2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

By themselves, the four-door, five-passenger 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid sedan and its fraternal twin, the Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan, double Ford’s green vehicle offerings. The 2010 Milan Hybrid is brand new for this model year and shares its hybrid technology with the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and, of course, the Fusion Hybrid.

The next-gen hybrid system for the 2010 Milan Hybrid combines a new, 155-hp 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine, two battery-powered electric motors (the electric drive motor capable of 106 hp), and a constant-velocity transmission (CVT) for a total of 191 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Milan Hybrid can be driven up to 47 mph on electric power alone, which far surpasses all other hybrids currently on the market. Upgrades to its CVT technology give the Milan Hybrid a flawless transition between all-gas and all-electric drive, while regenerative braking maintains an almost constant re-charging of the lighter, more-powerful nickel-metal hydride battery pack that’s also new for 2010.

Ride and handling characteristics in the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid are improved with a new chassis design that smooths all but the most remote roads, while providing the sure steering and firm braking needed in downtown traffic and mountain passes. The Milan Hybrid’s ride and handling have been described as clearly superior to most of its competitors.

Mercury’s Milan Hybrid for 2010 includes such standard comfort, convenience, and appearance features as distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, digital-keypad power door locks, power windows with one-touch up/down, heated power outside mirrors, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, a 110V power outlet, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, console trim, and shift knob, a 6-CD player with MP3 capability and six speakers, Sirius/XM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free technology, and a voice-activated phone. Available options for the 2010 Milan Hybrid include a voice-activated DVD navigation system, remote start, a power moonroof, Sony 390-watt premium audio with 12 speakers, a rear-view camera system, and the BLIS blind spot information system.

Standard safety features with the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid include four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, remote anti-theft alarm system, dusk-sensing headlights, front fog/driving lights, child seat anchors, rear child-safety door locks, and a post-collision safety system.

Because the Milan Hybrid is in its introductory year, there are, as yet, no owner reviews.  However, those looking to drive green with a bit of upscale refinement, a few more elegant appointments, and significant fuel savings may want to give the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid a serious look.

By Eric Tallberg