2015 Lincoln MKC

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos The Lincoln Motor Co.

The Lincoln Motor Company’s first-ever small utility vehicle delivers a combination of craftsmanship and performance that will make it stand out in the fast-growing small premium utility segment. Featuring an all-new available 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the 2015 Lincoln MKC offers an excellent combination of horsepower, torque and fuel economy in a luxurious package that further defines the Lincoln standard.

Exterior
Bumper to bumper, the 2015 Lincoln MKC defines automotive luxury while further defining the brand’s design direction. With low shoulders that set a muscular stance, the Lincoln MKC features design cues that underscore elegance.

A new interpretation of the storied Lincoln split-wing grille flanked by HID headlamps and signature LED accent lights gives the front a distinct personality. The available Vista Roof a glass surface that covers 12 square feet lets natural light pour into the cabin. Pedestal side mirrors add an elegant, stylish touch.

The rear view of the Lincoln MKC is defined by an elegant wraparound liftgate. Its design eliminates traditional lines and joints, creating a wide opening for improved access to the vehicle’s rear cargo area. Customers can opt for a hands-free version, giving them access to the rear cargo area with the kick of a foot below the rear bumper.

Interior
The unique design also carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship and high-tech combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. An architecturally unique instrument panel show cases Lincoln’s signature push-button gear shifter, which provides an open, inviting interior space. Plush leathers with French stitching, and available Bridge of Weir leather and real-wood trim accentuate the MKC’s elegance and grace.

To be more consistent with the Lincoln driving experience, an all-new Lincoln steering wheel debuts on the MKC and will be available on all future Lincoln vehicles. This highly tactile leather wrapped wheel provides better feeling and control and puts the brand’s new design DNA in the driver’s hands.

The enhanced THX II Certified Audio System, an industry first featuring THX-distributed bass technology and 14 right, center and left-slot speaker assemblies, is available. The state of the art audio system delivers a rich, immersive surround sound experience that reproduces music as it was mixed in the studio.

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch enables drivers to personalize their MKC by using voice-activated commands or simple touch controls on the class-exclusive 8-inch touch screen. Knobs and buttons on the center console provide additional and easy access to control the air conditioning and sound system.

Engines
The MKC comes standard with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. This makes Lincoln MKC an all-EcoBoost vehicle.

When equipped with the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the MKC offers 285 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters are designed to help improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

In addition, the MKC comes standard with front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels. Drivers can upgrade to Lincoln’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and 19-inch wheels for enhanced cornering and handling and an even sportier look.

The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system also includes continuously controlled damping. Drivers can use Lincoln Drive Control to select from sport, comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood. CCD constantly monitors the road; the suspension reacts on average within 20 milliseconds, providing a smooth ride with enhanced handling. CCD also is available in the standard front-wheel drive configuration of MKC.

Technology and Safety
The MKC offers advanced technology such as collision warning with brake support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help drivers avoid common accidents. The collision warning system is designed to alert the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity.

For 2015, the MKC introduces available park-out assist technology, a class-exclusive feature that enhances the vehicle’s active park assist capabilities. Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight parking spots.

The MKC also offers a Blind Spot Information System, which continuously monitors the vehicle’s blind spots with radar sensors, and class-exclusive cross-traffic alert, which detects traffic as the vehicle backs from a parking space.

Summary
The MKC gives Lincoln a compelling offering in the small premium utility vehicle segment, the fastest-growing part of the luxury market. Lincoln Drive Control adapts ride, steering, handling and engine characteristics for a thrilling and responsive driving experience; the wraparound liftgate is a great example of how the Lincoln MKC combines beautiful form with functionality.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $35,595.00, the one I drove included White Platinum Met Tri-Coat, 2.3L I4 GTDI EcoBoost Engine, Enhanced THX Audio Sound System, 19 Inch 5 Spoke Wheels, Technology and Climate packages, and it came in at $49,465.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com