Sable safe and fashionable with style that rivals its spirit

The Mercury Sable enters the 1999 model year having just been awarded the government's top rating in frontal crash tests, a base price far below last year's model, and many interior and exterior upgrades.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded its five-star rating for driver and passenger sides to both Sable sedan and wagon models, as Sable joined the Grand Marquis with top safety scores.

The safety story, and a base price more than $1,000 less than the 1998 model, means Sable offers more value to more people than ever. The Sable LS wagon will be offered at almost $2,000 less than the year before.

Changes to the instrument panel, seats and door trim highlight Sable's interior freshening.

"Sable appeals to a diverse group of buyers consisting of families, middle-age couples and empty nesters," said Al Giombetti, Mercury group brand manager. "These buyers are attracted by Sable's outstanding driving dynamics, superb safety and security features, innovative styling and sophisticated levels of comfort and convenience."

The storage console with a column-mounted shifter is now standard on five-passenger Sables. An optional, no-charge six-passenger seating configuration continues to offer a flip-fold center seat that doubles as a console.

Sable's interior is outfitted with new fabrics that provide a more luxurious appearance. Leather seating surfaces are offered on the LS Premium at no charge. Wood-grain appliqués accent the instrument panel and doors. The gauge cluster on this instrument panel is revised with new graphics and bezel.

Outside, Sable features an all-new wheel lineup including a 16-inch chrome wheel. Sable's standard powerplant is the Vulcan 3.0-liter V-6, which delivers 145 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 170 foot-pounds of torque at 3,250 rpm. The optional Duratec 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 delivers 200 hp at 5,750 rpm and 200 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. Both engines offer a 100,000-mile tuneup interval under normal driving conditions.