Starting at just under $20,000 ($19,995 including $725 destination and delivery charge), the Fusion S base model will be powered by a new 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with an EPA-rated highway fuel economy of 34 mpg. The SE trim level will start at $20,545 and the SEL at $23,975. An optional 3.0-liter V6 engine is also available on SE and SEL models. In addition, the performance version Sport starts at $25,825 with the AWD version at $27,675.

The Mercury Milan is priced at $21,180 (including destination and delivery) for the FWD model with the four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The top of the line Milan Premier AWD model will be priced $27,800 with the 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

The Fusion Hybrid will start at $27,995 and the Milan Hybrid at $31,300. Both are EPA rated at 41 mpg city, 36 highway, besting government figures for the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg city, and 2 mpg highway.

Customers who purchase a Fusion or Milan Hybrid may qualify for the highest available federal tax credit of $3,400 if they purchase by March 31, 2009. Partial credits will be available after that until the end of March 2010.

The current Fusion and Milan both have done well in our tests with a controlled and satisfying ride and sporty feel. We have not tested the 2010s yet.

For more information about the new Fusion and Milan hybrids, see our preview coverage.

--Liza Barth