It’s 2010… well, for automotive model years anyway, and the idea of electric cars is no longer a futuristic vision. With each passing year, the existence of gas-electric and even pure electric vehicles unfolds into our reality, or at least begins to fall onto our list of choices. We are becoming more comfortable with paying for the option of having a car that is more ecofriendly and requires fewer visits to our local gas station. Each year, hybrid technology improves and the vehicles they propel become a bit cooler and more reliable. In the case of the all-new 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid it is also fun to drive!
The Ford Motor Company has been showcasing its two hybrid sedans, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan for a few years now. Both have undergone major changes for 2010. Under the skin the two cars are about the same with the differences found in sheet metal. The new second generation hybrid system is smooth and exciting to drive. When you start the Milan Hybrid it rings out a pleasant series of chimes – ding ding ding – to alert you that the car is ready to go. No engine noise, just the sound of silence.
The 2010 Mercury Milan from the outside is a bit more conservative in styling than its sibling, the Fusion. From the front you will see that the Milan’s new nose/hood is more rounded than its predecessor with the front bumper completely hidden behind the front fascia. The grille is all Mercury and the front headlights flow up into the hood area. The rear bumper is
smoothly integrated into the rear coverings that curve around and form the lower portion of the rear quarter panels, which creates a clean transition.
The proportions of the 2010 Milan, with its relatively low roof profile, help create a sporty overall effect. The real fun comes when you slide into the front seat and begin to admire the all-new electronic SmartGauge setup. In the center of the instrument cluster sits the speedometer with blackness all around. Well, that is until you open the door and enter into the cockpit of the future. The blackness is first replaced by light blue side wings with the Mercury logo and Milan name. Once you start the car the wings fade away and electronic video style gauges flow out from the center. It’s very cool to watch again and again. After driving to your next location, the distance traveled and fuel mileage appear on the left once the ignition has been turned off. Nice!
Of course there is more to the cabin than just the dash. Starting with the steering wheel, it is comfortably wrapped in thick leather and contains switches to operate the audio system, cruise control, cell phone, and voice commands. In the past, Ford has been knocked for placing too many hard surfaces in their interiors; now not being an issue in the 2010 Mercury Milan. The dash and surrounding touch areas are dressed in nice soft materials. The front seats are very comfortable and supportive and covered in a fabric made from 100% post-industrial recycled materials, which is found in other Ford models as well.
My test model was loaded with cool and useful features—many safety items—including rear back up camera, side and rear depth sensors, blind spot detection and plenty of air bags. The fun features included Sync—voice control system, navigation, Sony audio, moon-roof and satellite radio. Keep in mind some of these came as optional equipment, but it still totaled in at a lower price than an equivalent Toyota Camry Hybrid.
The 2010 Mercury Milan is available in three models: base ($21,180), Premier ($24,320), and the Hybrid ($27,500) sedans. The Premier comes standard with FWD and a 2.5-liter 4-cyclinder engine. You can upgrade to an AWD with a 3.0-liter V6 for $3,480.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:
- The optional sunroof cuts into the headroom of the back seat
- No push button start ignition
COOL FEATURES:
- Blue-Tooth phone connectivity
- Keyless entry key pad on door
- Electronic video style gauges
- Sync system
- Capless fuel cap
The 2010 Milan Hybrid power system is a combination of a 2.5-liter 4-cyclinder engine and hybrid power plant that together achieves 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The engine is mated to an automatic CVT transmission. It can drive up to 700 miles on a single tank of gas. I drove and drove and drove for a week and could only use up one-half of a tank.
In Summary—The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is an incredible car with a lot of great attributes. The ride and handling are confident and make the car fun to drive. You will be hard to find a car in this category that has so many cool and safety features. If you are in the market and comparing it against the Toyota Camry Hybrid, you will find the Milan wins for both fuel mileage and trunk space. There is a price factor when buying a hybrid that has to be considered, but if you have gotten over that hump then I suggest taking the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid out for a test drive. It will pleasantly surprise you.
Base price: $27,500
As driven: $33,735 (with Destination and Option charges)
Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder HEV
Horsepower: Combined HP 191 NET
Torque: 136 Pound-Feet @ 2250 RPM
Transmission: CVT Automatic
Drive: Front-Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-Passenger
Turning circle: 37.5 Feet
Cargo Space: 11.8 Cubic feet
Curb Weight: 3729 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17 Gallons
EPA Mileage: 41 Highway, 36 City
Wheel base: 107.4 Inches
Warranty: 3 Years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper, 8 years/100,000 miles Hybrid specific components
Also consider: Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan San Altima Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid
Future changes: Re-engineered for Model year 2010
PASSING LANE
CHARLES DONALDSON