Mariner Hybrid entices
Mercury’s initial fray into the hybrid market is our test drive this week, as we put the 2006 Mariner Hybrid AWD through the paces. Planned originally to be a 2007 model, Mercury decided to move production up and introduce the model for the 2006-selling season.
As they say, timing is everything; gas prices soared and hybrids, specifically Toyota, Honda, Ford and Mercury, were so popular at dealer showrooms you had to wait in line to buy one.
Mariner’s system is a full-hybrid design that allows 100-percent electric cruising at low speeds. Mariner also meets the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle standard and delivers 33-mpg city and 29-mpg highway.
Outwardly, there’s little that differentiates Mariner Hybrid from its gas-powered brother. Only a discreet air vent built into the driver’s side rear-quarter window to help cool the batteries and a few “Hybrid” badges let you know Mariner’s electric-gas heritage. Other than these clues, Hybrid and gas powered Mariners are identical.
Under the hood, Mercury’s Hybrid is powered by a Duratec 2.3 liter, 16-valve DOHC Atkinson cycle inline 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 133-horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. When combined, the electric motor output pushes the horsepower to 155, resulting in good performance characteristics. An electronic CVT transmission, now popular in many cars, is also standard fare.
The electric motor and battery pack are made up of two permanent magnet AC synchronous motors that offer both motor and generator (for charging) functions. The 400-volt battery pack is comprised of 250 D-sized nickel-metal hydride batteries all ingeniously tucked beneath the rear cargo compartment. This setup results in nearly no loss of cargo room.
Motorists need not feel they are purchasing a “turtle” when they sign to buy a Mariner Hybrid. Because the Hybrid runs like there’s a V-6 between the frame rails, it is this specific quality that makes Mariner Hybrid so interesting. When you need power to accelerate or pass, the mighty electric motor works in tandem with the 4-cylinder engine to give the surprising performance boost. (We accelerated to 60-mph in just 7.4 seconds). Thus, with an average of 450-miles available between fill-ups, the combined one-two punch of gas/electric performance and its excellent economy numbers, Mariner’s attributes are indeed hard to beat.
So popular is Mariner Hybrid that it received the “2006 Green Car Of The Year” from the Green Car Journal and also qualifies for a $1,950 tax credit which your dealer will gladly explain. Forbesautos.com also bestowed Mariner with its “Best Compact SUV” award, another notable honor from powerhouse Forbes publishing.
All expected safety items are in place, although the canopy and side air bags came ala a $3,795 Premium Package option that also includes a nice navigation system. The suspension is a full 4-wheel independent setup, resulting is good handling abilities with very little lean in corners. Stopping comes via 4-wheel disc ABS while the AWD system works automatically when needed.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 103.2-inches, gross weight of 3,787-pounds, 27 cubic feet of cargo space expandable to 65 with rear seats folded, 15-gallon fuel tank, and room for five passengers (center rear cramped).
We rate Mariner Hybrid a nine on a scale of one to 10, and recommend this vehicle in the compact to midsize SUV class. Once you drive it, you may well be sold on its great looks, available power and hybrid economy.
Likes: Exterior design, hybrid advantages, quick as a V-6, Mercury quality, interior room.
Dislikes: Odometer difficult to read, no outside temp gauge, air conditioner shuts down when in all-electric mode, side air bags should be standard.