One of six new car and crossover vehicles promised by Ford's "Year of the Car" campaign, the midsize Montego will be the third of four all-new Mercurys to arrive in showrooms over the next three years, and is a far cry from the boxy, pea-green, vinyl-roofed sedan this writer drove to earn her driver's license more than two decades ago. Classic Mercury design cues abound, from the waterfall grille to the distinctive taillight bezels; its Volvo-inspired chassis promises crisp handling, braking, performance, and fuel economy thanks to its multi-link fully independent suspension, dual-piston brakes, and 3.0-liter/200-hp 60-degree V-6 aluminum engine mated to either a continuously variable or six-speed automatic transmission. Offered in two trim levels, the front-wheel-drive (or optional all-wheel-drive) Montego boasts an upscale two-tone interior treatment with soft-touch fabrics and smooth satin aluminum and chrome trim, inside a roomy cabin with comfortable upright seating. For safety, passengers will be protected by roof and side structural bracing as well as dual-stage driver and passenger airbags.
