2015 LINCOLN MKC

MKC makes its mark in growing segment

Santa Barbara, CA - The MKZ sedan may be driving Lincoln's numbers in Canada right now, but with the forecasted increase in small premium utility vehicle sales, the new 2015 MKC aims to carve itself a place at the top of the segment.

Poised to compete against such notables as Audi's Q5, Infiniti's QX70, BMW's X3, and even Porsche's latest step into this expanding segment, the Macan, the newest Lincoln is already hitting dealerships on our side of the border armed with a suite of technology, a new interior design and styling treatment, and a couple of engine choices.

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost which we have seen in a number of Ford offerings will power the entry model, and while I have never found it to be a slouch, the big news for the MKC is the availability of a new 2.3-litre engine that will bring a potential 285 horses, while increasing torque to 305 lb-ft.

And now that I have said that, I should stress that Lincoln achieved this power rating based on using 93 octane gasoline, so results may vary in real world conditions where that fuel is difficult to find. Don't worry though - the vehicle is designed to run on regular ol' 87 octane gas, so don't let that unbalance your shopping decision.

Nevertheless, the twin-scroll turbocharged powerplant puts on a good show for me in the hills of California, delivering effortless acceleration with no hint of lag anywhere in its range, and smooth power delivery throughout the powerband.

"Smooth" is what the Lincoln design team was going for throughout the development process for the new marquee, but they were also targeting "quiet."

The plush interior is immaculately soundproofed, and incidentally, I learn a great new term for describing interior quietude from the project's chief engineer, John Jraiche – "articulation index."

Basically, it is the level of road/wind noise intruding into the cabin expressed as a driver's ability to have a conversation at normal volume with passengers throughout the cabin. The MKC boasts very good articulation index.

Now, the MKC is still all Lincoln inside, so I won't go nuts describing the comfort of the interior, including the leathery-ness and abundance of space, particularly up front, for full sized adults. That's what has been a huge draw for fans of the brand forever.

Notable, though, is the way the interior stylists have replaced a console-mounted shifter for the automatic transmission with a dash-mounted, push-button affair that allows for a cleaner and more spacious layout of the dash.

Outwardly, the MKC shows off perhaps the best execution of the brand's styling cues to date. I think this one, perhaps because of the vehicle's overall proportions, has finally got the appearance down. Not too big and toothy-looking (by which I in no way mean the MKS, heh heh), and the rear tail-light display, when applied to the new wraparound tailgate, does not look like it was made too large for the body (no offense to the venerable MKZ).

On this platform – Ford's Global C platform, which is also used on such variants as the C-Max and Escape - the treatment works, from any angle.

Expect the full range of the parent company's safety and convenience features, from passive functions like lane departure warnings and blind-spot monitors, to really cool available options like Park Assist, which has now been goosed to not only guide the car into tricky parallel parking situations, but OUT of tight parking situations as well.

Incidentally, if you haven't seen Active Park Assist, ask for a demonstration of it if you find yourself shopping the MKC, as it both fun and freaky to see a vehicle operate itself.

A final incentive to enter this new small premium segment with the Lincoln brand may be the sticker price; the MKC begins in the high 30's and swivels to the mid 50K range before freight and taxes.

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FACT FILE
2015 Lincoln MKC
Trim levels available: 2.0 EcoBoost, 2.3L EcoBoost
Models: 5-door CUV
Notable options: Active Park Assist (with ParkOut assist),  approach detection with auto-folding side mirrors, THX Audio, lane departure warnings and BLIS, hands-free power lift gate
Configuration: front engine/ all-wheel drive
Available engines: 2.0L turbo 4-cyl. (240 hp/270 lb-ft), 2.3L turbo 4 cyl. (285 hp/305 lb-ft)
Available transmissions: 6-spd automatic
Fuel economy ratings (L/100km): 12.4/9.0 (2.0L), 12.9/9.2 (2.3L)
Competitors: Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX70

Report Card (out of 10):
Value for $: 7 – Good starting point, but desirable options drive MSRP upward.
Equipment level: 8  Nearly everything the luxury heart could desire, though some are standalone options.
Styling: 8 – A nice package, inside and out.
Comfort (front): 8 – Very good seats, suitable for long drives.
Comfort (rear): 8 - Backseat passengers are well treated.
Storage: 8 – Good room and access, convenience inherent to the body type.
Performance: 8 – Fast and smooth, good brakes and pedal/steering feel.
Handling: 8 - Variable drive modes and continuous damping held the MKC stable, flat, and on track.
Overall: 8 – Should become a serious competitor in the newly-coined small premium market.