Ford has upped the ante in the luxury car market with the introduction of the 2010 Lincoln MKT. While luxury amenities abound in ITS newest people-mover, the inclusion of a high-tech program that automatically parallel-parks the car gives the MKT a leg up on the competition.

The auto-park system, called Active Park Assist, is heaven sent for urban drivers who routinely have to parallel park. The $700 option is available on the MKS and now the MKT. It works using ultrasonic sensors to measure and identify appropriate parking spaces. Once a suitable one is found, it takes over the steering and parks the car hands-free. The driver still controls the brake and throttle, and shifts the transmission to control forward and rearward motion. But the car does the rest.

After nervously trying it a few times, I can say it works as advertised -- and it does a good job.

While Ford wasn't the first to market with auto-parking -- Lexus bet them to it -- Ford's system is simpler and cheaper. Like other technologies, it may be just a matter of time before it will be available in less-expensive cars in Ford's line.

The MKT shares a platform with the Ford Flex. It has three-row seating and can be configured to carry six or seven passengers.

Three models are available, starting at $44,200 for a front-wheel-drive model with a 3.7-litre V-6. We tested the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive model equipped with the 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine.

The EcoBoost is all about having your cake and eating it too. The twin-turbocharged engine, which also lives under the hood of the Ford Taurus SHO, lives up to Ford's claim of V-8 power with V-6 economy. The oomph felt when the pedal is put to the metal will surely put a smile on the face of even the most power-hungry driver. With an impressive 350 lb.-ft. of torque available at a low 1,500 r.p.m., the MKT really scoots, despite its size. Unfortunately, the flip side to using this power liberally is more pain at the pumps. Driven gently, the MKT, according to Transport Canada, will return figures of 13.1 in the city and 9.2 on the highway.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic driving all four wheels when necessary. Manual mode means using steering-wheel mounted push-pull paddle shifters.

The long wheelbase makes for a comfortable and composed ride. It's in its element on the highway, with the engine quietly ticking over 1,800 r.p.m. at 100 km/h. The ride is also unmistakably Lincoln as well, with the suspension giving a conformable ride without too much lean.

Not surprisingly the MKT is a step up in standard luxury fittings. Leather (can it all be real?) surrounds the occupants -- even on the dash. Attractive metallic surfaces highlight the control panels. Though the MKT boast the same multi-controls found on other luxury cars, they are refreshingly simple and easy to navigate. A central touch screen serves the navigation, audio and climate control. Power pedals complement a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Some outboard displays are partially obscured by the wheel.

The MKT offers keyless entry but, unlike other cars, requires the driver to touch a keypad on the door post before the door will unlock. Competitors locate their sensor on the door handle itself, a much more logical, and simpler, arrangement.

The front passengers get heated and cooled seats but a weak lumbar support. There are two memory settings for the seat. A huge dual sunroof lightens the interior on winter days.

If space for rear passengers matters, the MKT is a clear winner. The second-row passengers have almost limousine-like legroom. The seat backs recline. In the six-passenger configuration, the second row boast two seats. The front centre console continues to the second row, which can be optioned to contain a refrigerator -- not just a cooler but a true refrigeration unit that can freeze items. It holds about seven drink cans.

Third-row passengers would ideally be younger children. Headroom for adults is found wanting in third-row seats. The floor is also close to the seat bottom, resulting in some passengers' knees sticking up in the air. Getting into the rearmost seat is surprisingly easy, though, with a second-row seat that tumbles to provide access.

Cargo space is lacking unless the back row seats are folded into a cavity in the floor. With both rows of seats folded, the cargo floor is flat. A power liftgate further makes loading and unloading groceries and other cargo a breeze. The power liftgate is operated by a keyfob remote and a button on the dash.

The MKT comes with a full slate of safety equipment, including a blind spot indicator that is sensitive enough to detect a bicycle. After a while with the car, it became second nature to look for the warning light before attempting a lane change.

The MKT, with its mix of luxury and technological wizardry, is a good choice for the luxury-minded buyer who is looking for up to seven-passenger seating without resorting to a large SUV or minivan.

THE SPEC SHEET:

Type: Six or seven-passenger mid-size crossover, front engine, all-wheel-drive

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6, generating 355 h.p at 5,700 r.p.m., 350 lb.-ft. of torque

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Tires: 255/45 R20 on alloy wheels

Dimensions (mm): Length, 5,273; width, 1,930; height, 1,712; wheelbase, 2,995

Price (base/as tested): $54,900/$62,150 (includes $1,450 destination and $100 AC tax)

Curb weight (kg): 2,276

Options: Elite package (includes blind spot warning, voice activated navigation, THXII certified audio and panoramic roof) $5,000, Active Park Assist $700

Fuel economy (L/100km): 13.1 city, 9.2 highway; regular gas

Warranty: Four-years/80,000 km basic, six-years/110,000 km powertrain and roadside assistance

parrais@tc.canwest.com