Mercury's new mainstay compact sedan arrives this fall as the near twin to the Ford Fusion and the very close sibling to the Lincoln {{{Zephyr}}}, both unveiled last month at the Detroit Auto Show. The Milan, pronounced like the runway capitol of Italy (mih-LAHN), not the like-named drag-strip capital of Michigan (MY-lin), takes up where the late, unlamented Mercury {{{Mystique}}} left off in 2000.
All three of the new sedans are based on the front-wheel-drive platform of the well-regarded Mazda 6, though the Milan and its kin ride on a longer wheelbase (107.4 inches) and have a more square-sided body for a roomier interior. Aside from the vertical-bar grille and the horizontal taillamps, the interior is the main area of distinction between the Milan and the Fusion, with the Mercury featuring a choice of satin-metal or wood trim as well as offering two-tone leather upholstery.
Mechanically, the Ford and Mercury are identical, with a 2.3-liter, 160-hp four as the base engine, with manual or automatic transmissions (both five-speed). The optional V-6 is Ford's 3.0-liter, 210-hp Duratec, mated to a six-speed automatic. The suspension is control-arm at all four corners, and four-wheel disc brakes are standard. Mercury will add the choice of all-wheel drive about a year after launch, and a hybrid powertrain in 2008.