Ideal for Canada
Every now and then I see a TV ad or a placement in a magazine for Ford Motor's Mercury division, and wonder how it is that this
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How is it that the once proud Mercury brand is no longer available in Canada? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
once proud brand is no longer available in Canada. I owned a black on red leather '64 Montcalm coupe, ironically a model not even available south of the border when it was new, and loved it. It was massive, powerful and gorgeous, slung low to the ground, true to the brand's hotrod mystique.
Today's Mercurys don't promote the same level of youthful lust as those from the '50s and '60s, but that doesn't mean they're not intriguing. While I can't attest to being a fervent Grand Marquis fan, the only model still available north of the 49th for the same reason it's still available in the U.S., it just won't
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The vehicle that best separates Mercury from its blue-oval sibling is the new Mariner, a compact sport utility based off of the Escape. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
die, I really like the chiseled waterfall grille design of the Ford Explorer-based Mountaineer and more-distinctively-attractive-than-Freestyle Monterey minivan.
I think, however, that the vehicle that best separates Mercury from its blue-oval sibling is its newest Mariner, a compact sport utility based off of the Escape, Canada's most popular sport utility. Its exterior styling is truly unique, boasting flush fascias front and rear, upscale brushed aluminum trim and a gorgeous waterfall grille that visually extends downward to a racy air inlet that spans most of the lower front fascia. Each end meets up with large, rectangular fog lamps, giving the car a mini-Lincoln Navigator appearance.
It has that same upscale ambience when getting inside. No, power running boards aren't part of the package, of course, but
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A high level of upscale ambience continues into the cabin of the Mariner, with my test model featuring a unique dark gray and light gray two-tone interior. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
a unique interior treatment is. My test model featured a dark gray and light gray two-tone interior that was unlike anything I've seen anywhere else, while its materials quality seem upgraded slightly over the Escape. The dash layout, while not completely unique, is at least modified to the point where most new car buyers wouldn't immediately notice any similarities to Ford's smallest SUV.
I found the seats were more comfortable too. When inquiring as to why, I was told Mercury sourced their frames from the Mazda Tribute. Ah, now that makes sense, as Mazda put a great deal of effort into differentiating its sport utility from the Escape as well. Furthermore, I learned the gear selector treatment
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For me, the European influence is a good thing, and the Mariner has this in spades. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
and the sporty four-spoke steering wheel innards (Mercury gave it a unique leather-wrapped appearance) also came from the Japanese automaker, the latter a particularly smart move on Mercury's side as it feels meaty in the hands, unlike most domestic wheels.
But then again, Ford and its Mercury offspring has done a good job leaving its domestic roots behind, so much that some critics are even saying the automaker is making its cars feel too European. While I find such claims ridiculous, critics are critics and they've got to complain about something in order to obtain some sort of significance. For me, the European influence is a good thing, and the Mariner has this in spades.
The first thing I noticed at takeoff was its energetic acceleration. The Mariner takes advantage of the same 3.0-liter V6
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The Mariner takes advantage of the same 200-hp 3.0-liter V6 that powers the Escape and Tribute. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
that powers the Escape and Tribute, a feisty little engine that pushes and pulls the 1,510 kg (3,328 pound) sport 'ute to highway speeds in no time at all. The engine makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm, once again ample for what it's called to do. But the V6 is optional. Base Mariners come equipped with Ford's 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder. The vehicle loses some weight due to the engine swap, at 1,490 kg (3,285 pounds), but not enough to make up for the difference in power. Still, those who enjoy taking in a little more scenery along the way will find the 153 horsepower four adequate for their needs. While I didn't have the opportunity to test this engine in the Mariner per say, I've spent time with it in the 2005 Tribute and Escape, where it makes identical power and pulls only 48 kilos (106 pounds) less curb weight. The I-4 makes a total of 152 lb-ft of torque, which is more than some of its Japanese competitors by the way, so power initiates smoother and feels more robust throughout the rev
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I found the electronic 4-speed automatic transmission adequate to the needs of the lightweight Mercury. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
range. Like most, I'd opt for the V6, although at today's fuel costs the more economical four, which achieves an estimated 10.7 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, is tempting. The V6 is pretty reasonably itself, though, at 13.1 and 10.2 respectively.
The Mariner is available with front or four-wheel drive, both mated to electronic 4-speed automatic transmissions. I found the gearbox adequate to the needs of the lightweight Mercury, especially in 6-cylinder guise as the engine's torque more than made up for a the lack of an extra cog. Still, a 5- or 6-speed automatic would be nice, as quicker, smoother acceleration would be possible. No manual shift mode is offered either, a feature that would suit the sporty Mariner more than its conventional PRD32 selector.
Sporty? You bet! I've always been a fan of the Escape and Tribute when driving dynamics entered the picture. Their fun,
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Like its Escape and Tribute siblings, the Mariner is a fun, "tossable" little SUV. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
"tossable" little SUVs, as is the Mariner. It comes with responsive rack and pinion steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, set up optimized for pavement rather than rough trails, although I've overcome some pretty treacherous boulder strewn hill climbs in a similarly equipped Tribute that left me astounded at its agility off the beaten track. Getting back down without the security of a bull-low gear ratio is a bit intimidating, however, never knowing if one of those sharp-edged rocks might sever the brake line. With that in mind it's probably best to keep the Mariner to light-duty adventures.
Braking in mind, stopping power is commendable. The Mariner features standard 4-wheel discs and ABS in 4WD trim, helped along by sticky 16-inch
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The Mariner's cargo storage is quite good, delivering up 830-liters behind the second row of seats. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
rubber wrapped around attractive alloy wheels. Front-wheel drive Mariners get rear drums and standard ABS.
As for hauling a boat or camper to your favorite vacation spot, it won't handle anything over 1,588 kg (3,500 pounds). This should be ample, though, for most applications. Its cargo storage is also quite good, delivering up 830-liters (29.3 cubic feet) behind the second row, and 1,770-liters (62.5 cubic feet) if the rear seats are flipped forwards. Remove the 2nd row cushions and a total of 1,877-liters (66.3 cubic feet) can be utilized.
Although still a compact SUV, its optional 7-speaker MACH Audiophile sound system featuring an AM/FM stereo and 6-disc
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The soft and grippy driver's seat features 6-way power adjustment to optimize comfort, plus a manual lumbar support, ideal for long trips. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
in-dash CD changer makes it feel more like a concert hall. The system is one of the best in its class, picking up every nuance of the latest Tom Waits CD, Real Gone. The standard audio system is an AM/FM stereo with a single-CD player and integrated digital clock.
Those comfortable seats I mentioned earlier were covered in Mercury's premium leather trim, heated up front despite their soft and grippy "Preferred Suede" inserts. The driver's seat also featured 6-way power adjustment to optimize comfort, plus a manual lumbar support, ideal for long trips. Stock seats are clothed in premium cloth while the driver's seat features 2-way manual adjustment. Some may prefer more conventional leather appointments, also heated up front with a 6-way power driver's seat and manual lumbar support.
All the luxury features expected in a Mercury vehicle are present in the standard package, such as power windows and door locks, while power-remote, heated sideview mirrors are optional.
So what's next for the Mariner? A hybrid gasoline-electric version, based off of the Escape Hybrid, will debut in 2006 as a 2007
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A hybrid gasoline-electric Mariner, based off of the Escape Hybrid, will debut in 2006 as a 2007 model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
model. The eco-friendly sport utility was shown in the metal to the world's top automotive media at the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan's Jacob Javits convention center on April 7th. While late to the hybrid party, the Mariner HEV will offer what many consider to be the most functional combination of stellar fuel economy, ultra-low emissions, rugged functionality and luxurious appointments. While nicely equipped, the Mariner Hybrid has been designed to be more affordable than the only alternative hybrid electric sport utility to be announced thus far, the Lexus RX 330-based 400h.
Back to the present, the Mariner is available for the paltry sum of $21,995, not much more than the $19,405 needed to
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Despite its many standard features, at $21,995 USD the Mariner is only marginally more expensive than the Ford Escape. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
buy into a Ford Escape despite its many standard features. In Luxury trim the price escalates to $23,495, also quite reasonable. Its final designation, Premium, tallies up at $25,245, and features most features currently available in the luxury SUV realm, less four-wheel drive which adds on an additional $1,750 for a total price of $26,995. Add on every available feature and the top price paid won't exceed $29,065, other than the $590 destination fee and applicable taxes of course. Considering the compact SUV's high-level of luxury and sporty demeanor it is a pretty decent deal even when fully optioned out.
Attractive pricing in mind, while driving throughout upstate New York on a rather cold afternoon I couldn't help to appreciate how well the Mariner would fit into the Canadian landscape. Personally, I think that most of Mercury's new lineup would succeed north of the
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The Mariner's unique waterfall grille, vertical headlamp assemblies and brushed aluminum trim set it apart from its Ford relatives. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
49th, now that Ford Motor Company has given the brand a face of its own. Before the once proud nameplate pulled the plug on our country in 1998, it was merely a brand-managed extension of the blue oval. Since then Mercury was given its own head of design, a person who started the revitalization process rolling after penning the second-generation Mountaineer. Its unique waterfall grille, vertical headlamp assemblies and brushed aluminum trim not only set it apart from the Ford Explorer it is based on, but from everything else on the market too. Mercury's stylish Monterey minivan could also do well in a market that is much more agreeable to the practical aspects of the monobox shape than the U.S.
But the Mariner might be best for acquiring new buyers into the Ford Motor Company of Canada family. After all, there are few
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There is little doubt that the Mariner would do well in Canada, a point that surely isn't lost on the bigwigs at the Mercury division. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
luxury compact SUVs on the market, and of those fewer still that are priced only slightly more than entry-level models. With a passion for SUVs still burning strongly, and fuel costs at record highs, the compact luxury sport utility segment only makes sense. Currently, only the Ford-owned Land Rover Freelander plays in this market, BMW's new X3, which borders on midsize, and to some extent Jeep, at least when its Liberty is loaded with options.
The Mariner would also be the ideal model to initiate the brand's reentry into Canada, if, that is, the powers that be guiding Mercury have aspirations to do so. Canadians tend to purchase smaller vehicles than Americans, with Ford's Escape the number one selling SUV in the country, and also buy well-optioned models more than base units. It's an intriguing prospect, and one that Mercury may not want to overlook.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $21,995 - $29,065 USD
- Transport & PDI: $590
- Body Type: 5-door SUV
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Base Engine: 153 hp, 152 lb-ft, 2.3-L, 16-valve, DOHC I4
- Optional Engine: 200 hp, 193 lb-ft of torque, 3.0-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Transmission: 4-spd auto
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS (optional rear discs)
- Curb Weight: 1,490 - 1,510 kg (3,285 - 3,328 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row/2nd row folded/2nd row cushions removed): 830 / 1,770 / 1,877 L (29.3 / 62.5 / 66.3 cu ft)
- Towing Capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy FWD 4-cyl): 10.7 / 9.0 L/100 km
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy 4WD V6): 13.1 / 10.2 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/miles): 36/36,000 comprehensive - 60/60,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage / Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Saturn VUE, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4
- Web Site: www.mercuryvehicles.com
Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.