This year sees Lincoln's smallest crossover model, the MKC, get a styling refresh that brings the little utility's looks in line with the brand's latest design language.
It's not a massive restyling effort: the only significant change to the car's appearance, inside or out, is a new grille first seen on the MKZ and Continental sedans. That Lincoln left the rest as-is is fine with us, though, because the MKC was a good-looking vehicle to begin with, sporting a modern look that reminds us of the Audi Q5.
Inside, the MKC gets Sync 3, the latest version of the infotainment system shared with a variety of other Lincoln models and those sold by parent company Ford. Owners can also now use the Lincoln Way smartphone app, which comprises a concierge service, interactive parking info and allows you to control the door locks and start the engine wherever you are, using your portable telephonic device.
Buyers interested in Lincoln's premium Black Label package can also now choose from three interior themes called Modern Heritage, Indulgence and Centre Stage. These boast materials like Venetian leather, Alcantara, Argento and Ziricote wood accents.
On the safety front, the MKC's forward collision warning system adds pedestrian detection.
Elsewise, the MKC carries over unchanged. Standard power is from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (245 hp/275 lb-ft of torque) borrowed from the Ford Escape, but the MKC can be optioned with a stronger 2.3L motor good for 285 hp and 305 lb-ft. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are included. The 2.0L motor can be optioned with an idle stop feature that cuts the motor at stoplights in a bid to reduce city fuel consumption.
With that idle stop feature, the MKC's consumption estimates are 12.1/9.3 L/100 km (city/highway); without it, the city figure increases to 12.3. The 2.3L engine is rated at 13.1/9.4.
Regardless of engine choice, performance is good, but on paper the littlest Lincoln lacks an eight-speed transmission as found in many of its competitors. The MKC handles well thanks to adaptive dampers that firm up the ride when the car is set to its sport driving mode.
Standard kit includes 10-way power front seats, proximity key with push-button start, and a power liftgate. The MKC also gets Lincoln's approach detection with illuminated logo welcome mat, ultra-soft Bridge of Weir leather upholstery, a nine-speaker premium sound system and the Sync3 infotainment system. Radar cruise control, forward collision warning with auto-brake, lane-keeping assist, and a parking assistant are optional.
For all that the MKC has breathed some life into Lincoln's lineup and the brand's sales, you need the cargo space of its huge Navigator sibling to haul around all the baggage associated with brand's reputation for making cars for old folks.
Lincoln faces an uphill battle for recognition in this class next to vehicles not only from Audi and BMW but also Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar and Alfa Romeo. We see the MKC's appeal, but it remains a hard sell for image conscious buyers.
