Apr
11
Mercury Mariner Hybrid: a low thirst suv?
April 11, 2008 |
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid (and Ford Escape Hybrid, obviously) is taking on a prestigious title for 2008, although one which was only coined in recent times. Highest mileage SUV - a bit of an oxymoron but nonetheless, in our increasingly environmentally conscious times, this is a term that will literally launch a 1,000 (or 10,000) suv’s froma manufacturers forecourt.
Rolling along at 32mpg on average, the Escape/Mariner presents a very attractive blend of attributes to middle America. It’s homegrown, moderately styled (unfortunately that seems to be desirable in 2008), its spacious enough for most families, safe and its now got green cred - in its hybrid form. Boasting economy stats that are almost twice as good as its conventional brother, the hybrid Mariner trys very hard to offset the $5,000 extra you will pay for the ‘green’ model. Even the 4×4 model has the best mileage in its category, although prices for that will be well above the starting price of $25,765 for the base model in the range.
Under the threshold of 25mph, the hybrid Mariner is happy running purely on battery power - which is great if you like to drive your off-road capable vehicle in solid traffic. Everyone has to chug through traffic now and again though and it is a pretty nice thought that you aren’t even touching your cars tank of gas whilst you do so. The conventional engine just cuts in over the 25mph (with minimal fuss) and off you go with the 2.3l 4 pot kicking in gently to push the ’small’ SUV up to higher speeds.
All in all a good, neat and endearing package - especially if you are looking for practicality with your environmental accountability and all at a pretty affordable premium over the standard price of what is a very capable mid-range SUV.
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