Makeover sets Mariner’s sails
Teresa McCallion
Marketing Department Columnist
Teres's View
After just three years on the road, the Mercury Mariner gets a redesign for 2008. The already chic compact SUV has a new streamlined style that gives it a modern, yet classic look. To make sure everyone knows who it is, a substantially enhanced grille sports a larger Mercury logo.
New seats and a satin pewter finish with chrome bits highlight the well-appointed cabin. At night, ice-blue lighting illuminates the instrument panel and various buttons and knobs, replacing the former neon green lighting scheme. The shifter has been moved to the area between the front seats and a new “top dash display’’ relocates instrument readouts higher on the dash, placing important information where the driver can more easily see it.
The Mariner is offered in two trims – Mariner and Mariner Premium – a choice of two engines – four or six cylinder – and either front-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. A hybrid version is also available.
Still not enough choices? Beginning in early 2008, the Mariner will be offered as a runway-inspired VOGA special edition. The fashion-forward VOGA comes in a gorgeous moss green exterior that carries through to the cabin. Accessorized in Cashmere leather seats, the exclusive VOGA edition makes a strong personal statement in automotive haute couture.
Make no mistake. The Mariner isn’t simply a pretty face. She’s a practical one, she is. An innovative center console storage bin uses removable trays that can be attached on the passenger’s side or the rear of the console for handy storage of electronic gadgets. The bin itself is large enough to hold a laptop. To maintain balance in the universe, the glove box is really, really dinky.
The standard feature list includes air conditioning, keyless entry and power windows, mirrors and door locks. But beware. The standard audio system is very basic. The four-speaker, AM/FM, MP3-capable set up with a single CD player is not for audiophiles. If you are so inclined, the Premier trim offers a better system or spring for the optional upgrade, aptly named the “Audiophile Package.’’ The Premier trim also adds leather seats, dual zone climate controls, a power driver’s seat and rear parking sensors that beep as you approach an object. Navigation, heated seats, satellite radio and a moonroof are available options. But what’s this? No rear seat entertainment system? What are the children to do?
Safety enhancements are a big part of the 2008 redesign. Side curtain-style airbags join four airbags up front as standard features. Anti-lock brakes, automatic headlamps and tire pressure monitor are also standard. Mercury’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability enhancement system with Roll Stability Control helps the driver maintain control in adverse road conditions such as ice, gravel or rain. It’s standard on all Mariners but the hybrid version.
What Is It?: Based on the Ford Escape, the Mercury Mariner is a classier, better dressed version of the five-passenger sport-ute. Prices for the stylish Mercury start at $21K including destination charges.
The Back Seat: There’s good shoulder, head and leg room for two adults, or three in a pinch, although the bench seat could stand a few more contours. Passengers are forced to sit at attention with little in the way of lumbar support.
Grocery Sack Test: Cargo space is unencumbered by an obligatory third row, providing gobs of room for groceries or gear. A new lockable compartment under the cargo area carpet keeps private stuff private and its plastic lining allows for tidy transport of wet beach towels and the like. I love the reversible carpet. The underside is done in easy-to-clean rubber so hauling messy gardening supplies doesn’t have to mean ugly carpet stains.
Fill ’er Up: As expected, the four-cylinder, front-wheel drive Mariner gets the best fuel economy of the gas-powered Mariners. It’s EPA-rated at 20 mpg city and 26 highway. The six-cylinder four-wheel drive gets a pitiful 17/22. Of course, fuel-sensitive types should go with the hybrid. Fortunately, the Mariner likes regular fuel.
Cheat Sheet: As a member of the Ford family, Mercury’s role is to bridge the gap between blue-collar Ford and white-collar Lincoln.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Mariner is built at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.
