What is it?
2010 Mercury Milan
What's special about it?
From Mercury — the little brand that could (maybe) — comes the 2010 Milan, a car which is very similar to the much-improved 2010 Ford Fusion.
The big news for the 2010 models, which go on sale in the spring of 2009, is the hybrid versions of both the Fusion and the Milan.
Otherwise, the Milan, like the Fusion, gets a new front and rear fascia and an updated interior that incorporates more acoustic insulation so it'll be even quieter (it's already very quiet, actually).
The more compelling story for the non-hybrid 2010 Milans is the improved powertrain options. Last year's combination of a 2.3-liter inline-4 engine with a five-speed manual transmission is supplanted by a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four that will be available with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The 3.0-liter V6 has been substantially upgraded for the 2010 model with a new intake, cylinder head and pistons along with what one Mercury employee refers to as "magic beans," to produce 240 hp and 222 pound-feet of torque compared to the 221 hp and 205 lb-ft from last year's 3.0-liter V6.
The Milan will not be offered with the 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 that's offered in the Lincoln MKZ and the new Fusion Sport model. This is because the Mercury is apparently neither sporty enough nor luxurious enough to deserve such a motor.
The Milan will get the full complement of electronic doodads offered on the 2010 Fusion, including Sync with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report; Sirius Travel Link with traffic, weather and entertainment information; back-up camera; and Blind Spot Information System.
Why buy the Milan instead of a Fusion? Um, maybe you live next door to a Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Or maybe the mere mention of the car's name whisks you away to Northern Italy. (It reminds us only of the small town in southeast Michigan with a drag strip.) Um, we're still thinking….
Inside Line says: Doesn't matter a bit how fancy Mercury makes the Milan; certain Michiganders will still refer to it as the "MY-lin." — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
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