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Ford today announced the 2008 Mercury Mariner, which will go on sale in early 2007. The crossover features a revised exterior and an all-new interior. Ford says it has also improved handling, added a slew of new safety features (curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with RSC), and made the ride quieter Chassis upgrades and new Electric Power Steering (EPS) are designed to give the Mariner car-like ride and handling.

"The 2008 Mariner is the first product to truly deliver 100 percent of the design DNA for Mercury as a brand" says Kim Irwin, Mercury brand manager. "It looks good and drives well, it has sophisticated style, and it's not like anything else out there."

The standard engine is a 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 four-cylinder that produces 153 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb.-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. An optional 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 Duratec 30 engine produces 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm. Both engines come with a standard four-speed-automatic transaxle.

On the outside, the 2008 Mariner’s all-new sheet metal includes significant design changes to the front/rear fascias, liftgate, headlamps and taillamps, a raised beltline, new hood and B-pillar blackout molding. Inside, Satin Pewter finishes and chrome accents give the vehicle an upscale look. There are new seats, door trim panels, A- and B-pillar trims, center console and a new floor-mounted shifter. The seats are monochromatic or two-tone with Alcantara Suede inserts.

Side glass thickness has increased from 3.8 to 4.7 mm and helps prevent outside noise from entering the passenger cabin. On V6-equipped models, engineers moved the alternator from the right to left side of the engine. Because the engine is transversely mounted, the noise is now located farther away from the passenger cabin. A new, quieter cooling fan reduces idle noise.

All-wheel drive models have a new rear differential that is quieter and smoother.New windshield molding and low profile wipers help improve airflow around the vehicle and reduce wind noise.Redesigned recessed channels on top of Mariner are staggered and shorter to reduce boom as air flows over the top.Outside mirrors are larger and careful attention was given to their design to minimize wind noise.

Additional sound deadening material has been added throughout the vehicle to reduce noise throughout the interior.

Mariner Hybrid continues to be a "full" hybrid. This means that, unlike other "mild" hybrid vehicles, Mariner Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 30 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy. Mariner Hybrid automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power or combined operation of the two to maximize efficiency and performance.