2006 Mercury Montego in Southgate, MI - $6,995

The Montego sedan takes the Mercury brand up a notch in almost every way. Based on Volvo's P2 large car platform architecture, the Montego is available in front- and all-wheel drive variants -- boasting many of the advantages associated with sport utility vehicles and crossovers.

Marrying the body of an upscale contemporary sedan to a purpose-built crossover vehicle platform, the new Mercury sedan delivers the cargo capability, versatility, command-of-road seating and all-weather performance not usually found in passenger cars.

The Mercury sedan offers additional safety features as standard equipment for 2007: traction control, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, and Ford’s Safety Canopy side curtains with rollover protection. SIRIUS satellite radio, a new 18-inch wheel option and two additional exterior colors are new options this year.

Available in Base and Premier trim levels and front- or all-wheel drive, power for the Montego is provided by a Duratec 30 V6 engine. Torque is transferred to the street via one of two transmissions: an Aisin AW six-speed automatic or a smooth-operating CVT (continuously variable transmission) developed with joint venture partner ZF-Batavia.

On the road, the new Montego is balanced and mannerable at speed -- responsive and strong. This Mercury nails the target when it comes to a sedan that does everything well. The Montego starts with a stiff body structure as the foundation for the four-wheel independent suspension system. The front suspension hardware consists of MacPherson struts with rearward-facing lower L-arms and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension components include a multi-link coil-over-shock configuration with stabilizer bar.

Inside, the cabin has some of the sedan's most impressive elements. SUV-like Command Seating gives driver and passengers a clear view of the road, yet possesses the low step-in height of a car. Occupants sit up to four inches higher than in other midsize sedans. Overall legroom is best-in-class for both front and rear occupants.

High-quality fabrics or leather surfaces are accented by inviting materials and surface treatments, such as smooth metal-plated door handles and soft touch paint finishes, throughout the cabin.

Fold-flat rear and front passenger seats are standard and translate into ample cargo space from bumper to dashboard. Other touches include a front-row center console storage bin, instrument panel storage bin, front and back seat map pockets, rear-seat armrest storage, an eight- beverage holder and door panel storage.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 112.9; overall length: 200.7; width: 74.5; height: 60.1 -- all vehicle measurements in inches.

Engine: 3.0L V6 -- 203 hp at 5,750 rpm and 207 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission: CVT automatic, six-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 21 city/29 hwy., (FWD); 19 city/25 hwy., (AWD).

Cargo capacity: 21.2 cu. ft.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Chicago, Ill., (Chicago Heights).

US/Canada: 80 percent.

Engine: USA; Transmission: Japan (6-spd A/T).

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front-seat mounted side-impact airbags, traction control, fog lamps, high intensity discharge headlamps, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and alarm system. Premier adds alarm system, garage door opener, automatic headlamp control and power adjustable pedals.

Optional safety features include a remote engine start, navigation system, and rear parking sensors.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2007 Mercury Montego sedan starts from $23,850 up to $29,250 for the Premier AWD. Destination charges add $750.

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