Mercury Milan Hybrid A Fresh Take for the Market

Mercury launched its first hybrid passenger car with the 2010 Milan Hybrid. The Milan Hybrid has promised to be one of the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans available in the U.S. The new Milan Hybrid joins an updated version of the gas-only midsize sedan and features similar styling. It has a waterfall grille as well as a restyled hood, headlights and front bumper. Despite the numerous changes to the Milan’s exterior, the relatively conservative design might get lost in the large crowd that is the midsize sedan segment. The Milan Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. A continuously variable automatic transmission sends power to the wheels.

This is a fairly conventional setup for a hybrid, but the Milan Hybrid’s system differs from current competitors in a key way: While many hybrids are limited to electric-only operation to speeds around 25 mph, Mercury says the Milan Hybrid can travel on electric power alone up to 47 mph. Obviously, conditions must be favorable to allow for this type of operation, but it offers the potential for notable gas savings. The claimed range for the Milan Hybrid in city driving — around 700 miles — is equally impressive.

One of the Milan Hybrid’s top competitors has been in the hybrid market for a long time, the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Civic uses gasoline-electric hybrid technology to reach fuel economy ratings of 40/45 mpg city/highway. The Civic Hybrid features a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor. While Mercury’s legacy is at stake, one thing is for sure the Milan and Milan hybrid remain competitive in the market. Both the Civic Hybrid, found at Honda Dealerships, and the Milan Hybrid offer consumers stylish rides with great fuel efficiency.