MERCURY VILLAGER, NEW DESIGN, BIGGER ENGINE

The new 1999 Mercury Villager expands upon the vehicle's heritage and strengths; a standard fourth door and increased interior space increases its flexibility, a more powerful engine and quieter cabin give it an even more "carlike" feel, and with all-new sheetmetal, its styling continues to befresh and distinctive.

Mercury Villager, the minivan that holds the highest loyalty of buyers in the segment, debuts with a sharp new design, more powerful engine and a wealth of functional improvements.

Almost five inches longer for improved rear-seat passenger and caro room, Villager also offers a new standard driver's side sliding fourth door to facilitate loading and unloading of people and things.

Villager's styling always has been different from the typical minivan, and the 1999 model continues the trend with three new series: Villager, Villager Estate and Villager Sport. All-new sheetmetal, headlamps, taillamps, grille and bumpers create a sleek, progressive look on all Villagers.

Unique wheels, two-tone paint moldings and other design cues proide a refined, elegant look on the Estate Series and a distinctive sporty appearance on the Sport.

The minivan's interior has been thoutfully laid out with extra touches to improve ergonomics, accessibility and storage. The wraparound instrument panel is positioned closer to the driver, and switches have been moved from behind the steering wheel for easier reach. The radio is positioned above the climate controls in the center stack to improve convenience, and the front cup holders have been moved to the center stack for easier accessibility. The new dual cup holder/storage box design slides out in two tiers, revealing a small storage space on the top tier. A larger bin at the bottom of the center stack provides more stowage.

Seats are restyled and offer improved lateral and thigh support and increased legroom for both the second and third rows. Six positions are available for the third-row seat. Up to 66 different seating and cargo configurations exist. Sturdy, adjustable cup holders have been added to the second-row seat.

An optional steel-reinforced, three-position parcel shelf sits behind the third-row seat, perfect for two rows of grocery bags or other items. The removable shelf attaches to the trim panel at two heights with sliding latch and screw knob or stores flat on the floor. In its top position, the shelf can act as a security screen that helps hid items stored beneath it, or it can be used as a temporary shelf for picnic or tailgate party items.

Villager's changed extend to under the hood, with an engine that has been upgraded from 3.0 to 3.3 liters for more power and torque, increased smoothness and improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics, all with improved fuel economy.

The engine produces 170 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 200 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. It is linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is 17/24 mpg.

Audiophiles will appreciate a new available personal audio system, which allows front-seat passengers to listen to one medium while rear-seat passengers listen to another through headset jacks built into the rear-seat controller panel.