A family sedan loaded with style

The Milan is to Mercury as Fusion is to Ford. Basically the same vehicle, Milan has been tweaked to carry the Mercury theme — the signature waterfall grille, analog clock, the feeling of service at a more upscale dealership. It’s a vehicle that looks comfortable parked next to a Lincoln Navigator on the showroom floor. Though the vehicles are nearly identical, at $18,995 (including freight) the Milan costs about $1200 more than the Fusion. Still, both are thousands less than some Accord, Sonata and Camry models and both Fusion and Milan are sportier and more fun to drive.

Like the Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr, Milan is derived from the Ford’s acclaimed Mazda6 platform. Milan and Fusion share the same powertrains and engine options (base 2.3-liter 160-horsepower four-cylinder with either a manual or automatic transmission or a 221-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 with an excellent six-speed automatic transmission). The V-6 is the same engine used in the larger Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, but squeezes out a bit more horsepower on the Milan and Fusion.

The midsize Milan is a four-door front-wheel-drive sedan available in two trim levels: base and Premier. The base Milan has the four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Mercury expects most buyers will opt for the V-6 and automatic transmission. An all-wheel-drive Milan is slated for 2007 with a gas/electric hybrid expected in 2008.

All Milans feature a six-way power driver’s seat, AM/FM/CD audio system, analog clock, remote keyless entry, power windows, door locks and heated exterior mirrors. Premier models come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, power seats, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, and sharp looking two-tone leather seats with contrasting stitching.

For my weeklong test drive, Mercury furnished a well-equipped V-6 Premier with the optional comfort package ($595), including automatic headlamps, fog lamps, compass and puddle lights on the outside rearview mirrors. The tester also came equipped with the safety/security package ($595) with side curtain airbags, and anti-theft alarm, heated front seats ($295), traction control ($95) and an upgraded sound system ($420).
 
While it’s basically the same car, I much preferred the look and feel of the Milan over the Fusion. Something about the waterfall grille, LED tail lamps and satin finish trim on the dash and door panels made the Milan seem more elegant and upscale. For the money difference I’d take the Milan over Fusion.

Inside, the Milan’s instrument panel has nicer gauges, and the satin-metal dash trim is more appealing than the piano-black Fusion appliqué. There’s a storage bin atop the dash, a covered storage compartment on the center console, and map pockets in the front doors and seatbacks.

Despite being eight inches shorter and one inch narrower than the Sable it replaces, Milan maintains about the same amount of interior room. Milan is nine inches shorter and rides on a wheelbase five inches shorter than the Mercury Montego, which debuted last year. Milan is built in Hermosillo, Mexico alongside the Fusion and Zephyr.

The Milan’s driving and road handling characteristics are pleasing and predictable. There is minimal body roll on curves and corners and the brakes are excellent, but steering felt heavy. And like Fusion, the Milan has a wide turn radius, making parking difficult. Road noise at highway speeds is more than desired. I thought Milan could use a little more punch, with a zero-to-60 time of 8.5 seconds for the V-6.

Standard safety equipment is on the lean side with side-impact and side-curtain airbags optional and stability control not available. Antilock brakes are standard as are dual front airbags. There are no crash test results yet for the Milan or Fusion nor are there reliability or consumer quality ratings from either J.D. Power and Associates or Consumer Reports.

Time will tell how Milan and Fusion will measure up to Camry, Sonata and Accord relative to quality, reliability and resale value. Meanwhile, if you’re shopping for a midsize family sedan, I strongly recommend test-driving the new Milan. From among the likes of Camry, Accord, Altima and Sonata, this could be the car to buy. I found much to like and just a few minor annoyances. If you need to save a few bucks, Fusion is basically the same car for less money.

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