Introduced last year, the Mercury Mariner offers modern Mercury design, refined driving dynamics and unique product features in a small, fuel-efficient SUV designed to attract new customers to Mercury showrooms.

A new exterior color, interior color and several equipment additions lead the changes for 2006.

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

Mariner is available in Convenience, Luxury and Premier trims in front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive versions. It is produced in Avon Lake, Ohio.

Design and Equipment

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.

For 2006, the new 'Moon and Tune' package combines a power moonroof, roof rack and AM/FM audio system with satellite radio and six-disc in-dash CD changer. A six-way power driver seat is now standard on Luxury models, while a six-disc CD changer is a new standalone option. Light Tundra and Flint are new to the exterior and interior palettes, respectively

Mariner's exterior design features a stacked-element theme at the front of the vehicle with distinctive headlamps over integrated fog lamps and a vertical, satin-aluminum grille. A satin-aluminum bumper insert ties in with the grille design, while 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 for a family resemblance to Mountaineer.

Opening the doors introduces the driver and passengers to unique two-toned door panels with bright-ringed speaker grilles in all doors. Chrome door h andles 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. A floor-mounted shifter provides a sporty feel and is accented with a chrome surround and a satin-aluminum shift knob. The instruments 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.

Powertrain and Chassis

Mariner is tuned for the urban environment with car-like ride. Mariner benefits from an available 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 and a low stance for ease of entry and exit. Four-wheel independent suspension contributes to the Mariner's refined car-like ride and h andling.

Mariner powertrains include a 2.3-liter 16-valve Duratec 23 four-cylinder and an optional 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine. Both engines come with a standard 4-speed automatic transaxle.

Safety and Security

Mariner features the Personal Safety System®, 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 Features and Options

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

Luxury adds: 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 engine, privacy glass, six-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, 'Moon and Tune' Package (with power moonroof, roof rack with crossbars and AM/FM audio system with satellite radio, six-disc in-dash CD changer and four speakers).

Premier adds: 16-inch, 15-spoke machined aluminum wheels, heated exterior mirrors, AM/FM audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer with six speakers and a subwoofer, leather heated seats with Preferred Suede inserts, perimeter anti-theft alarm, overhead console with dual storage bins, message center with compass display, auto-dimming interior mirror, automatic headlamps and dual illuminated vanity mirrors.

Options include the Intelligent 4WD system, reverse sensing system and side curtain air bags.

by Mercury Press

by Mercury