Adding the hybrid technology to Mariner produces a sport-ute which earns uncommonly high fuel economy numbers but also dramatically pares tailpipe emissions such as unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Fuel economy figures rise to 33 mpg and higher for city streets, and the reduced emissions qualify the wagon for the class of a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and stringent Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.

Actually, Mariner the HEV achieves better fuel efficiency when rolling along city streets in start-and-stop traffic rather than cruising at a swifter pace along a highway. That's because in city traffic with frequent stops the electric motor takes over.

Our own fuel economy test, conducted over a loop course through San Antonio, produces a stunningly number -- 44 mpg.

The caveat is that we use every trick to conserve fuel, from putting a light touch on the accelerator to coasting on downgrades and riding brakes for battery recharging, and we become a nuisance in traffic due to our slow pace.

For normal navigation in town traffic or at speed on a freeway, our drive generates lower numbers -- 30 to 35 mpg. Still, such figures are well above the ratings of a Mariner AWD with the normal four-cylinder engine -- 20 mpg for city driving and 24 mpg on the road.

Mariner's intelligent AWD traction system, which distributes power between front and rear wheels selectively as conditions warrant, can maintain firm tire grip on pavement or dirt.

The AWD mechanism is a smart traction system that distributes the engine's power between front and rear wheels selectively as changing conditions of road or trail may warrant -- the intent is to maintain a firm tire grip no matter on pavement or dirt.

On dry pavement, all of the engine's power goes to the front wheels that also steer. Having the front wheels both turn and steer -- when combined with a stiff unitized structure and lively suspension -- makes this Mariner uncommonly agile, but that's the big idea.

In the cabin Mariner Hybrid applies satin-aluminum and chrome trim to a layout with front bucket seats and a back bench that folds to enlarge the cargo bay.

Standard equipment includes electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), disc brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS), front foglamps and a rooftop rack, cabin air conditioning, power controls for windows and door locks and mirrors, a keyless entry system and driver-side keypad, six-way power controls on the driver's bucket, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed control tabs, and a stereo audio system with in-dash CD player for six discs.

A Premium Package brings leather upholstery and heated seats plus in-dash navigation system, while the Safety Package installs curtain-style side air bags and side-impact air bags for front seats.

Entry MSRP for Mariner Hybrid comes to $29,225.

For more information visit the Lincoln-Mercury website here.