Lincoln has a lot riding on its newest
family member, the 2015 Lincoln MKC. Built on the Ford Escape plat-form, the
MKC pleasantly avoids any re-badge comparisons by sporting a profoundly
different interior and exterior, with optional class-above performance.
Three
years ago, Lincoln promised a range of new cars and crossovers. The first of
six new vehicles to come was a crossover concept introduced at the 2013 Detroit
Auto Show--and now, the concept is now a production vehicle headed for
showrooms in 2014 as the 2015 Lincoln MKC.
Powered by two different turbocharged
engines, the MKC blasts out of the newcomer spot with the base Ecoboost 2.0L
four-cylinder engine making 240 hp or the optional 2.3L four- banger with 285
hp. The MKC is the first vehicle in all of Ford’s or Lincoln’s line-ups to
include the 2.3L engine. This engine will arrive next in the 2015 Ford Mustang.
The MKC offers solid, quiet performance,
three drive modes, an all-wheel-drive model, and a raft of technology to
improve everything from cruising to parking. Its adaptive cruise control will
maintain a safe pace from vehicles in front of it; its lane-keep assist will
keep the MKC in line; and blind-spot even the worst parallel parker to squeeze
into a tight parking spot, and also help the driver get out of that spot later.
The
2015 MKC will need all the help it can muster given the strong competition in
the premium compact crossover segment, which includes the likes of the Range
Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Buick Encore and BMW X1.
With a roofline lower than the Escape’s and
a clamshell-looking lift gate, the MKC has a dramatically different look than
its Ford sibling. The interior is even more divergent. The MKC incorporates
Lincoln’s new push-button transmission mounted on the dash, and there's a cow
herd’s worth of leather inside. Though the interior is elegantly appointed with
lots of cubbies, pockets, and storage spots, the USB ports are poorly located
and it’s difficult to plug in devices. I particularly like the Approach
Detection system, which causes the car to light up as the driver approaches
with the key fob. A puddle light with the Lincoln logo shines on the ground as
the headlights and taillights softly glow. Lights behind the door handles
complete the rewarding LED fireworks display.
Based
on the Ford Escape, the 2015 MKC gets some mechanical and cosmetic upgrades
that set it apart, as we detail in this video preview. The exterior's a major
departure from the Escape, more smoothly rendered, with wraparound tail lamps
and a split-wing grille.
Lincoln still has a way to go to
re-establish the brand as an ideal for luxury, but the MKC is a nice start.
