The Mercury Milan midsize sedan, along with its
Ford Fusion cousin, was restyled for 2010. Improvements for the Milan for this
model year include more standard safety features, revamped four- and
six-cylinder drivetrains and sleeker styling for 2010. Compared to
the Fusion, the Milan is Mercury's entry into the highly competitive midsize
sedan segment, taking a slightly higher more prestigious spot than the
mechanically identical Ford Fusion in the Ford brand hierarchy. All-wheel
drive was added as an option for 2007 and provides all-weather capabilities for
customers anticipating adverse weather conditions. The 2010 Milan base delivers
a best-in-class 34 miles per gallon on the highway among midsize sedans. The Milan benefits from fresh styling and upgraded powertrain options, starting
with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and mated to a six-speed
automatic or manual transmission. Ford's cap less fuel filler system, dubbed Easy Fuel, is standard on all Milans. When drivers finish refueling the
Milan, the system seals shut, reducing emissions.
Milan Design for 2010
The 2010 Milan is 189 inches long, and about the
same size as a Camry or Nissan Altima. The Chevrolet Malibu and Accord are a few
inches longer. Underneath its unique styling, the Milan is virtually
identical to the Ford Fusion. The Milan differs from its Ford cousin with
unique front and rear fascias that provide a stylish and sophisticated aura,
distinct headlights and LED taillights, a modified suspension, and an upgraded
interior. While the Fusion's new face looks different from its
predecessor's, the Milan's styling changes are less noticeable. The lower bumper
carries a single-frame air dam rather than the previous three-piece cutout,
while the car's tail has relatively fewer changes. Base models have 16-inch
alloy wheels, which is impressive for a base model. The Milan Premier has
17-inch alloy wheels. Compared to the previous year's model, the rear taillight
cluster has been handsomely reconfigured, though the overall shape remains the
same. Up front, the Milan has a larger grille, restyled headlights, and a more
aggressive front fascia.
Powering the Milan
For power to the Milan, there are two regular
gasoline engines. The entry-level 2.5-liter 16V Duratec four-cylinder model
delivers 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.0 liter V6
puts out 240 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque for a sportier driving
experience. In addition to these the 2010 Milan is available in a hybrid model. The 2.5 liter works with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The optional 3.0-liter V-6 makes 240 hp and is available only with the six-speed
automatic. It can accept either gasoline or E85 alternative fuel that
helps reduce carbon emissions.
Mercury Milan Cabin
According to Mercury, the overall feel of the
seating space for 2010 is more comfortable. The Mercury Milan signature
look, a two-tone design, continues for 2010 in the cabin. There are
satin-aluminum accents and wood finish around the center stack adds to the
upscale look. A 60/40-split folding backseat is standard, and the fold-flat
front-passenger seat allows for cargo up to 9 feet long. An improved
seat design with a new perforation pattern has been implemented. The seat
contour itself was also revised, with more side support to help create a softer
seat overall. The Milan features Dark Charcoal Black, Medium Light Stone and
Camel as interior choices through the Premier Series, which includes embossed
leather. All Milan models offer abundant space and the latest in
technology, such as the available SYNC communications and entertainment system.
Driving a 2010 Milan
Mercury expects highway gas mileage for the Milan
to beat that of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Both the Milan and
Fusion are based on the Mazda 6 chassis, and derive their sporty (relatively
speaking) handling responses from that car. Performance is improved with the new
four as well: 0-to-60 mph times drop by a full second, to 9.5 sec. Squeezing
into the perfect parking space is now easier, thanks to the turning circle,
which has been shortened by about one foot. The new Milan is supposedly much
quieter than before, thanks to a number of changes including new headliner
materials, hood insulators, and more sound deadening in the trunk.
Summary
The Milan fills the gap in the Mercury lineup
previously held by the Mystique and former Sable. The 2010 Mercury Milan
offers two trim levels: base and premier. Base comes equipped with the
essentials: a single CD player with MP3 capability, cloth seats, and six airbags
(dual front, dual front side impact, and dual curtain). Premier adds leather
seating, a premium sound system with an in-dash 6-disk CD changer, and 17-inch
machined aluminum wheels to the mix. The benefits to the 2010 Milan
include a lots of good standard features, a long list of standard
safety features, a well-executed navigation system, and plenty of luggage space. The downsides to the Milan are its crowded center control panel, poor four
cylinder gad mileage, and some lower quality cabin material.