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| Lincoln MKC |
In the old days Lincolns were presidential cars. They were cars that we aspired get to when we made it financially and wanted to show that we have arrived. Today Lincoln seems to have lost its identity and nobody is sure of where they stand.
Lincoln is definitely a luxury brand but at what level is the question. It is an even more difficult question as many upper level brands such as Mercedes Benz are introducing less expensive cars. The cheapest Lincoln is actually more expensive than the cheapest Mercedes Benz today.
Marketing Lincoln is one thing but we recently got a chance to test the entry level MKC and wanted to see how it feels. The MKC went on sale in 2014 and represents an important milestone as Lincoln tries to expand its product lineup.
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]While under the skin the MKC is a Ford Escape, there have been many changes to try to distinguish the MKC as its own separate model. The MKC gives Lincoln a compelling offering in the small premium utility vehicle segment, the fastest-growing part of the luxury market. The segment has grown by 25 percent since 2012 and by more than 200 percent since 2009. Lincoln needs to increase sales and the MKC seems like a perfect vehicle for the job.
The first thing that the Lincoln team needed to do was to come up with a body design that fits the requirements while working with the existing Escape chassis.
It had to have the Lincoln DNA with an athletic appearance while displaying its luxury mission. The unique Lincoln split grille certainly distinguishes the MKC from other similar vehicles.
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| Beautiful leather interior |
The best feature of the MKC has to be the interior where the theme is high tech and warm luxury. There is lots of leather and wood accompanied by many standard features.
To underscore its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Lincoln turned to Bridge of Weir Fine Scottish Leather for its interior. Bridge of Weir products have appeared in Lincolns dating back to the 1950s.
Deepsoft leather is a premium, naturally milled leather, crafted from the cattle hides in northern Europe. It delivers on its promise with a very soft and rich feel that makes you want to stay inside the MKC for a long time.
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]Our other favorite feature of the MKC is the awesome THX II certified audio system. It uses 14 speakers, some of which that are designed and shaped specifically for this vehicle. The system sounds like you are sitting inside a concert hall.
While you can get a Ford Escape with your choice of a 2.5 liter four cylinder, a 1.6 liter turbo or a 2.0 liter turbo engine, the Lincoln is only offered with the 2.0 turbo motor or a 2.3 liter turbo that is not available on the Escape.
The 2.0 liter puts out a solid 240 hp but the 2.3 liter ups the ante to a hefty 285 hp. The engine is assembled in Valencia, Spain and uses twin cams, 16 valves, variable cam timing, direct injection and 9.5:1 compression ratio to extract as much power as possible while getting 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Lincoln must feel that 285 hp is too much for front wheel drive. While the 2.0 liter is available with your choice of front wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the 2.3 liter engine is only available with Lincoln’s Intelligent AWD.
The Intelligent AWD system also includes Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD). Drivers can select from sport, comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood. CCD constantly monitors the road and the suspension reacts on average within 20 milliseconds, providing a smooth ride with enhanced handling.
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| Plenty of cargo space |
A luxury car would not be taken seriously if it did not have the latest in safety systems and the MKC has a bunch of those.
The MKC offers advanced technology such as collision warning with brake support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help less capable drivers avoid common accidents. The collision warning system is designed to alert the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity.
The MKC introduces available park-out assist technology, a feature that enhances the vehicle’s active park assist capabilities. Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight parking spots. Now you don’t have to worry about learning how to park your car or worrying about getting into a collision. You can just focus on the important stuff like texting!
The Lane-Keeping System uses rearview mirror-mounted cameras to identify lane markers and help drivers avoid unintentionally straying from their lane. The MKC also offers a Blind Spot Information System, which continuously monitors the vehicle’s blind spots with radar sensors, and cross-traffic alert, which detects traffic as the vehicle backs from a parking space.
Lincoln has gone to great lengths to provide a vehicle worthy of a Lincoln badge. Considering the amount of technology on the car, the MKC prices are remarkable. The base 2.0 FWD starts out at $33,995. The top of the line Reserve 2.3 liter AWD will set you back $44,565. There will be a model in between those two that is right for most people. The MKC is a good sign that Lincoln is headed in the right direction.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Starting MSRP |
$33,100 |
$46,205 |
| Body Exterior |
Base |
Black Label |
| Number of doors:4 |
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| Power door mirrors |
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| Trailer hitch receiver |
$645 |
$645 |
| Dual exhaust |
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| Heated door mirrors |
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| Turn signal indicator mirrors |
$3,410 |
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| Spoiler |
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| Rear cargo |
Base |
Black Label |
| Power liftgate |
$495 |
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| Liftgate |
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| Convenience Features |
Base |
Black Label |
| Air conditioning |
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| Automatic temperature control |
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| Power moonroof |
$1,700 |
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| Memory seat |
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| Speed control |
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| Distance pacing cruise control |
$2,295 |
$2,295 |
| Power front windows |
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| Remote keyless entry |
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| Heated steering wheel |
$580 |
$580 |
| Tilt steering wheel |
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| Telescoping steering wheel |
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| Auto tilt-away steering wheel |
$7,110 |
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| Auto-dimming rearview mirror |
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| Garage door transmitter |
$3,410 |
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| Integrated navigation system |
$1,100 |
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| Front beverage holders |
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| Rear beverage holders |
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| Entertainment Features |
Base |
Black Label |
| AM/FM radio |
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| CD player |
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| MP3 decoder |
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| Steering wheel mounted audio controls |
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| Premium audio system |
$995 |
$995 |
| Speakers |
Base |
Black Label |
| 14 |
$995 |
$995 |
| 10 |
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| Lighting, Visibility and Instrumentation |
Base |
Black Label |
| Fully automatic headlights |
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| Delay-off headlights |
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| Front fog lights |
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| Variably intermittent wipers |
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| Rain sensing wipers |
$580 |
$580 |
| Rear window wiper |
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| Rear window defroster |
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| Trip computer |
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| Tachometer |
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| Compass |
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| Outside temperature display |
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| Low tire pressure warning |
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| Reverse sensing system |
Base |
Black Label |
| Rear |
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| Automated |
$2,295 |
$2,295 |
| Powertrain |
Base |
Black Label |
| Block heater |
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| Fuel tank capacity:15.5gal. |
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| Compressor:intercooled turbo |
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| Cylinder configuration:I-4 |
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| Variable valve control |
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| Recommended fuel:premium unleaded |
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| Transmission:6 speed automatic |
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| Sequential sport shift |
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| Number of valves:16 |
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| Limited slip differential |
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| Drive type |
Base |
Black Label |
| Front-wheel |
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| All-wheel drive |
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| Engine liters |
Base |
Black Label |
| 2.0 |
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| 2.3 |
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| Fuel economy city |
Base |
Black Label |
| 20mpg |
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| 19mpg |
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| Fuel economy highway |
Base |
Black Label |
| 29mpg |
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| 26mpg |
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| Horsepower |
Base |
Black Label |
| 285hp @ 5,500RPM |
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| 240hp @ 5,500RPM |
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| Torque |
Base |
Black Label |
| 270 lb.-ft. @ 3,000RPM |
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| 305 lb.-ft. @ 2,750RPM |
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| Safety and Security |
Base |
Black Label |
| Electronic stability |
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| Security system |
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| Immobilizer |
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| Panic alarm |
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| Occupant sensing airbag |
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| Traction control |
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| Overhead airbag |
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| Dual front side impact airbags |
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| Dual front impact airbags |
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| Brake assist |
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| ABS brakes |
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| Knee airbag |
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| Seats and Trim |
Base |
Black Label |
| Heated rear seats |
$580 |
$580 |
| Genuine wood dashboard insert |
$3,410 |
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| Leather upholstery |
$3,410 |
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| Rear seat center armrest |
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| Split folding rear seat |
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| Rear seats:split-bench |
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| Front center armrest |
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| Ventilated front seats |
$7,110 |
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| Heated front seats |
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| Power passenger seat |
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| Power driver seat |
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| Front seats:bucket |
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| Max. seating capacity:5 |
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| Suspension/Handling |
Base |
Black Label |
| Power steering |
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| Four wheel independent suspension |
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| Speed-sensing steering |
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| Alloy wheels |
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| Adaptive suspension |
$650 |
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| Front tires |
Base |
Black Label |
| 255/40VR20.0 BSW |
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| 235/45VR19.0 BSW |
$545 |
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| 245/45VR19.0 BSW |
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| 235/50HR18.0 BSW |
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| Rear tires |
Base |
Black Label |
| 235/45VR19.0 BSW |
$545 |
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| 235/50HR18.0 BSW |
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| 245/45VR19.0 BSW |
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| 255/40VR20.0 BSW |
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| Maintenance warranty |
Base |
Black Label |
| 24 months/24,000miles |
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| 48 months/50,000miles |
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