Analysts and prognosticators have been watching Lincoln with a bit of concern and rightfully so, since the company was floating on broken pieces in past years. Producing altered versions of the parent company cars, not having and exciting news to share, and introducing concepts that were more exciting than actual models seemed to have been the company’s practice.
With the debut of the new Navigator and MKZ and the refreshed MKS and MKX models, Lincoln is at least more noticeable than it has been for a long time.
The latest strategy seems to be saturating the market with a Lincoln symbol in every segment possible. This process is being catapulted by the new Lincoln MKC. Knowledgeable enthusiasts cannot help but see the Ford Escape underpinnings that lie beneath the new crossover. However, this is a fresh face for the company that allows Leyland’s brand to compete directly with BMW, Audi Land Rover and Infiniti models in the segment.
A front-drive model with a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine starts at about $33,000. All-wheel drive MKCs start at $35,595 with the same engine. Going up to the 285-horsepower, 305 lb-f.t of torque, turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder engine adds $1,410 (and is only available in all-wheel drive). A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard on all MKCs. A well-equipped MKC could require about $47,000 from your pocketbook. Included in the pricing is a good voice recognition system, blind spot and cross traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, a large sunroof, THX audio, automated parking and more goodies. A small crossover with prices that can brush $50,000 is ambitious, but despite its price, the MKC just might be the vehicle that begins Lincoln’s overdue return to the front ranks of luxury brands.
The MKC is a very competent and fun-to-drive vehicle that delivers EPA ratings of 18 MPG in the city, 26 on the highway and 21 in combined driving. The combined figure matches the BMW X1 and X3 and Mercedes GLK 350 4Matic. However, it trails the less powerful Evoque.
Along with the saturation technique, the new MKC comes with an all-star ad campaign. Oscar-winning Hollywood heartthrob, Matthew McConaughey will be starring and several females that I asked, think he makes the little Lincoln look good.
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The new 2015 Lincoln MKC is stylish, fun to drive, and technologically advanced, and will surely help owners to make it home through the storm. Let’s hope it helps the carmaker make it through the storm to full recovery.
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