Lincoln has its work cut out for it, but if any car can turn buyers on to Ford's premium division, it's the new 2013 MKZ.
The MKZ (previously the Zephyr) has received its first total overhaul since the 2006-model-year debut. Everything about the sedan's powertrains, suspension, interior and bodywork has been turned upside down. And that's not counting the impressive new systems and technology that have, or can be, installed.
Based on the new Ford Fusion platform, the MKZ exhibits a nothing-quite-like-it appearance. The signature "waterfall" grille has been replaced by a series of horizontal bars in a shape reminiscent of the early 1940s Lincoln Continental. But for real design drama you can't beat the sweep of the roofline that flows well past the rear-most roof pillar almost to the trailing edge of the body. It makes you wonder if Lincoln forgot about the trunk, but no, there's actually one there and a generously sized one at that.
The rest of the MKZ exhibits a high-waist look, but with the car's massive windshield and rear window glass, including the optional retractable panoramic sunroof, it's doubtful passenger claustrophobia will pose a problem.
What passengers will appreciate is the ultra-sophisticated leather-covered and wood-trimmed interior with a floor console that extends almost the full length of the cabin. The rear-bench design might suggest three-abreast seating, but anyone forced to sit there likely won't be too comfortable.
Meanwhile, outboard rear-seat passengers can be secured with optional inflatable seatbelts that provide better crash protection than regular belts.
The MKZ's quiet cabin can be partially attributable to Active Noise Control. This system uses hidden microphones and a special control module to create opposing sound waves sent through the car's speakers that cancel unwanted engine noises.
Lincoln Drive Control, which is standard, tailors the attributes of the electronic shock absorbers, transmission shifting and electric steering and presents them in three driver-selectable modes: Normal, Sport and Comfort.
A push-button gear selector next to the gauges replaces the traditional floor shifter. Very cool.
Lincoln offers three different powerplant choices for MKZ. Standard is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost (turbocharged) four-cylinder generating 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Optional is a 3.7-litre V-6 that Ford installs in vehicles as diverse as the Mustang and F-150 pickup. In the MKZ it's rated at 300 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. As a point of differentiation, the V-6 is not found in the Fusion.
For maximum fuel savings, the MKZ returns with its gasoline-electric Hybrid fitted with a 141-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder combined with an electric motor worth a combined 188 hpr.
The turbo and V-6 come with six-speed automatic transmission and front or optional all-wheel-drive. The Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission and is available only in front-wheel-drive.
Hybrid fuel-consumption numbers haven't been released but should be similar to the Ford Fusion Hybrid's class-leading 4.0 L/100 km city and 4.1 highway rating (the Fusion uses the identical hybrid drivetrain).
As with most near-luxury sedans, the MKZ can be had with numerous crash-mitigating safety systems that help prevent rear-end mishaps, keep you in your intended lane and alert you to others in your blind spot.
Pricing is expected to start at about $40,500 for the base MKZ and in the $43,000 range for the Hybrid MKZ (including destination charges). That's comparable to the competition's prices and represents a great deal for hybrid shoppers. Still, the primary challenge is to entice buyers of European and Asian luxury cars to shop the Lincoln brand. The MKZ could be just the right bait to reel them in.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, front-all-wheel-drive mid-size sedan
Base price (incl. destination): $40,500 (est.)
Engines (hp): 2.0-litre DOHC I4, turbocharged (240); 3.7-litre DOHC V-6 (300); 2.0-litre DOHC I4 and electric motor (188 net, hybrid)
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic; continuously variable (Hybrid)
Fuel economy, L/100 km (city/hwy): 9.0/7.4 (2.0)
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