DRIVE TIME: MERCURY MARINER HYBRID SUV A BIT SLUGGISH BUT EASY ON OZONE MARINER RUNS ON BATTERY, GAS.Byline: GREGORY J. WILCOX Staff Writer Like its corporate cousin the Ford Escape, the Mercury Mariner The Mercury Mariner compact SUV was introduced in 2005. It is a sibling of the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape, although it is slightly more upmarket than the other two. Mechanically, it is identical to the Ford Escape. received a remake for 2008, including the option of a full hybrid power Hybrid Power in this context describes the combination of a power producer and the means to store that power in an energy storage medium. In power engineering, the term 'hybrid' does not mean a "method," such as the popular use of hybrid to mean a vehicle like the Toyota plant. "Full" means the hybrid system A hybrid system is a dynamic system that exhibits both continuous and discrete dynamic behavior — a system that can both flow (described by a differential equation) and jump (described by a difference equation). can run on its gasoline engine gasoline engine: see internal-combustion engine. gasoline engine Most widely used form of internal-combustion engine, found in most automobiles and many other vehicles. , electric battery power or both. And Mercury says the acceleration is similar to a V-6, but with a smaller gasoline engine. During trips around the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. , the 133horsepower engine seemed a tad underpowered at times, and it was sluggish climbing the steep grade at the south end of Winnetka Avenue. The test model also emitted a strange creaking creak intr.v. creaked, creak·ing, creaks 1. To make a grating or squeaking sound. 2. To move with a creaking sound. n. A grating or squeaking sound. noise when accelerating and stopping. But this ride is about eco-friendliness and not horsepower. However, the Mariner's powertrain can get it doing 25mph on just the electric motor. When the engine isn't needed -- such as at slow speeds, when coasting or idling in traffic -- it shuts down, and electric power kicks in. There is little sensation that a power shift is under way, but the engine rpm needle drops below zero into the green zone, a clever eco symbol. All this is possible because the company revised the control system's software to improve how the two power systems work together. The company also promises better fuel efficiency of 34miles per gallon Noun 1. miles per gallon - the distance traveled in a vehicle powered by one gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel unit, unit of measurement - any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange; "the dollar is the United States unit of while motoring around town, about 14percent better than the 2007 model. And the hybrid components come with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty. The test model came equipped with the hybrid premium package that can display the hybrid system in operation on the video screen. Mercury went big with the redesign, too. The Mariner got a new hood outfitted with a "waterfall grille" that is larger than on previous models. The grille's opening is bigger and so is the Mercury badge. A new roof panel helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness, and recessed channels improve airflow over the vehicle. The cabin is accented with attractive pewter finishes and chrome accents, and the seats are comfortable (although the back seats didn't fold completely flat). A display positioned at eye level on the dashboard showed inside and outside temperatures, radio functions and climate-control readouts, but they were hard to see on a sunny day. And the Mariner shares lots of interior details, such as carpeting and glass, found in the 2008 Escape. A new Mariner hybrid owner from Fairfax, Va., offered the following on Yahoo.com: Pros: Great mileage, upgraded (navigation) system and leather seats make the ride comfortable. Cons: Slow acceleration. "I bought this SUV about two weeks ago, primarily for the HOV lane HOV lane n. An expressway lane restricted to vehicles with at least a set minimum of occupants, usually two. exemption I get in Virginia, and the federal tax credit. I can see now that the improved mileage was also a great reason. "The optional navigation system A GPS-based electronic system in a car or truck that provides a real time map of the vehicle's current location as well as step-by-step directions to a programmed destination. See GPS and vehicle tracking. allows me to see my instantaneous gas milage, which encourages me to drive slower and maximize my milage. It's fun!" All in all, this is a nice combination of SUV carrying capacity carrying capacity the number of animal units that a farm or area will carry on a year round basis, including that needed for conservation of winter feed. Usually stated as dry cows or dry sheep equivalents per hectare. in a vehicle that is stingy stin·gy adj. stin·gi·er, stin·gi·est 1. Giving or spending reluctantly. 2. Scanty or meager: a stingy meal; stingy with details about the past. when it comes to fuel use. And in the kind of traffic we deal with every day, it's a good thing. greg.wilcox(at)dailynews.com (818) 713-3743 Mercury Mariner Hybrid ENGINE: 2.3 liter inline 4 cylinder Atkinson Cycle The Atkinson-cycle engine is a type of internal combustion engine invented by James Atkinson in 1882. The Atkinson cycle is designed to provide efficiency at the expense of power, and is beginning to see applications in modern hybrid electric applications. hybrid TRANSMISSION: Automatic BRAKES: Four-wheel anti-lock MPG: 34 city/30 highway PRICE: $25,765 base/$31,00 as tested THE MANUAL SAYS: (Review copy not ready) THE WIFE SAYS: "It's a big, comfortable clean green machine." (The latter is a reference to the kiwi-green paint job.) CAPTION(S): 3 photos, box Photo: (1 -- color) 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2WD SUV (2 -- 3) When the Mercury Mariner Hybrid's engine isn't needed, it shuts down, and electric power kicks in. Then the engine rpm needle drops below zero into the green zone, a clever eco symbol. Inside, a display positioned at eye level on the dashboard shows inside and outside temperatures, radio functions and climate-control readouts. John Lazar/Staff Photographer Box: Mercury Mariner Hybrid (see text) |
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