2005 Mercury Mariner

DETROIT – Mercury is putting premium into compact sport utilities.

The new 2005 Mariner sport utility vehicle is the second of six new Mercury vehicles to launch in the next four years and is making its debut at the North American International Auto Show. Smart, stylish and expressive, Mercury's first compact SUV is just the right size for professional singles and young couples.

Its satin aluminum waterfall grille, unique tail lamps and distinctive front and rear fascia reveal the Mariner's place among a brand for those who want a little more. A modern, stacked element theme gives the Mariner an engaging sense of design coherence. Rectangular projector headlamps and fog lamps flank the grille, which is further complemented by the SUV's satin aluminum bumper insert, and color-keyed body side cladding panels complete a clutter-free exterior design.

Inside, the cabin is highlighted with wood grain, satin aluminum, chrome accents and two-tone coloring. A flow-through center console is standard on all Mariner models and is embellished with a chrome surround, satin aluminum shift knob and satin aluminum and wood grain bezels; the instrument panel struts bright bezels and dark gray faces.

Inside, the cabin is highlighted with wood grain, satin aluminum, chrome accents and two-tone coloring.

An optional multifunction message center features a two-line, 24-character, liquid-crystal display that includes a compass and offers trip statistics like average fuel economy, instantaneous fuel economy and distance to empty. It also provides an oil change reminder with estimated oil life and various warnings to alert drivers.

In all Mariner models, second-row seats fold flat for increased cargo space, from 29 to 66 cubic feet. The rear-seat cushion can be removed for better load-carrying capacity, and open storage bins are generous for stowing smaller items.

Available in front- and automatic Intelligent four-wheel-drive versions, the 2005 Mariner is powered by two engine choices: the 2.3-liter, 153-horsepower Duratec 23 four-cylinder engine or the 3.0-liter, 200-horsepower Duratec 30 V-6 – among the best in its class. Both engines are mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the V-6 model can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

In all Mariner models, second-row seats fold flat for increased cargo space, from 29 to 66 cubic feet.

"The combination of power and four-wheel-drive performance means Mariner automatically adapts to adverse road conditions, whether snow- or ice-covered city streets, or a rough dirt road," says Susan Pacheco, director of Lincoln-Mercury nameplates. "It drives like a car but offers SUV versatility."

In addition to its impressive capability off-road and in slippery conditions, Mariner has dynamic on-road capability. Its front stabilizer bar system with low-friction links provides a predictable and inspiring driving character.

"The Mariner marks and important step for Mercury. This vehicle is another example of how we are delivering on our promise to invigorate the Mercury showroom," says Lincoln-Mercury President Darryl Hazel. "And it reinforces that the Mercury brand is for people who want something beyond everyday, basic transportation."

by Jennifer Shatwell | Ford Communications Network

# Compact sport utility vehicle with expressive Mercury design and upgraded content

# Provides a new entry point for Lincoln Mercury SUV showroom

# Unique interior benefits from Mercury's increased investment in design, with premium materials and two-tone treatment

Overview

The all-new 2005 Mercury Mariner sport utility introduces modern Mercury design, refined driving dynamics and unique product features in a small, fuel-efficient SUV designed to attract new customers to Mercury showrooms.

Building on the style and success of the Mountaineer, Mariner brings contemporary Mercury design to customers who are looking for a compact, urban SUV.

The Mariner will be the entry-level sport utility in the Lincoln Mercury showroom, which features a comprehensive lineup of upscale and luxury SUVs including the Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln Aviator and the full-size Navigator.

The all-new 2005 Mercury Mariner will be produced at the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake and will go on sale in late 2004.

Design

Based on one of the best-selling small sport utilities on the market, the Ford Escape, the Mercury Mariner is designed for customers who want a little more. Mariner delivers a new level of design sophistication, more standard features, upgraded interior materials and unique content that appeal to Mercury buyers.

The new design features a stacked element theme at the front of the vehicle with distinctive headlamps over integrated foglamps and vertical, satin-aluminum-finished grille elements. As the newest iteration of Mercury design, Mariner adds a satin aluminum appearance bumper insert, which ties in with the grille design. The 'U' shaped air intake contributes to the tailored and organized theme.

Mariner strikes a sophisticated profile with color-keyed body-side cladding offering chip and ding protection in an integrated, clutter-free design. Turn signal repeater lamps are mounted on the fenders, another distinctive Mercury design cue, which further distinguishes Mariner from the competition.

The taillamps are shrouded with horizontal satin-aluminum-accent grilles, which also appear on the Mountaineer and the Monterey minivan.

Interior

Mercury is going to great lengths to introduce high levels of craftsmanship in its interiors, where customers spend most of their time interacting with their vehicle. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury have increased investment in interior craftsmanship threefold in recent years. Mariner's interior design and execution will further separate it from the competition.

Opening the doors introduces the driver and passengers to unique two-toned door panels with large, bright, ringed-speaker grilles in all doors. Chrome door handles add refinement. In addition, the seats are stitched with thick French seams.

The tailored interior is highlighted with wood grain, satin aluminum and chrome accents. For a sporty feel, the customer will enjoy the new floor-mounted shifter, which is accented with a chrome surround and a satin aluminum shift knob. The instruments in the cluster have bright bezels and dark gray faces. Satin aluminum and wood grain bezels on the unique center console and center stack further contribute to the rich interior theme.

Dynamics and Powertrain

Mariner is tuned for the urban environment with car-like handling. The production Mariner will be available in front- or four-wheel drive for buyers seeking added surefootedness in inclement weather. Mariner benefits from an all-new Intelligent 4WD System, which automatically transfers torque from front to rear as required by road conditions without driver intervention.

Mariner features unibody construction for lightweight, nimble maneuverability, low stance for ease of entry and exit and enhanced safety protection. Four-wheel independent suspension contributes to the Mariner's refined car-like ride and handling.

Mariner powertrains include a 2.3-liter 16-valve I-4 and a 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 Duratec engine. Both engines come with a standard 4-speed automatic transaxle.

Safety

Mariner features the latest level of the Personal Safety SystemTM, one of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced safety systems available in any vehicle in any class. Seat-mounted front side air bags and side air curtain air bags are optional.

Major Equipment and Options

Convenience: 2.3-liter I-4 Duratec 23 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and quick brake assist function, 16-inch 15-spoke aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tip, body-color front and rear fascia, fog lamps, side repeater lamps, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, power windows and locks, keyless entry with driver's side keypad, solar-tinted side glass, AM/FM single CD stereo, low-back cloth front bucket seats, seatback map pockets, air conditioning, center console with two cup holders and storage, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with speed control and cargo floor hooks.

Luxury adds: 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 engine, privacy glass, power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer, perimeter anti-theft alarm, overhead console with dual storage bins, message center with compass, auto-dimming interior mirror, automatic headlamps and dual illuminated vanity mirrors.

Premier adds: 16-inch, 15-spoke machined aluminum wheels, heated exterior mirrors, AM/FM MACH Audiophile stereo with subwoofer, automatic headlamps and power, heated seats with Preferred SuedeTM.

Options include Intelligent 4WD SystemTM for all-weather convenience, reverse sensing system and side curtain air bags.

by Mercury