Overview

What's New
The Mercury Milan was completely redesigned for 2006, so only a few changes are on the block for 2007. The big news is the addition of all-wheel drive (AWD). Other updates for 2007 include standard front seat side air bags and side curtain air bags, standard ABS, standard traction control on V-6 models, standard Comfort Package on Premier trims, an available rear spoiler, an available Navigation system, and the all-important auxiliary input jack for MP3 players. A fold-down front-passenger seat will be offered later in the model year, as will be Sirius satellite radio. Three new colors are also on tap: Dark Amethyst, Alloy, and Silver Birch.

Overview
The Milan is one of a trio of products built off the modified Mazda6 platform. It shares many drivetrain components with the Ford Fusionas well as the model formerly known as the Lincoln Zephyr-the MKZ . The five-passenger Milan doesn't offer all of the top-end amenities of the MKZ, but has more standard features than the Fusion. The Milan also features unique sheetmetal and a different interior than its siblings.

The Milan continues to be a bright spot for Mercury; its sales are steady, and buyers are impressed with the vehicle's ride and handling qualities. For 2007, it only gets better with the addition of all-wheel drive, which comes in handy not only when driving in snow and mud, but also improves handling on dry pavement. The AWD system is combined with the standard traction control system on V-6 models and transfers torque-either front-to-rear or side-to-side-depending on where it's needed.

There are two trim levels for the Milan, which is in keeping with Mercury's product lineup. There's a base Milan, and then the Premier trim level, which has more standard features, such as an up-level audio system and 17-inch wheels and tires. The Milan trim comes standard with a power driver's seat, air conditioning, a tire pressure-monitoring system, power windows/doors/mirrors, and other comfort and convenience features that cost extra on the Fusion. Under the hood is either a 2.3-liter inline-four cylinder, with 160 hp and 156 lb.-ft. of torque, or the Duratec 30, a 3.0-liter V-6 with 221 hp and 205 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with the four-cylinder engine, with a 5-speed automatic available. The V-6 is matched to a 6-speed automatic.

The Competition
The Mercury Milan competes in the Midsize Conventional segment, which consists of 18 models. Buyers in this segment look for reliability, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Camry (397,630 units sold), Honda Accord (354,441), and Nissan Altima (232,457). The Mercury Milan's 35,853 sales in 2006 represent a decrease of 4 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Conventional segment include the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, and Subaru Legacy. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Saturn Aura.