietness,” said Chief Engineer J.D. Shanahan. Hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, new carpet, revised ceiling baffles, additional sound deadening in the trunk, new interior material and new headliner material are among the improvements made.

In addition, improved body and door sealing defends and improves upon Milan’s best-in-class standing in wind noise. Reductions in wind noise and road noise gives Mercury Milan drivers the level of quiet luxury they demand.

With design refinements to the exterior creating a sportier look as well as upgraded technology and materials inside, the 2010 Mercury Milan expands on the value package that makes it a leader in the mid-size car segment.

Staying connected
New technology features available on the 2010 Milan include:
• Blind Spot Information System (BLISTM) with Cross Traffic Alert, which can help provide extra confidence to drivers in parking lots by alerting drivers sooner of nearby traffic while backing out. It uses two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels. The radar detects moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding side-view mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching. An audible alert is sounded as well.
• SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities – plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.
o 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
o Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer’s paired and operable mobile phone.
• Voice-Activated Navigation, which integrates several functions including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch-screen display. The navigation system’s text-to-speech function calls out street names while in route to a destination and reads incoming text messages when the system is linked to SYNC. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CDs, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). A music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours of music. The screen even can be customized with personal photos.
• SIRIUS Travel Link™, an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system will provide users with real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts, and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations. Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.
• Reverse Camera System, which mounts a small camera on the decklid that is activated when Milan is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. 
The video image is displayed in the optional navigation screen on Milans equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror vehicles without navigation.

All Mercury Milan models will be built alongside the Ford Fusion at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will be in dealers in spring 2009.

[Source: Ford]

FORD’S SmartGauge with EcoGuide Coaches Drivers to MAXIMIZE FUEL EFFICIENCY On New FUSION Hybrid

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29, 2008 – Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide – an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximum fuel efficiency.

“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”
Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster’s science and technology.

“The main question hybrid drivers had was, ‘How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?’ ” said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. “We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That’s what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does.”

The driver is immediately engaged by the SmartGauge displays, on either side of the center-mounted analog speedometer, with a special greeting that combines illumination and graphics.

EcoGuide then uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:
Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.

At the core of the instrument cluster’s design was an understanding that the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) experience evolves and deepens over time and the technology needed to reflect that.

The four levels of information can be customized to fit each driver’s needs or situation. If cruising on the highway, for instance, only basic information may be desired. Once a driver moves off the highway into a city, additional information to optimize fuel economy may be desired and can be easily accessed.

Long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed in two ways – either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows “growing leaves and vines” on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a customer is, the more lush and beautiful the leaves and vines, creating a visual reward for the driver’s efforts.

Additionally, the real-time system feedback allows drivers to assess or modify their driving habits to achieve maximum fuel economy. A shutdown screen reviews important information from the latest trip, including fuel economy performance and comparative data from previous days.

Extensive customer research was completed to ensure the instrument cluster is as driver-friendly as possible. Prototype testing was done in Ford’s Virtual Text Track Experiment (VIRTTEX) simulator, the industry’s largest driver distraction laboratory operated by an automaker. Test drivers were able to safely interact with the new technology as engineers gathered data and helped refine SmartGauge, aiding drivers in making informed decisions without being distracting or overwhelming.

“When you’re driving, you have a second or so to look at your display,” Greenberg said. “A dense display isn’t going to work. SmartGauge with EcoGuide is designed to minimize distraction caused by multiple displays. We did a lot of work to eliminate extraneous movement and create a smooth, fluid display.”

The instantaneous fuel economy gauge, for example, can be shown or hidden at each of the EcoGuide levels to suit the needs of individual drivers. “We did a lot of research and modified our designs along the way to make SmartGauge with EcoGuide unobtrusive, using subtle cues to relay information,” Greenberg said.

The brainstorming sessions with the IDEO team proved invaluable. “We received more than 100 ideas about information to display – that was our input to our studies with VIRTTEX,” he added. “In VIRTTEX, for example, we learned that you can’t overlay multiple levels of information. One of our design goals then became to geographically separate the information so it can be better understood while driving.”

Four Hybrids
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the already successful Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids – the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet. With the addition of the two new hybrid sedans, Ford will double its annual hybrid volume and be the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America.

The Fusion and Milan Hybrids will be built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and a will arrive in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2009.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

The engineers did a laughable job of trying to tape up the tallights to obscure the actual design, which is easily discernible despite the reflector tape. Otherwise, in profile the new Fusion and Milan seem to have a lot in common. Brothers and sisters and acorns and trees and all that.

"In particular, with regard to rumors on possible divestitures, no significant assets are being sold nor are expected to be sold, except for those activities that have already been disclosed to the market."

Fiat can't explain stock surge, denies sale of significant asset [Detroit News]

Related:
Size Apparently Not Important: Fiat 500 Tops Sexy Car List [internal]

Related:
Breaking! Ford Announces 34% Drop In US Sales [internal]

Why you should buy this car: The Mercury Milan is a decent value and a stylish alternative to blandmobiles like the Camry and Impala. Plus, it's almost fun to drive. And you can feel all warm and fuzzy about buying American, even if it's made in Mexico.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: The Mazda 6 shares some of the Milan's architecture, and despite being older the 6 is still more fun to drive.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: Yes
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Mercury
· Model tested: Milan V6 Premier
· Model year: 2006
· Base Price: $22,845
· Price as Tested: $25,496
· Engine type: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6
· Horsepower: 221hp @ 6250 rpm
· Torque: 205 ft.-lbs. @ 4800 rpm
· Redline: 6550 rpm
· Transmission: 6-speed automatic
· Wheels and Tires: P225/50VR17 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
· Drive type: front-wheel drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 8.5 sec.
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21 / 29
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/5/4

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercury Milan, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Exterior Design: ***
The Milan is probably the best looking of its corporate siblings, but that's kind of like winning a beauty pageant over Denis Leary and Kathy Bates. My neighbor, who had no idea what the Milan was, said it looks "so suburban." My neighbors drive minivans, Priuses, and Matrixes (Matrices?).

Acceleration: ***
It feels faster than the claimed 8.5 second zero-to-sixty trip, and midrange acceleration is decent, but the Milan isn't fast. It's not slow either, but we're not Goldilocks and we're not looking for something in between.

Braking ****
Yep, this car stops. Pedal feel could be improved, but then it would probably be too grabby for the average Mercury driver.

Ride ***
Reverb is awesome in a Fender guitar, especially if it's in the hands of Link Wray. But it's not so great in a car, and the driver is all too aware of vibrations working through the Milan's chassis.

Handling ***
Ford Mercury set the car up right with nary a hint of understeer, but the steering and tires turn all vague in corners. The Milan moves like a fat greyhound — sure, you can get it to hustle, but it won't exactly like it. In everyday driving, the Milan is much better.

Gearbox ****
The smooth shifting six-speed automatic is the best part of the Milan's transmission. Unrelated to the rating, but interesting, is how the Premier Edition Milan still has a plastic-covered shift knob.

Audio/Video *
Didn't Ford learn a lesson from the Chicklet radio of the early '90s? Apparently not, as the radio in the Milan is not only a standard part-bin unit, but it's got a lo-tech display and is made of Chinese-grade plastics.

Toys *
There's a trip computer, sunglasses holder, heated seats and a lumbar adjustment wheel.

Trunk ****
You can fit plenty of dead hookers back there, but make sure they're dead. If one happens to wake up, she can open up the folding rear seat and ruin your day.

Overall ***

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercury Milan, Part 1, Part 3 [internal]

We've been here before, only last time it was called the Ford Fusion. Or was it the Lincoln Zephyr MKZ? No matter, this time we're looking at the Mercury Milan. It's Mercury's attempt to stay relevant by attracting new buyers to the brand — buyers who are young and hip with contemporary tastes, yet still manage to neglect all considerations for style when purchasing a car. All kidding aside, the clean lines and even proportion of the Milan make it a good looking car, but only a good looking ordinary car.

Good-but-not-great is a recurring theme in the Milan. It's a recurring theme in American sedans in general, which improve generation after generation but rarely make the final leap to the top of the class, but we digress. Consider the Milan's interior, which was not so much designed as budgeted. The ideas are all there, and it's a comfortable, user-friendly cabin. But apart from the two-tone stitching on the leather seats and a sharp looking instrument cluster, the materials inside the Milan look like a movie set — good from afar but far from good.

On the road, a gentle throttle tip-in and forgiving brake pedal give the impression that the Milan is not a car for anybody who's in a hurry. Push the pedal more, and the 221-hp 3.0-liter V6 pulls away from traffic with only a hint of thrashiness. Fortunately for the Milan, the six-speed automatic is more refined. Unfortunately for the Milan, the rest of the chassis is not. Over rough surfaces the Milan transmits more vibration and road noise than the quasi-luxury appearance would suggest is appropriate. The set-up is surprisingly neutral for a front-wheel-drive car, but the steering and tires don't communicate enough information to boost a driver's confidence at speed.

So what is the Milan supposed to be, a sports sedan or an entry-luxury sedan? Unfortunately, this isn't quite clear, and the compromise is the Milan's biggest fault. If it's not a sports sedan than it can't be faulted for lacking the zoom of its body-donor corporate sibling, the Mazda 6. But the Milan lacks the refinement to justify the loss of sportiness. At $25,495, the Milan is not a bad deal for a dressed-up Fusion, but it's still a dressed-up Fusion. Anybody that is fooled by the blatant badge engineering or just prefers the looks of the Mercury will undoubtedly be happy with the Milan, but buyers that do any serious cross-shopping will probably stay away. [by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Mercury Milan, Part 2, Part 3 [internal]

Ford says the Milan is now Mercury's top-selling car among Latino customers, and as such, the company charged designer and resident latin lover, Camilo Pardo, with creating a special-edition Milan directed at a Hispanic audience. Pardo's creation — a pointedly decked out model — was revealed during Miami Fashion Week, with help from caliente actress Roselyn Sanchez, who's picture most assuredly would adorn a mami-dollar bill if such currency existed. The car, which will be auctioned for charity on eBay, is painted in "stainless" blue metallic with black/vanilla bean custom leather-trimmed seating and door inserts, 3D Carbon exterior ground effects, H.R.E. competition 943 20" under Pirelli tires, and stainless steel roof appearance cap — and includes Milan Premier interior package which comes with power moonroof and in-dash 6-CD sound system with MP3. Moreover, to complete the obscure punk-rock reference, Camilo Pardo was never called an asshole.

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Ponytail Party: Ford GT Designer Guests on Extreme Makeover [internal]

Italophiles, start your Andrea Bocelli CDs (on second thought, fire up some of this action). Car Design News offers coverage of a show in Milan that's featuring classic Italian concept cars of the past 40 years, including the Bertone Rainbow (above). Sponsored by Alcantara, a maker of automobile interior materials, the show is running at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, in conjunction with what may be the world's most prestigious furniture fair (you could basically tell us anything in this regard); a convergence, of sorts, of Alacantra's core businesses. With a couple of exceptions, the show includes one concept car each from design houses Bertone, Ital Design and Pininfarina created during each decade from the 1960s to now. Yes, please.

Show Review: Alcantara Style and Italian Car Design [Car Design News]

Related:
More Concept Cars [internal]

The Welsh designer who came up with the clear, globby-looking Ty Nant plastic water bottle has penned a squarish, transparent vehicle that's powered by that globby-looking hot star thing. We're not exactly sure what we're looking at, but whatever it is will be unveiled at the Salone Del Mobile Milano, an Italian design expo in Milan next week. The designer, Ross Lovegrove, is working on the prototype with corporate sponsors Sharp Solar Europe, Swarovski Optical Laboratories, General Motors, and Turin-based auto protoytyping firm Coggiola. Could we be looking at the 2075 Chevy Impala?

Swarovski Crystal Aerospace Solar Car Concept [Born Rich]

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University of Michigan Students Win Solar Challenge [internal]

Today's Rental-car Reacharound comes from longtime commenter Nick Weaver, who recently took out a Mercury Milan during a recent business trip to Los Angeles. Send your rental-car stories (keep 'em to around 500 words) to tips@jalopnik.com.

I'm a "Let s get something different" rental-car junkie. If I'm stuck traveling for business, I ll gladly pay a few extra bucks out of pocket to get something better than an excretable Chevy Classic or Ford Focus. On a recent trip to LA, I was hoping for a convertible, but with only the fossilized Chrysler Sebring available, I opted out. Being happy with my Mazda6, I decided on Mercury's regrilled version of Ford's stretched Mazda, the Milan.

For once, this rental wasn't a complete stripper. Although it only had the 160hp I4 and ye-cliche five-speed slushbox, it was decked out in Premium trim (leather interior, six disk CD/MP3 stereo, steering-wheel-mounted stereo and cruise control) rather than the stock cloth and single-disk player; a worthwhile upgrade.

The Milan could be described as a Ford Fusion with the "Nice Interior" option. With more black and tan on tap than an Irish-themed airport bar, the rental s insides felt formal but airy. Although black-heavy, counting square-feet of dashboard and seat, contrasting tones imparted a brighter look. Details matter. Two primary textures, a mottled creasing (on the black leather, the dash pieces, and some of the door), and a regular grid-pitting (on the tan leather, door trim, and in print on the center stack and dividing trim) added visual interest. Even the stitching matched, with tan thread over black leather.

Gages are crisp and readable, with tasteful chrome surrounds (apart from the green dot matrix display for the odometer/trip), although the obligatory single-stalk Ford control interface is nowhere near as ergonomically refined as other cars separate signal/light and wiper stalk setup. What s more, the steering wheel buttons, ill integrated into the spokes, felt like an afterthought. Memo to Ford: Copy Mazda's control stalks and steering wheel next time.

Another memo to Ford: The center stack is elegant, except for the huge, black square that is the standard Ford stereo ruining the lines. At least spend an extra buck to get the stereo finished to match the center console. (Honda and company do a far better job make their stereos fit the console.)

On the road, the whole package was inoffensively solid. This niche of car is less about raising the pulse than keeping it in a cardiologist-recommended range. Acceleration is tolerable, but the Milan s I4 sips like the Dutchess of Gloucester. I saw 27 MPG in a mix of open freeway and really #@)*$ bad LA and San Diego traffic, with only minor leadfoot tendencies. The transmission could use a manumatic mode, like that of its Mazda cousin. It wouldn't really add anything to the performance, but at least it d make it feel faster.

In the on-ramp Grand Prix, the Milan held its own, with a well-planted feel during the "Left turn, right hand bank, full-throttle merge" event. (It didn't even protest during the "270-degree ramp at 45+ mph" event.) It courteously lacks the numbness of Camrys, and has retained much of the Mazda6 s directness, despite having been enlarged and Americanized.

On the whole, I was surprised. The Milan is competitively priced with the Japanese competition (and cheaper than the Mazda6), with a roomy, light, clean, well designed interior and a respectably solid road feel. It s a nice car at an almost freakishly low price. It s got all the good parts of the Mazda6, with which it shares underpinnings, but has been resized for American tastes. It also proves a US automaker can actually create a good interior if it really wants to.

Now if only Ford would turn the same technique on replacing the US Focus...

Price as tested: $20,895 MSRP, or $33/day + tax rental at LAX.

Nicholas Weaver (nweaver@gmail.com)

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Ford Fusion, Part 1 [internal]

What a difference a brand makes. Where Ford is pushing its Fusion sedan as a street machine, Mercury is casting its Milan in the title role from "Here's Boomer" (1980s TV reference alert). The company is spreading kindness in the name of Milan in several cities with random acts of delight, like a free coffee or a manicure en gratis. The acts will take place between now and mid-November, during which marketing assistants will descend on Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Austin and San Diego for two-day "invasions" (their quotes) that will include free beverages at morning drive, appetizers in the evening and salon services on Saturday. Oh, we get in now. Fusions are for boys and Milans are for girls. We totally did not see that coming.

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Ford to Show Off Tuner Fusions at Sema [internal]