The Mercury Milan is a midsize vehicle that has been around since the 2006 model year, but the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is all new. The Milan, as a line, has a new look for 2010 and the hybrid is based on that new body style. And for what it's worth, it a nice style.

There are several hybrids out now and more than a few are in direct competition with the Milan Hybrid in the midsize class. These include both foreign and domestic makes such as the Nissan Altima Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Saturn Aura Hybrid.

The gasoline engine for the Milan Hybrid is a 2.5 liter, 155 horsepower I4. Like many hybrids, the engine is matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It comes only as a sedan.

Unlike some other hybrids, the Milan has only one electric motor, but it can run the car up to 47 miles per hour for up to 8 minutes without use of the gasoline engine. It can also run the air conditioner without the gasoline engine. The electric motor is smaller than on previous Ford products and can be cooled without use of the air conditioner.

Like most hybrids, the Milan gets better mileage in town, where the electric motor is used more frequently due to slower speeds and stop and go traffic, than on the highway. In city driving the Milan gets 41 miles per gallon, while on the highway it gets 36. That's actually better than class average for hybrids.

The Milan also has better front legroom than class average but headroom and torque lag behind. It is worth noting that when matched against the general midsize car population instead of the hybrid population, the headroom is about average.

There are no NHTSA or IIHS numbers for the Milan Hybrid, but there are IIHS numbers for the 2010 Milan line in general. It gets a G, Good (the best rating) in all categories but two. It gets an A, Acceptable (the second best rating out of four possible) for the likelihood of head and neck or right leg and foot injuries.

The Milan Hybrid has a number of the more common safety features including child safety locks, antilock brakes with traction control and vehicle stabilization system, remote keyless ignition and start, electronic parking aid and inside trunk release. However, some common safety features are missing, such as electronic braking assistance and a first aid kit.

Whether considered as a midsize or a hybrid, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid beats class average on price, starting at $27,500. Sooner or later they're going to make these things pay, and the Milan Hybrid may be a step in the right direction.