Preview: Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr

While the drivetrains are similar, it’s the added features as well as the exterior appointments that make the Milan a big step up from the Fusion. While its base price is only $1,000 above the base Fusion, there are lots of things added to the Milan, such as covered cupholders, Light Emitting Diode (LED) taillamps that light up quicker and are visible in bright sunlight, rear-seat reading lamps, a two-tone interior color scheme, and satin aluminum trim for a more upscale appearance. There’s also an overhead console for storing sunglasses that’s standard on Milan and Zephyr. The Milan has four arrays: I4 and V6 Milan, and I4 Premier and V-6 Premier. It’s been a long time since Mercury offered a vehicle in this size class, as well as a long time since the brand has had a manual transmission. The Milan is for those who like everything about the Fusion—ride, handling, safety—but want to drive something a little more distinctive and unique. Milan also features Ford’s Roll Fold technology, with side curtain airbags designed to unroll/unfold and wedge itself between the glass and a rear-seat occupant’s head (if the head is resting against the glass) to offer full side airbag protection. This is not available on competitive products.