To British drivers the model name Montego reprsents the worst of the British Leyland dog days. To Mercury buyers it’s something else entirely – a brand new family of sedans and crossover vehicles (overtly sporting estates than don’t quite squeeze into the old American ethos of station wagons) which are blessed with clean, uncluttered looks – though still using the familiar vertical louvre grille – covering an essentially good mechanical package.

All wheel drive is really a first for Mercury which appears to be moving into competition with Audi and Volvo were built with a hand in the design of the car, which implies better than expected handling and gratifaction. The beginning of an excellent new adventure for Mercury.