All 4x4s are same, I thought. I had earlier test-driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Dubai and enjoyed that experience. So when I was offered all-wheel drive Mercury Mountaineer 2002 of Ford Motor Company for test-drive in Jeddah, I wondered whether I should utilize the opportunity. But then I couldn’t resist the temptation after I was informed that the all-new Mountaineer is a next generation sports utility vehicle (SUV) available with a "smart innovative" electronic control system, in addition to the "revolutionary" technology of the sporty model that allows the driver to experience the automatic clutch.
Surely, the new seven-seat AWD is longer at the base with wider compartment than the previous model and due to the advanced engineering of the body and the new suspension system the vehicle has maintained its high performance and enhanced reputation as an SUV.
Once at the steering wheel, I could feel the luxury of the passenger compartment what with its lavish leather seats and splendid accessories. Yes, its electronic control system is quite innovative, and the fact that I could experience the automatic clutch supports this sporty model’s claim of "revolutionary" technology.
Going by various safety equipment the vehicle has, such as an advanced roll sensor in addition to airbags for both the driver and the front-seat passenger, plus supportive steel bars to absorb shocks, I was convinced that Mercury did not disregard the safety features.
Mountaineer offers a comprehensive safety package, including second-generation front driver and passenger airbags, front safety belt pretensioners and energy management retractors. It offers optional side-curtain airbags that provide side-impact protection by covering about 63 percent of the side glass area in the first two rows of seating. It also has engineered frame-rail crush zones and steel-side door beams to protect the passenger compartment. Better still, all Mountaineer models feature the SecuriLock passive antitheft system and remote keyless entry system. Security approach lamps on the bottom of the side mirrors illuminate the side of the vehicle when the key fob button is pressed, for greater security at night.
The standard battery saver turns off the dome light and approach lamps after four to five minutes to prevent battery drain.
Test-drive was smooth even along rugged paths. Heavy drizzles only a day earlier had made the circuit slushy and much more difficult to negotiate. Nevertheless, the small makeshift track laid out by Haji Husein Alireza Co. Ltd. (HHA), the Kingdom’s sole agent of Mercury vehicles, at Madinah Road was enough to judge the maneuverability of the SUV. Truly, it can be driven with ease both on and off roads.
On the road, its agile independent front and rear suspension system and responsive power steering delivers the kind of ride you would expect from a vehicle of this class. But go off-road and the vehicle’s precision-tuned chassis and rugged, go-anywhere character comes into its own. And with the powerful 4-liter SOHC V6 engine, the driving experience is greatly enhanced.
Since the first launch of Mercury Mountaineer in 1996, its manufacturer claims the car has overcome its competitors with many of its advanced technical specifications such as advanced engine, exterior and interior design, and high safety measures.
The unveiling of this vehicle also reinforces the enormous success achieved by SUVs in both international and local markets. It’s an ideal vehicle for Saudi Arabia that can meet the geographical nature of differences from one area to another, HHA’s Director and General Manager Ali Alireza points out. It is comfortable, stable and steady to drive. No wonder. It is designed from the ground up, to satisfy both its driver and passengers, with exceptional performance and comfort in a refined, sophisticated package.
Its dramatic exterior appearance, from the geometric, machined-quality body surfaces and bold-edge curves, to the satin, aluminum finished grilled and tail lamp guards, has established a new signature look that is smart, urban and contemporary.
Interestingly, Mountaineer, which comes with a 5-speed, automatic overdrive transmission, also offers a built-in towing hitch as standard equipment.
Its full-time, AWD drive offers outstanding traction and handling both on- and off-pavement. Its operation is virtually seamless — it works when needed, without any input from the driver.
For drivers who seek innovation, style and sophistication in an SUV, this vehicle combines an individualistic design with packaging, convenience and performance that reinforce its distinctive position in the sports utility market. This promises to be a hit among young Saudi SUV enthusiasts.
