First Look
A lot of automotive brands have died out in the past decade, and the list of such brands is growing day by day. There is a strong chance that Ford’s midrange brand “Mercury” could be the next entry in that list. If and when it happens it will be really unfortunate, because it will mean that the days of Mercury’s 2011 Milan sedan are numbered.
We said it will be unfortunate because, the Milan actually has a lot to offer to the consumers looking for an upscale, right-sized four-door sedan. Just like its almost indistinguishable twin, the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan also got a huge makeover last year. Its makeover got it stylish new exterior, fuel-efficient and extra powerful engines, and made it one of the well-rounded entries in the immensely aggressive midsize sedan grouping.
What’s New for 2011 Mercury Milan?
The 2011 Mercury Milan comes with included spotter mirrors and one-touch power front windows as its standard equipment list. Some other optional equipment include HD radio, an Appearance package marking 18 inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a back spoiler and a sport-tuned suspension. The voice-operated Sync system available here now offers fresh Directions, Information and Traffic service. Apart from all these there are some other equipments and features available for the Milan.
Body Styling and Features
The 2011 Mercury Milan comes in a single body style of a midsize sedan, and is available in two trim levels: base or Premier trims.
The standard features for the base trim includes 16 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry (through either an exterior security keypad and the key fob), 60/40-split rear seats, air-conditioning, a leather-swathed tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel having auxiliary controls, an eight-way power driver seat, and a six-speaker stereo system having a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. There also is a Sun and Sync package which gets you a sunroof, Sync (obtainable separately), which comprises iPod integration, three years of Traffic, Information and Direction services, Bluetooth and auto-dimming mirror.
The equipments for the Premier includes 17-inch alloys, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, foglamps, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, unique interior Sync and trim and power heated front seats.
The Premier also comes with Driver’s Vision package, which adds a blind-spot warning system, rain-sensing wipers and rearview camera. There also is the Moon & Tune package which will get you a 12-speaker Sony surround-sound system and sunroof.
Another package offers a lot more, including 18 inch wheels, exclusive leather upholstery and exterior trim and a sport-tuned suspension. Also optional on both the trim are Parking sensors.
Under The Hood
The 2011 Mercury Milan is powered by a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine which generates 175 horsepower of power and 172 pound-feet of maximum torque. The standard transmission on the base Milan’s is a six-speed manual transmission. The standard transmission for Premier trim is a six-speed automatic, this transmission is optional on the base trim. This engine option comes with front-wheel drive option only. The EPA estimated fuel economy is around 25 mpg combined for in city and highway drive.
The Premier trim level gets an option of a 3.0 liter V6 engine which generates maximum power of 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of maximum torque. The standard transmission here is a six-speed automatic transmission and also standard is the front wheel drive; there also is option of getting all-wheel drive.
Safety Equipments
The 2011 Mercury Milan’s standard safety equipments include antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and stability control. The car scored perfect in government crash testing and hence safety isn’t an issue here.
Verdict
The 2011 Mercury Milan has a perfect blend of style, drivability and comfort, which makes it astonishingly competitive in the already flooding crowded midsize sedan segment.
