2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

16 May, 2007 07:00:00

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At first glance, the redesigned 2008 Mercury Mariner might look like not much has changed. The proportions and euro-style attitude are the same as ever. Actually, though, everything about the look, inside and out, is new.

Its sister-SUV, the Ford Escape, got a more extreme image makeover, taking on a new, rugged feel. So your Mercury is now less likely to be confused with the Ford. And the Mercury costs only $700 more, by the sticker price, so choose whichever look you like.

The hybrid version of the Mariner is distinguished only by a "branch-and-leaf" emblem next to the Mariner name on the front doors.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid has a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine working in tandem with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission or CVT. Unlike most transmissions which have "first, second, third..." gears, a CVT changes gear ratios in a continuous, stepless fashion.

In this way, the CVT can always stay in the ideal gear ratio rather than being forced to choose the best out of a set of gears.

The downside of that is increased, or at least more noticeable, engine noise when accelerating or going uphill. The transmission allows the engine to stay at one speed, so when needed it spools up to 4,000 rpm and stays there, setting up a grinding roar that resonates through the cabin.

On the quiet side, the Mariner Hybrid can drive at up to 25 mph with its gasoline engine off. (Unless the batteries need to recharge.) That silence is one of the best things about driving the Mariner Hybrid.

EPA mileage estimates for the 2008 Mariner Hybrid and its siblings aren't available yet, but the 2007 version has EPA estimates of 36 mpg in city driving and 31 on the highway. 2008 estimates will be lower because of a new EPA test design. Expect about 27 miles per gallon.

There are a few changes under the skin of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The steering and suspension are both improved. The steering offers better feel and feedback than before and the suspension better controls body movements for a more refined feel on the road.

The new Mariner's brakes are also much better. The old Mariner Hybrid's brakes had a distinct two-part feel. As you pressed the brake pedal down there was a distinct point at which you could feel them really grab hold. The new brakes operate in a much more smooth and natural way.

Inside, the feel is fairly open and comfortable. The cabin feels much more solidly assembled than the old version, in which whole sections seemed like they could be pried off with your fingers.

The Mariner's luxury-looking exterior makes some of the cheap interior plastics seem even more unfortunate. Ford Motor Co. really needs to find a more convincing, or at least nicer-looking, silver-colored plastic than the toy-store stuff they use here.

Functionally, the Mariner has a lot going for it. The center console is capacious, especially if you remove the plastic inner bin. Actually, there are two. A small one and a really big one.

Each bin has an extension that allows it to be clipped to two spots on the outside of the center console, creating a handy hanging basket for storing things occupants might need to reach easily.

Fuel economy: Not available, but probably about 27 mpg overall using new, more stringent EPA test proceduces

Cost: About $31,000 as tested, prices start at about $26,000. Prices do not include federal tax credits

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