Consistent with customer desire to make a statement in a tasteful manner, 2007 Mariner Hybrid has only a few distinctive exterior touches: an air vent built into the driver's side rear-quarter window to help manage the temperature of the hybrid powertrain's battery pack; discreet road-and-leaf "Hybrid" badges mounted on the liftgate, front doors and acoustic engine cover; and unique 16-inch, five-spoke wheels.

A key engineering goal was to incorporate the hybrid technology without imposing sacrifices in style, passenger comfort and cargo-hauling capacity. Mariner Hybrid's upscale interior ambiance is established by two-toned seats and door trim panels, accented with bright-ringed speaker grilles and chrome door handles. Satin-aluminum and chrome finishes harmonize with Sappele wood-grain finishes on the center console and stack.

The instrument cluster features a multifunction message center, which reports trip statistics, mileage information and remaining oil life. A battery indicator dial is provided to inform the driver which way electrical current is flowing - to the battery during regenerative braking or from the battery to the electric motor when engaged to assist Mariner Hybrid's gasoline engine.

The available Hybrid Energy Audio and navigation system features a 4-inch screen that displays the energy flowing from the gasoline engine, the electric motors, the battery pack and the wheels. The graphics reflect idle state, electric drive, gas-engine drive, hybrid drive and regenerative braking.

The available premium package incorporates leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and side mirrors, Reverse Sensing System, the Hybrid Energy Audio and Navigation System and the safety package (side curtain air bags with rollover sensor and front side air bags).


2007 Mariner Hybrid Powertrain and Chassis

2007 Mariner Hybrid powertrain blends the best features of a gasoline engine and an electric motor to achieve nearly 50 percent higher driving efficiency and lower emissions with no loss of the conventional Mariner's functionality or performance. This remarkable feat is accomplished by six powertrain components that work in perfect unison. Ford Motor Company has received more than 40 patents, and has 70 more pending, on these technologies shared with the Ford Escape Hybrid.

The core powertrain components are a 2.3-liter Atkinson cycle engine, two AC electric motors that provide motor and generator functions, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), and 250 D-size nickel-metal hydride batteries in a compact, rear-mounted, sealed package.
 
Configured as a full hybrid, this powertrain is able to propel the Mariner Hybrid to 25 mph solely with clean electric power. When the vehicle's 133 horsepower isn't required - during coasting, at stoplights or crawling at low speeds through traffic - the gasoline engine automatically shuts down to conserve fuel and curb emissions.

The gasoline engine and the AC traction motor team up when needed for passing acceleration, climbing steep grades or towing a 1,000-pound trailer. With a combined output equivalent to 155 horsepower and the continuously variable transmission's immediate ratio-changing capability, passing acceleration is comparable to the conventional Mariner powered by a 3.0-liter Duratec V-6.

2007 Mariner Hybrid delivers impressive fuel economy, with estimated ratings of 32 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Unlike conventional vehicles, Mariner Hybrid gets greater fuel economy in the city, where it uses the gas engine less. In addition, Mariner Hybrid 2007 takes advantage of frequent stops for regenerative braking.

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