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18th
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Santa Barbara, CA -- Brand perception, value, and worth and how to gain it is a hot topic in the luxury auto world right now.
In Lincoln's case, it could easily be argued that Ford's shackles have held it back from blossoming. The new direction and rebirth began a few years ago when the new MKZ was being drawn up. Although tangible success continues to elude them, the latest product from Ford's luxury brand has the potential to actually increase showroom traffic.
The 2015 Lincoln MKC is nothing short of a departure from what the storied company has been producing these last few decades and deserves plenty of attention for its very German-inspired exterior design, its tasteful interior and impressive road manners. If there ever was a good reason to consider a Lincoln, here it is.
What is a Lincoln MKC?
I can tell you what it will be. The 2015 MKC will be Lincoln's bread-and-butter compact luxury crossover. Using the Audi Q5 as the principal target, Lincoln created a product to draw new blood into showrooms, likely the kind of buyer who craves luxury, but is not especially interested in brand affiliation.
This is in part Lincoln's appeal -- or so Ford hopes. At the moment, Lincoln is not a tier one luxury carmaker, however, should the MKC take off the profits could vastly help the company's outlook. This vehicle will penetrate the important Korean and Chinese markets, and should be successful there as well.
2015 Lincoln MKC Price and Specs
The new 2015 Lincoln MKC's base price is of $39,940; equipped with a 240-horsepower turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, AWD, a 6-speed autobox, and Lincoln's Drive Control that adjusts the suspension.
To the base Premiere group, the Select package adds a 10-way power passenger seat and more for $2,260. The Reserve equipment group (includes the Select pck) throws in a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, navigation and more for $7,760.
Graduating to the 2.3L EcoBoost increases the price to $49,650. This new engine (shared with the new 2015 Mustang) produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel. It comes nearly fully equipped as only a Technology package is offered. It includes active safety systems for an extra $2,250.
Driving the 2015 Lincoln MKC
Forget about what you've heard or know about how the average Lincoln drives. In very few words: the 2015 Lincoln MKC drives as good or better than the best offerings in its category.
The V6-engine disappearance trend endures with the new MKC. I spent most of my driving day at the wheel of a 2.3L EcoBoost version and must say that the absence of a 6-cylinder engine will not be a problem. The 2.3L generates all of its torque from 2,750 rpm and so feels fairly quick. The transmission plays along smartly.
If at first I thought the 2.3L was impressively strong, that feeling dissipated after only a brief stint at the wheel of a 2.0L model. Its torque and throttle response are as sharp (in Sport or Normal modes) as the 2.3L. The latter feels marginally more powerful at higher engine rpm, but few drivers are likely to ever exploit these higher engine speeds.
Where the 2015 Lincoln MKC excels is in the handling department. On Maricopa Highway, in the Los Padres National Forest, the MKC demonstrated how capable it is. In Normal mode, the suspension enjoyed being heavily compressed, holding its own. On straight sections, the ride felt floaty on occasion but all was fine once Sport was selected. Body roll, although present, was expertly controlled and the vehicle would settle, firmly grip the road, and head in the desired direction with little understeer.
On the subject of steering, Ford's EPAS (electric power-assisted steering) did an excellent job of transmitting driver inputs to the front wheels with the perfect dose of assistance and surprising precision. The MKC's brakes also performed admirably well given the fairly hard driving conditions through increasingly tight and challenging twisties.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Lincoln MKC
A massive plus and minus throughout the drive were the seats. The seatbacks demonstrated comfort and support, ideal for holding the occupants in place during the assault on switchbacks. Unfortunately, the lower seat cushions are far too short for the average 5'9” man. They are, however, perfect for the average woman, which will most likely be the buyer of the MKC.
The MKC's cabin is truly spacious, elegant and well put together. Materials are lovely, especially the woods, and ergonomics are quite good. Gone are the annoying MyLincolnTouch telematics/infotainment slider-touchy controls, instead replaced by good old conventional switchgears that work brilliantly well. The use of push buttons for transmission gear selection is interesting as an idea, but takes a little getting used to.
The exterior styling will play a huge role in the MKC's take rate. Decidedly German in inspiration, the MKC borrows heavily from both the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi Q5 (its main target) flawlessly balanced with Lincoln's signature grille. Because the Lincoln MKC doesn't look American it will do well with the crowd (not sure of the size though) that wants European sophistication without the stigma that may come with German brands.
The standard wheels and colour palate augment the MKC's handsome and determined lines.
Comparing the 2015 Lincoln MKC
The compact luxury CUV segment is going to triple in size in the next few years; in fact a quarter of the luxury cars on the road will be from this segment.
The MKC currently deals with the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, and will shortly tango with the Lexus NX. More are expected to come, but at the moment it is difficult to fault the Germans.
The Lincoln MKC could be the first to put some hurt on the Europeans, if not them the Japanese.
In Lincoln's case, it could easily be argued that Ford's shackles have held it back from blossoming. The new direction and rebirth began a few years ago when the new MKZ was being drawn up. Although tangible success continues to elude them, the latest product from Ford's luxury brand has the potential to actually increase showroom traffic.
The 2015 Lincoln MKC is nothing short of a departure from what the storied company has been producing these last few decades and deserves plenty of attention for its very German-inspired exterior design, its tasteful interior and impressive road manners. If there ever was a good reason to consider a Lincoln, here it is.
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What is a Lincoln MKC?
I can tell you what it will be. The 2015 MKC will be Lincoln's bread-and-butter compact luxury crossover. Using the Audi Q5 as the principal target, Lincoln created a product to draw new blood into showrooms, likely the kind of buyer who craves luxury, but is not especially interested in brand affiliation.
This is in part Lincoln's appeal -- or so Ford hopes. At the moment, Lincoln is not a tier one luxury carmaker, however, should the MKC take off the profits could vastly help the company's outlook. This vehicle will penetrate the important Korean and Chinese markets, and should be successful there as well.
2015 Lincoln MKC Price and Specs
The new 2015 Lincoln MKC's base price is of $39,940; equipped with a 240-horsepower turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, AWD, a 6-speed autobox, and Lincoln's Drive Control that adjusts the suspension.
To the base Premiere group, the Select package adds a 10-way power passenger seat and more for $2,260. The Reserve equipment group (includes the Select pck) throws in a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, navigation and more for $7,760.
Graduating to the 2.3L EcoBoost increases the price to $49,650. This new engine (shared with the new 2015 Mustang) produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel. It comes nearly fully equipped as only a Technology package is offered. It includes active safety systems for an extra $2,250.
Driving the 2015 Lincoln MKC
Forget about what you've heard or know about how the average Lincoln drives. In very few words: the 2015 Lincoln MKC drives as good or better than the best offerings in its category.
The V6-engine disappearance trend endures with the new MKC. I spent most of my driving day at the wheel of a 2.3L EcoBoost version and must say that the absence of a 6-cylinder engine will not be a problem. The 2.3L generates all of its torque from 2,750 rpm and so feels fairly quick. The transmission plays along smartly.
If at first I thought the 2.3L was impressively strong, that feeling dissipated after only a brief stint at the wheel of a 2.0L model. Its torque and throttle response are as sharp (in Sport or Normal modes) as the 2.3L. The latter feels marginally more powerful at higher engine rpm, but few drivers are likely to ever exploit these higher engine speeds.
Where the 2015 Lincoln MKC excels is in the handling department. On Maricopa Highway, in the Los Padres National Forest, the MKC demonstrated how capable it is. In Normal mode, the suspension enjoyed being heavily compressed, holding its own. On straight sections, the ride felt floaty on occasion but all was fine once Sport was selected. Body roll, although present, was expertly controlled and the vehicle would settle, firmly grip the road, and head in the desired direction with little understeer.
On the subject of steering, Ford's EPAS (electric power-assisted steering) did an excellent job of transmitting driver inputs to the front wheels with the perfect dose of assistance and surprising precision. The MKC's brakes also performed admirably well given the fairly hard driving conditions through increasingly tight and challenging twisties.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Lincoln MKC
A massive plus and minus throughout the drive were the seats. The seatbacks demonstrated comfort and support, ideal for holding the occupants in place during the assault on switchbacks. Unfortunately, the lower seat cushions are far too short for the average 5'9” man. They are, however, perfect for the average woman, which will most likely be the buyer of the MKC.
The MKC's cabin is truly spacious, elegant and well put together. Materials are lovely, especially the woods, and ergonomics are quite good. Gone are the annoying MyLincolnTouch telematics/infotainment slider-touchy controls, instead replaced by good old conventional switchgears that work brilliantly well. The use of push buttons for transmission gear selection is interesting as an idea, but takes a little getting used to.
The exterior styling will play a huge role in the MKC's take rate. Decidedly German in inspiration, the MKC borrows heavily from both the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi Q5 (its main target) flawlessly balanced with Lincoln's signature grille. Because the Lincoln MKC doesn't look American it will do well with the crowd (not sure of the size though) that wants European sophistication without the stigma that may come with German brands.
The standard wheels and colour palate augment the MKC's handsome and determined lines.
Comparing the 2015 Lincoln MKC
The compact luxury CUV segment is going to triple in size in the next few years; in fact a quarter of the luxury cars on the road will be from this segment.
The MKC currently deals with the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, and will shortly tango with the Lexus NX. More are expected to come, but at the moment it is difficult to fault the Germans.
The Lincoln MKC could be the first to put some hurt on the Europeans, if not them the Japanese.