A virtual twin of the Ford Fusion, although with its own distinctive styling, the Mercury Milan receives only minor updates for 2009, including standard Sirius satellite radio and available stability control. Now in the fourth year of its current design, which debuted in 2006, the Milan serves as Mercury's entry-level sedan. It sports a contemporary, aerodynamic exterior highlighted by a satin-aluminum Mercury "waterfall" grille, quad halogen headlights, and LED taillights.

Drivers can choose from six trims, including Base and Premier trims with either an inline four-cylinder engine, which comes standard, or an optional V6 powerplant. In addition, the V6 trims are available with either standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

Standard features for the Base trims include a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, power windows and door locks, a remote keyless entry system, a multifunction steering wheel with secondary audio and cruise controls, and a six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and an MP3 input jack. The Premier trims add leather-trimmed seats, electronic automatic temperature control, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system. The Premier trims also come with headlights that activate automatically when outside light dims at dusk or in inclement weather.

The standard 2.3-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine produces 160 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. It links to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. The EPA estimates fuel mileage for the four-cylinder at 20/29 mpg with the manual transmission and 20/28 mpg with the automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter Duratec V6 produces 221 hp, and links to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel mileage for the V6 checks in at 18/26 mpg for the front-wheel-drive trims and 17/25 mpg for the AWD trims.

The Milan rides on a stretched platform borrowed from the Mazda6, which provides a smooth ride and allows for a roomy interior for a car of this size. Antilock brakes and rack-and-pinion steering come standard across the line, while the V6 trims receive traction control as a standard feature. When it detects slippage, the traction control system applies progressive braking and torque to the heels that have traction.

The Milan features a versatile interior with numerous storage spaces and nearly 16 cubic feet of storage space. Drivers who require additional storage space can fold down the 60/40 rear-split seat, and even fold down the front passenger seat, providing storage space for items up to nearly nine feet in length.

Optional features include heated front seats, a power moonroof, a turn-by-turn navigation system, and a reverse sensing system, which uses ultrasonic sensors to provide audible alerts when backing up. In addition, drivers who want to push the '09 Milan to the next level can add on the Voga Package (available on Premier trims), which includes Cashmere-colored custom leather-trimmed seating surfaces and trim inserts, unique floor mats, chrome accent exterior finishes, and unique 17-inch wheels and badging.