Friday, June 27, 2014
DrivewayCanada.ca |
Richmond Review · Page 15
Welcome to the driver’s seat
Visit the Lincoln MKC gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca
Lincoln luxury at a non-premium price Santa Barbara, Calif. - The MKC is the first can be matched with standard, made (luxury) compact utility vehicle from Linin Scotland, Bridge of Weir “Deepsoft” coln and, while related, it’s very different leather upholstery. The premium car exfrom the Ford Escape. perience actually starts as you approach Development of both vehicles started the MKC with an accent welcoming with Ford’s global “C” platform, but lighting feature that’s automatically acother than its base 2.0 litre turbo-engine, tivated (by the key fob) when an owner the MKC has little else in common with Lincoln may be a is within 2.4 metres (8-ft). its Ford counterpart. Our 320-kilometre-plus route took us All-wheel-drive is standard (in Canada) little late in joining away from the coast along the scenic the booming compact Jacento Reyes Byway. This lightly travon all three editions of the MKC and a start price just under $40,000 is also luxury utility club, but elled twisty two-lane road gets narrow inviting compared to other luxury CUVs in sections. It also presented some the MKC is certainly spectacular vistas along the way and such as the Acura RDX ($41,390) and an impressively well BMW X3 ($42,800). some intimidating cliff faces and rock (A top-line Ford Escape, by the way, is formations. put-together new listed at $35,699). I was impressed with the MKC’s predictmember and it’s The MKC is the second of four all-new able handling characteristics through priced to sell. product launches intended to redefine the twisty sections. It was stable, very Lincoln. The first being the Lincoln MKZ Bob McHugh forgiving at higher speeds and generally last year, an all-new MKX is expected more agile than expected for a utility next year and a, so-far unnamed, full-sized sedan will vehicle - especially after I finally figured out how to follow. The new Lincoln styling theme includes smooth set-up the driving modes, called Lincoln Drive Control. clean lines a slick shape (described as “graceful athThe normal, comfort and sport settings for the susleticism”) and up front, there’s a contemporary take pension and steering are preset (via vehicle settings on the traditional Lincoln split-wing grille. on the instrument panel and customizable to a limited Another eye-catching feature of the MKC is around extent) by a driver to function with “D” and “S” back, a huge wraparound lift gate includes full-width transmission selections. It’s a different and somewhat LED rear lighting assemblies. This unique one-piece complex way of providing this feature. hydro-formed steel door opens like a clamshell and Push-button transmission selection is another feature allows complete access to the cargo area. An optional that I wouldn’t get excited about. I get the space-savhands-free feature also allows it to open with a kicking functionality and the historic connection to Lining motion below the rear bumper. coln, but still prefer a shift lever. Manual operation of The MKC also has a roomy feel to its interior, particuthe transmission’s six speeds can be done via paddle larly for front seat occupants. A dash that slants away, shifters on the steering wheel. The shifts, however, towards the windshield, adds to its airy ambiance. It’s could be crisper and the system tends to be very proalso a much quieter cabin than its stable mate, with tective of the engine (over-revving) on downshifts. numerous built-in sound deadening features that inOnly MKC vehicles with the new 2.3-litre twin-scroll clude a noise control system that eliminates unwanted turbo engine were available to drive at this U.S. event, sound waves and enhances others. which would price tag them close to $50,000 in CanAvailable inside accent trims include brushed alumiada. An impressively smooth and quiet performer (in num or open-pore Zebrano and Santos Rosewood that this application) this engine can produce 285-horse-
‘‘
’’
|
welcome to the driver’s seat.
to advertise in this weekly feature call today at 604.247.3704
power compared to the base 2.0-litre’s 240-horsepower, which is the top engine in an Escape. As you might expect, the 2.0L engine gets better fuel economy, but the difference is minimal and both can run on regular grade fuel. All the latest driver-assist technologies are available with MKC including, adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system, blind-sport alert, cross-traffic alert and park assist, with a unique new wrinkle... park-out assist. This added feature can now autonomously steer that MKC out of that tight parallel parking spot into which it put the MKC! Lincoln may be a little late in joining the booming compact luxury utility club, but the MKC is certainly an impressively well put-together new member and it’s priced to sell. Quick Specs and Pricing: Sticker price: Lincoln MKC Premiere (2.0L): $39,940 Lincoln MKC Select (2.0L): $42,200 Lincoln MKC Reserve (2.0L): $47,700 Lincoln MKC Reserve (2.3L): $49,650 Power: 2.0-litre I4 turbo, 16-valve, DOHC with variable timing: 240 horsepower @ 5500 rpm Fill-up: 2.0-litre city/highway fuel economy: 12.4/9.0 L/100km (EPA estimated) Power: 2.3-litre I4 turbo, 16-valve, DOHC with variable timing: 285 horsepower @ 5500 rpm Fill-up: 2.3-litre city/highway fuel economy: 12.9/9.2 L/100km (EPA estimated)
Question of the Week Bob McHugh in his review of the Lincoln MKC reveals there is a new technology called “park out assist” which gets your vehicle out of the tight parking sport that the “park assist” shoehorned you into! Is this kind of technology in danger of diminishing a driver’s control skills? Go to DrivewayCanada.ca to submit your answer. QUESTION
?
OF THE WEEK!
Safety Tip: As the summer BBQ season and Canada Day celebrations kick off, it’s important to remember how deadly of a combination drinking and driving can be. Arrange for a designated driver or use other options to get home safely.
Find more online at
DrivewayCanada.ca
Look for more driveway features and information online at
drivewayBC.ca