MYSTIQUE

Sedan Shows Impeccable Road Manners

Mercury Mystique brings together the latest technology and design features from both Europe and the United States to deliver outstanding driving dynamics.

Mystique's interior is the focus of attention for 1999.  Redesigned seating adds half an inch of knee room and 1.2 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers.  The instrument panel is revised for improved fit and finish.

Revisions to Mystique's front suspension result in an improved low-speed ride, and changes to the brake system provide more stable braking on uneven surfaces.

Running changes during 1998 included a larger 15-gallon fuel tank, second generation air bags and traction control system encorporated with the anti-lock brake system on V-6 engine models.

A pair of high-tech powerplants give mystique its spirited performance.  Variable cam timing improves the efficiency of the advanced Zetec DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine, which produces 125 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 130 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The 24-valve Duratec V-6 develops 170 hp at 6,250 rpm and 165 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm.  Both engines can be mated with a five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.