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New car reviews » 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

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Better than: Toyota Prius? Maybe.
But not as good as: Having a chauffeur.
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 70.61  

How ironic that a Mercury Milan Hybrid showed up the day after Ford announced that the brand’s days were numbered. Well, that doesn’t mean that this is a lame duck: The Ford Fusion Hybrid is pretty much the same vehicle.

The Milan Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine mated to an electric motor. Like other hybrids, it also uses regenerative braking to recharge the batter pack. Ah, technology.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

You know, if you need a roomy, normal-sized sedan that features hybrid technology, this one should be on the list. It’s certainly powerful enough for normal driving, and the back seat is comfy. It’s very nicely equipped, too.

On the highway, at least like other hybrids I have driven, cruise control yields smooth sailing. When manually working the throttle, power delivery is a bit jagged as the electric motor and gas engine constantly swap back and forth. With the cruise on, however, things were much, much smoother.

We did plenty of highway and in-town driving with this one. Our fuel economy was in the mid-30s without really trying. (Interesting bit of info: The car is rated 41 city, 36 highway—not the other way around.)

By the way, this one comes pretty nicely equipped: 17-inch alloys, power seat, Sync voice-activated controls, etc.

I even dig the looks. Hey, it looks like a normal sedan. Yeah, I’d probably pop off the Hybrid badge, though.

Tim Suddard Publisher:

Overall, the Ford Fusion is one of my favorite new cars. It is the right size, decent enough looking and the fit and finish are spot on. The handling, ride and passenger comfort are top of the class, and if I needed a four- door family sedan, I would certainly consider the Fusion. Perhaps it would ben be at the top of my list.

I have been a long time non-supporter of hybrid vehicles. I think while conceptually a bad idea, they tend to be complicated, heavy and the thought of owning one that is out of warranty terrifies me. I also can’t get use to the way they don’t make the right noises and they all tend to surge and buck some while running down the road at 80 mph, as they try to decide if they should be in gas or electric mode.

That said, the Milan Hybrid is the most seamless one I have driven so far. Sure, it still bugs me that it makes no engine noise when you start it, but I guess I could learn to live with that. The Milan Hybrid is quick enough, smooth enough in our test got 34.7 mpg in all around (but mostly in town) driving.

Sure, I think BMWs turbo diesel is still the answer to the fuel mileage question, but Ford has raised the hybrid bar.

Reader comments:

1. bearmotorsports: — Jul 9, 2010 9:41 a.m.
   

   Hey, I have watched this car since it’ inception. In all forms, it seems to be a winner. I noted the smoothenes of the egines, the nice high quality of paint finishes…etc. etc. Too bad the Mercury part is going. Can you tell me were I can see pubibity of the Mercury brand….if you know what I mean, do you? Is someone sleeping on the go button?

2. jstein77: — Jul 13, 2010 3:26 p.m.
   

   The Mercury brand is redundant and unnecessary, consisting entirely of Ford cars with other badges. A waste of money in today’s environment. Pontiac, on the other hand, had unique and desirable products that appealed to enthusiasts. I was sorry to see it go.

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