The latest versions of Mercury Mariner and Mariner hybrid are introduced to a new level of sophistication. The automaker, which was established to fill the gaps between Ford and Lincoln, has added eloquence and style to Mariner. The vehicle was unveiled at the 36th annual South Florida International Auto Show in Miami last month.

?The 2008 Mercury Mariner is part of a very aggressive new product plan that will see 70 percent of our Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products either new or significantly freshened by the end of 2008,? says Cisco Codina, group vice president, marketing, sales and service for Ford in North America.

The automaker, which was named after the fleet-footed winged Roman god, has significantly updated Mariner. In fact, in its 2008 version, Mariner features all-new interior, sheet metal, refined driving dynamics, complete safety package and a quieter ride. It also features fresh and remarkable design cues, outstanding waterfall grille, higher beltline, modernized materials in and out, and new-fangled ice blue interior lighting cues. These teasing additions and modifications made Mariner far from what has been launched previously. Some enthusiasts are saying that the new Mariner is no longer an ordinary Mariner but there is something more in the package that is worth having.

As mentioned, there are a number of alterations and improvements made to Mariner however there are features that have been retained to save the enigma of the past Mariners. Among those features are fuel-efficiency, fun-to-drive feel and maneuverability. These features are focal elements of a small SUV vehicle. Despite significant changes, Mariner will continue to serve the purpose of a small SUV like good towing and cargo capacity, commanding seating position, and the efficiency of a 4-wheel-drive.

There were nearly 50 cars on display at the Miami auto show. Mercury, Lincoln and Ford are some of the largest at the show. Aside from Mercury Mariner, other cars who stole the attention of the crowd were 2007 Ford Fusion, Lincoln Navigator, 2007 Ford Expedition, 2007 Lincoln MKZ and MKX and 2008 Ford Super Duty.