2006 Mercury Montego news, pictures, and information

Design cues instantly identify the new Montego as a Mercury. The signature waterfall grille, strategic use of contrasting metallic surfaces like satin aluminum and chrome, distinctive taillight and unique tailoring continue the distinctive automotive design vision Edsel Ford set for Mercury some 65 years ago.

Some design elements incorporate technologies that deliver consumer benefits, like the HID headlamps that present a clearer view of the road at night, and LED taillights that provide highly visible communication to other drivers on the road.

For 2006, three new paint colors – Satellite Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl Clearcoat Metallic and Vivid Red Clearcoat Metallic – join Montego's palette.

A key feature of Montego's interior design is its upscale, two-tone treatment. A satin-aluminum finish is used on the door h andles while chrome trim rings enhance the dash-mounted analog clock and gauges. The §teering wheel and shift knob are wrapped in leather.

This year, a leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth satin-aluminum cuffs and redundant audio controls becomes st andard across the range. New options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system for Premier versions.

Montego's interior dimensions put it among the leaders in virtually every category, including best-in-class headroom and knee room in the second row. The natural, upright seating position offers both comfort and visibility that give the driver confidence and comm and of the road.

Montego's remarkable 21.2-cubic-foot trunk is nearly 50 percent larger than that of most competitors. With the split second-row seat folded, the trunk exp ands to offer a best-in-class 49.9 inches of total load floor length. The front passenger seat also can fold flat for added cargo-carrying capability.

Powertrain and Chassis

The Montego's Volvo-inspired platform provides a stable platform, wîth fully independent suspension for a quiet ride and responsive h andling.

The proven Duratec 30 V-6 engine offers smooth, quiet performance and is teamed wîth a premium six-speed automatic transmission on front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive versions use a continuously variable transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Each offers wide overall gear ratios for strong acceleration and economical operation.

Mercury Montego's optional all-wheel-drive system also uses electronic controls to achieve optimum performance whether on dry, wet or snow-covered roads.

Normally, the vehicle functions wîth front-wheel drive only. But when the electro-hydraulic Haldex™ limited-slip coupling senses a difference in speed between the front wheels and rear wheels, it distributes up to 100 percent torque to the rear wheels.

Safety and Security

The 2006 Mercury Montego builds on Ford's -leading Personal Safety System™ wîth new features that address front-, side- and rear-impact protection. It has earned top five-star ratings for front- and side-impact performance in government testing, as well as a 'Best Pick' rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal crash performance.

Anti-lock brakes are st andard on all Montegos, and all-speed traction control is st andard on all but front-drive Luxury models, where it's a no-cost option.

Major Features and Options

Luxury includes: Four-wheel disc brakes wîth ABS, 17-inch seven-spoke wheels, automatic HID headlamps, LED taillamps, fog lamps, remote keyless entry wîth keypad, interval wipers, folding heated power exterior mirrors, power windows and door locks, driver and front passenger air bags, passive anti-theft system, dual-zone electronic climate control, front and rear floor mats, six-way power driver seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, seatback map pockets, split-fold rear seat wîth head restraints, fold-down rear armrest wîth cupholders, auto-dimming rearview mirror, two 12-volt powerpoints, AM/FM stereo wîth CD player and leather-wrapped tilt §teering wheel wîth remote audio controls.

Premier adds: 18-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels, remote perimeter lighting, Audiophile AM/FM stereo wîth six-CD changer and subwoofer, leather seating surfaces, heated driver and front passenger seats, two-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob, overhead console wîth universal garage door opener, woodgrain interior appliqués, memory function for power seats, mirrors and adjustable pedals and a trunk cargo net.

Options include all-wheel-drive, rear-seat DVD entertainment, navigation system, power moonroof, reverse sensing system, Safety Canopy™ air curtains wîth rollover protection and seat-mounted side impact air bags.