Mercury Milan

The Mercury Milan is a mid-size sedan based on the Mazda designed Ford CD3 platform built by Ford Motor Company and distributed by the Lincoln-Mercury division. It is a twin of the Ford Fusion, while being slotted below the luxury-spec Lincoln MKZ (formerly Zephyr) sedan. The Milan was first shown at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, and was sold in the United States (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Mexico, and the Middle East. With Ford eliminating the Mercury division, production of the Milan ended December 17, 2010.^[2]

The Milan differs from the Fusion by featuring unique front and rear fascia designs, larger rear doors, LED taillight clusters, projector head lamps and fog lamps, modified suspension, and an upgraded interior. The Milan filled the lineup gap following the discontinuation of both the Mercury Mystique in 2000 and the Mercury Sable in 2005, becoming the entry-level Mercury sedan. The Milan is available in six packaged variants: I4, V6, I4 Premier, V6 Premier, V6 AWD, and Premier AWD. As of 2008, only the I4 and I4 Premier are offered in the Middle East. In the 2007 model, the "MILAN" badging was added at the doors.

First Generation: 2006-2009

2006

The 2006 model year was the first for the new Mercury Milan. This was the first year in Mercury's approach to replace the outgoing Sable with a smaller midsize sedan, the Milan, and a larger, fullsize sedan, the Montego. Ford had also used the same strategy in order to make up for the Taurus's lackluster sales by introducing the midsize Fusion, and the fullsize Five Hundred, each twins of the Milan and Montego, respectively.

The Milan shares the same CD3 platform as both the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ. Contrary to popular belief, the only common parts shared by all 3 vehicles are the doors, all other sheet metal being proprietary to each car. The Milan shares the same interior and dash design as the Fusion, however. To differentiate it from its closely related Ford sibling, the Milan sports upscale styling cues similar to the luxury Zephyr. Projector headlamps, and LED taillights are standard throughout all trim levels, and exterior/interior surfaces are adorned with faux satin aluminum trim pieces, unlike the Fusion's glossy colored plastics. A standard analog center-mounted clock is prominent on the dash, and imitation wood trim was also available. Contrast stitching was standard on all leather surfaces, and two-tone color schemes were also optional, which weren't available on the Fusion.

There were originally two trim levels on the Milan. Standard, colliquially known as "Base Trim," and Premier.

Standard

The base trim was comparable to that of the Fusion SE. A 2.3L Duratec 23 I4, producing 160 hp, with a 5-speed manual transmission was the standard powertrain, with a 5-speed automatic available as an option. The available 3.0L Duratec 30 V6, producing 221 hp, came standard with a 6-speed automoatc transmission. An optional All Wheel Drive powertrain was available later in the 2006 model year, coupled to the V6. The same cloth seats as the Fusion were available in 3 colors in standard trim with a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, and a manual fold-flat passenger seat. The rear bench seat came standard with a retractable armrest with cupholders, and a 60/40 split for accomodating larger cargo. Electronics included a single CD player with 6 speakers, which was upgradeable to a 6-disc in-dash changer, and further upgradeable to an 8-speaker "Audiophile" system. Manual climate controls with side mirror defrosters were standard, with automatic A/C including an outside temperature reading was an option. Headlights with manual control were standard, while foglamps were optional. A trip computer/information display was also standard which calculated average fuel consumption, estimated driving range, and included two stopwatches and trip odometers.

Premier

The Premier trim was equivalent to a loaded Fusion SEL, but could be optioned out to a position somewhere between that and the then Lincoln Zephyr. Powertrain options carried over from Standard trim, but the manual transmission on the I4 was dropped in favor of a standard 5-speed automatic. Heated Leather bucket seats were standard, and a leather trimmed bench was included. Automatic climate controls, automatic headlamps, and foglamps were standard equipment as well. The base stereo options and upgrades remained, and a voice-acivated "Mercury Sync" system was added with Bluetooth connectivity, and iPod/mp3 player integration. Two-tone leather seats wer optional, which included a two-tone dash, console, and carpets. An optional automatic tilt and sliding sunroof was an option on both trim levels, and included the upgraded 6-disc stereo head unit. An automatic electrochromatic rearview mirror was also standard, but was criticized for inconsistent operation, due to sensor placement that was obstructed by the high rear deck/trunklid. The mirror would only dim when the vehicle behind the Milan was at such a distance that its headlights would enter through the small rear window. The problem was exacerbated when an optional rear spoiler was added. Of notable absence on both trims was standard traction control. This feature was optional on the Premier level, and standard with the AWD powertrain option.

2007

Many technological and mechanical upgrades were added for the 2007 model year, but otherwise, the Milan was carried over from the 2006 model year. Standard trim remained the same, but most upgrades were added to the Premier trim. Optional on any trim was the now immediately available All-wheel drive system. Late in the model year, an auxiliary audio input was standard across all models. Mercury Sync was now optional in Standard trim. A Pioneer-designed DVD navigation system was available on the Premier trim level for the first time. New door panels were added across all Milans, which improved road noise deadening, and improved side-impact crash test ratings.

2008

The 2008 model year saw few evolutionary changes. As 2007 improved on technology offerings in the Milan, 2008 added two new appearance packages. On the Premier trim level, an option called simply "Appearance Package" was available which offered subtle changes to the exterior, including painted alloy wheels, and many interior tweaks. Exclusive to the appearance package were new two-tone interior treatments that included blue contrast stitching on black leather seating surfaces, and new blue Alcantera suede inserts on all seats. Also, blue LED lighting replaced the standard green in the gauge cluster, and center instrument panel. For the first time, Ambient Interior Lighting was made an option on the Premier trim, which placed LEDs in all footwells, compartments, and cupholders. A switch next to the shift lever turned the lights on, or off, and cycled between 7 color options including Blue, Green, Red, Pink, and White. The second appearance package was implemented as a 3rd trim level, known as VOGA. The VOGA trim replaced exterior satin aluminum surfaces with polished chrome, replaced the machined 17-spoke wheels with chrome 8-spoke wheels, and adorned the interior with white cashmere leather seats, black carpets and dash, and carbon-fiber trim panels.

2009

The 2009 model year was an intermediate year, as the first generation CD3 platform cars were ending their production. Features were added that would carry over to next year's redesign. New stitching patterns were introduced on all leather seating surfaces, and all cloth surfaces were replaced with patterned cloth. Traction control was finally made standard on all trim levels, and ambient lighting was standard on the Premier level.

Seond Generation: 2010-2011

The 2010 Mercury Milan debuted at the 2008 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show alongside the 2010 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. It received significant cosmetic updates, with new front and rear fascias, revised wheel designs, and a redesigned dashboard.

2010

For the new generation, the underpowered and now uncompetitive engines in the Milan were replaced with more powerful and efficient ones. The outgoing Duratec 23 was replaced by the larger 2.5L Duratec 2.5 I4, which increased power from 160 hp to 175 hp, making the 2010 Milan I4 much less sluggish than the previous Milan. The new engine was also much smoother and quieter than the inherently noisy Duratec 23. The Duratec 30 V6 from the recent Mercury Mariner redesign was carried over to the Milan, which thanks to new cylinder heads and a revised iVCT system, got a boost to 240 hp, and flexible fuel capabilities (able to burn E85 Ethanol instead of gasoline). The interior design of the new Milan is the same as its Ford Fusion cousin, but with some subtle cosmetic touches to differentiate it. The new Lincoln MKZ also received the Fusion's interior, but was tweaked to look more upscale, and functional. Satin aluminum trim was still standard, with textured pattern inserts on both the Standard and Premier trim levels. A new entertainment system replaced the clean, but aging head unit of the previous model. A central LED screen displays stereo information, outside temperature, inside temperature (for models with automatic climate), and a compass. A new blue gauge cluster replaced the plain instruments of the previous year, with a new trip computer with added features, including a simple instantaneous fuel consumption guide. Hybrid models forgo the standard instrument setup in favor of a "SmartGauge," with a central speedometer flanked by two LCD screens displaying hybrid system functions, as well as fuel and battery levels, coolant temperature, warning messages, and a plant animation that grows leaves as mileage increases. The Mercury Milan Hybrid was launched to the U.S. market in March 2009 as a 2010 model, together with its twin the Ford Fusion Hybrid.^[3] Ford set a modest sales target of about 25,000 vehicles a year for the Fusion and Milan hybrids.^[4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings for the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrid versions are 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp) for city and 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg_-imp) for highway.^[4][5] When driving on electric-only mode (EV mode) the Fusion can achieve 47 mph^[6] and up to 2 miles of continuous EV driving.^[7] In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles (1,126.5 km).^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

Standard

Standard trim levels are equipped with a choice of two engines, and four powertrain configurations. A 2.5L I4 with either a 6-speed manual transmission, or a 6-speed automatic, making the Milan and Fusion the first midsize sedans to offer 6 speed transmissions across the board. The Duratec 30 V6 is available with either a 6-speed automatic with "SelectShift" semi-automatic mode, or a 6-speed AWD system. Seats with patterned cloth were carried over from the 2009 model year, with a 2-way power adjustable fold-flat front passenger seat. 60/40 split rear bench seats remain standard. A single disc stereo with Sirius/XM satellite radio capability is standard, but can be upgraded to a 6-disc system. Sync is also standard across all trim levels. A manual climate control system is standard, but unlike previous models, an automatic unit is not required to read outside temperatures.

Premier

Premier trim levels carry over the same powertrain options as the standard trim level, save for a manual transmission. Leather seats are standard with heat, but lack cooling/ventilation-an exclusive feature to the MKZ. 6-way power adjustment was added to the front passenger seat, and 10-way was added to the driver's, including power recline, and power lumbar support. The passenger seat still included a manual recline lever to facilitate fold-flat capability. Ambient lighting is also standard, along with dual-zone automatic climate, and automatic headlamps with foglamps. a 6CD changer is standard, and can be upgraded to a 10-speaker Sony audio system. A navigation system is optional, and replaces the central LED information screen. Unlike other Ford vehicles which use the touchscreen navigation system to exclusively control other functions, redundant physical buttons are provided on the Milan and Fusion. Controls for the trip computer which were previously located on the dash were relocated onto the steering wheel along with the cruise control buttons. A rearview camera is optional, but does not require the navigation system, and instead uses an LCD monitor in the rearview mirror. The electrochromatic rearview mirror's inconsistent dimming problem still persists, as the rear deck height remained the same, limiting the sensors' viewing angles. A proximity warning system is also available with cross-traffic and blind spot warning integrated into one all-inclusive 'Driver's Vision' package.

VOGA

The VOGA appearance package was still available on the 2010 Milan, but no sales brochures are clear on included features. As a result, 2010 Milans with the VOGA package are extremely rare.

Hybrid

The Milan shares the same hybrid powertrain as the Fusion and MKZ hybrids, wich includes an Atkinson-Cycle modified Duratec 2.5, a 106 hp AC electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission. Net output power is rated at 191 hp. The interior includes environmentally friendly panels, and leather seating surfaces, where the Fusion has cloth seats. Due to the location of the battery pack on Hybrid Milans, the rear seat did not fold down, and trunk space was reduced.

2011

The 2011 model year was the final year for the Milan, as Ford decided to cease the Mercury division's existence, due to poor sales. 2011 models included few new features, the most notable including flexible fuel capability for the Duratec 2.5L 4 cylinder engine. 2011 models were sold on a special-order basis to customers at discounts, as Ford was aiming to liquidate their stock. No dealer-stock Milans were produced so that cars would not be sitting on the lot unsold, unless a dealer special ordered any, usually in small numbers. Any leftover stock was sold at huge discounts to customers, or was purchased by rental fleets, who were already large purchasers of Mercury vehicles. The Milan ended production during the fourth quarter 2010 along with the rest of the Mercury brand.

Safety

Tests on the 2010 Mercury Milan were conducted by NCAP (New Car Assessment Program).^[7]

Powertrain configurations

Awards and recognitions

• In November 2006 Consumer Reports ranked the Milan among the most reliable family cars available in the U.S.^[9]
• Mercury Milan won Auto Pacific's 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for midsize cars.
• First six speed automatic transmission in the medium car class.
• 2007 Consumer Guide Recommended Mid-size Car
• 2007 J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Winner, Midsize Car Category^[10]
• 2007 Second Quarter U.S. Global Quality Research System study, 2nd place^[11]
• 2008 & 2009 lowest TGW ("things gone wrong") in midsize car category (analysis by RDA Group)^[12]

Sales

References

External links

• 2010 Mercury Milan Technical Specifications
• Mercury
• Mercury Milan
• Ford Motor Company