2015 Lincoln MKC

NEW FOR 2015:

The MKC is a big deal for Lincoln: it's the first all-new model since the plus-sized MKT crossover hit the road back in 2010. This time around, Lincoln hit the nail on the head – the MKC is the right size, the right price, and has the goods to compete in a segment that's bursting at the seams. As per the Lincoln norm, the MKC rides on a Ford platform (the Escape), but it has undergone some significant changes to set it apart from its mid-market sibling.

Two engines are available to MKC buyers, both of which have four cylinders. The entry level motor is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that develops 240 horsepower. It’s the same motor found in the Lincoln MKZ as well as a number of Ford products. For those in need of more oomph, there’s also a 2.3-litre four-cylinder that makes 285 horsepower and more than 300 lb-ft of torque. Both get a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard.

Although Lincolns aren’t exactly known for their dynamic prowess, the MKC is a surprisingly adept handler thanks to responsive, well-weighted steering, good body control, and standard adaptive damping suspension. It has several settings, allowing drivers to select from a pillow-soft ride to something more dialed in for winding roads.

Inside, Lincoln has given the MKC a quality cabin that addresses complaints pertaining to some of its recent models. Buttons take over for capacitive touch controls on the centre stack, but it still has a high tech look and feel with a reconfigurable instrument panel and a prominent infotainment screen. Otherwise, it’s traditional Lincoln luxury: leather, wood trim, and a hushed cabin are all a part of the package.

Being based on a smaller product means the MKC is a bit smaller than some of its rivals, particularly in terms of rear-seat legroom and cargo room.

Every MKC comes standard with power leather heated seats, a reconfigurable TFT instrument cluster, reverse camera, push-button start with remote starter, USB audio input, dual-zone climate control, adaptive HID headlamps and 18-inch wheels. The base trim level is named the Premiere Equipment Group (100A).

The Select Equipment Group (101A) adds a 10-way power passenger seat, wood trim, ambient lighting, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, tonneau cover, power folding mirrors and more. A power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, navigation, and a climate package that includes rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and auto high-beams can be added.

The Reserve Equipment Group (102A) features all the equipment in the Select Equipment Group plus a panoramic sunroof, navigation with voice control, blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, heated steering wheel on a power tilt and telescoping column, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, automatic high beams, hands-free tailgate, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2.3 EcoBoost model comes standard with the Reserve Group, and adds 19-inch wheels.

The Technology Package, available on 2.0 Select, 2.0 Reserve, and 2.3 Reserve brings high-end active driving technology to the MKC. Radar cruise control with pre-collision warning, self-park with easy-out, and lane-keeping assist are included.

Other options include a trailer towing package, a THX II surround sound system, aluminum interior trim, as well as various wheel designs.