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26th
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Now that I'm over 60, it appears I'm no longer the smartphone-wielding car buyer who grew up playing video games that Lincoln targets.
The introduction of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid definitely signals a change of direction for the storied American brand. Ford wants to reinvent Lincoln and attract younger customers, which is neither a bad idea nor a small task.
What's a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an environmentally friendly sedan that joins the base 4-cylinder turbocharged model and the more upscale V6-powered AWD model in the MKZ lineup.
Actually, with fuel consumption ratings of 4.2L/100km in the city and 4.3L/100km on the highway, it's the most efficient luxury sedan in Canada.
Price and specifications of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The front-wheel-drive 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid combines a 141-horsepower, 2.0L Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.
Total output is a respectable 188 horsepower, while torque amounts to just 129 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. That's not a lot given that the midsize MKZ Hybrid weighs 1,705 kilos. Braking is handled by 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and regenerative braking.
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's standard equipment list includes a THX II certified premium sound system, inflatable rear seat belts, heated seats all around (and cooled up front!), and so much more. Pricing starts at $40,100, which I think is relatively cheap given the feature-laden content.
Driving the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Three driving modes are available with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: Normal, Comfort, and Sport. When I took possession of the car for a brief test drive of 50 kilometres, it was already set to Sport. My 30-something-year-old driving partner and I tried but ultimately couldn't change it to Comfort, which goes to show you how complex the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system is.
Anyway, while crisscrossing the city, we both found the suspension a bit stiff in Sport mode. Some of the impacts we felt were rather unpleasant. Overall, though, the ride remained comfortable and quiet. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid proved very easy to drive.
Those among us who had the opportunity to sample the car in Normal mode managed to post an average fuel consumption of just over 6.0L/100km, which is pretty commendable.
As for the driving position, I personally had to raise my seat to be comfortable behind the wheel, which put the top of my head a mere inch from the headliner. Thank God, it didn't mess up my hair!
Inside and Out of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
While it draws some inspiration from the 1938 Zephyr, I very much like the design of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, starting with the split front grille that reminds me of eagle wings. This particular design cue was carried over to the dashboard, as well.
Like I said earlier, though, the various controls and menus of MyLincoln Touch generate plenty of frustration and head-scratching, especially if you're not the type to use voice command. If you ask me, this HMI causes more distractions than any smartphone. On the plus side, it does a really nice job of cleaning up the dashboard and centre console. Likewise, you won't find a shifter anywhere, because the CVT of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is controlled by buttons.
Comparing the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Clearly, Lincoln is grabbing the environmental bull by the horns and setting its sights on a wide range of entry-level luxury sedans, from the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Genesis to the Cadillac CTS and Volvo S60.
Most of them are noticeably more expensive than the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. If you insist on taking the hybrid route, selection is very limited; the closest alternative would have to be the Lexus ES 300h.
The introduction of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid definitely signals a change of direction for the storied American brand. Ford wants to reinvent Lincoln and attract younger customers, which is neither a bad idea nor a small task.
 |
What's a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an environmentally friendly sedan that joins the base 4-cylinder turbocharged model and the more upscale V6-powered AWD model in the MKZ lineup.
Actually, with fuel consumption ratings of 4.2L/100km in the city and 4.3L/100km on the highway, it's the most efficient luxury sedan in Canada.
 |
| The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is an environmentally friendly sedan starting at $40,100, which I think is relatively cheap given the feature-laden content. (Photo: Richard Roch) |
Price and specifications of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The front-wheel-drive 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid combines a 141-horsepower, 2.0L Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.
Total output is a respectable 188 horsepower, while torque amounts to just 129 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. That's not a lot given that the midsize MKZ Hybrid weighs 1,705 kilos. Braking is handled by 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and regenerative braking.
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid's standard equipment list includes a THX II certified premium sound system, inflatable rear seat belts, heated seats all around (and cooled up front!), and so much more. Pricing starts at $40,100, which I think is relatively cheap given the feature-laden content.
 |
| Total output is a respectable 188 horsepower, while torque amounts to just 129 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. (Photo: Lincoln) |
Driving the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Three driving modes are available with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: Normal, Comfort, and Sport. When I took possession of the car for a brief test drive of 50 kilometres, it was already set to Sport. My 30-something-year-old driving partner and I tried but ultimately couldn't change it to Comfort, which goes to show you how complex the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system is.
Anyway, while crisscrossing the city, we both found the suspension a bit stiff in Sport mode. Some of the impacts we felt were rather unpleasant. Overall, though, the ride remained comfortable and quiet. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid proved very easy to drive.
Those among us who had the opportunity to sample the car in Normal mode managed to post an average fuel consumption of just over 6.0L/100km, which is pretty commendable.
As for the driving position, I personally had to raise my seat to be comfortable behind the wheel, which put the top of my head a mere inch from the headliner. Thank God, it didn't mess up my hair!
 |
| Overall, though, the ride remained comfortable and quiet. (Photo: Lincoln) |
Inside and Out of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
While it draws some inspiration from the 1938 Zephyr, I very much like the design of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, starting with the split front grille that reminds me of eagle wings. This particular design cue was carried over to the dashboard, as well.
Like I said earlier, though, the various controls and menus of MyLincoln Touch generate plenty of frustration and head-scratching, especially if you're not the type to use voice command. If you ask me, this HMI causes more distractions than any smartphone. On the plus side, it does a really nice job of cleaning up the dashboard and centre console. Likewise, you won't find a shifter anywhere, because the CVT of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is controlled by buttons.
 |
| I very much like the design of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, starting with the split front grille that reminds me of eagle wings. This particular design cue was carried over to the dashboard, as well. (Photo: Richard Roch) |
Comparing the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Clearly, Lincoln is grabbing the environmental bull by the horns and setting its sights on a wide range of entry-level luxury sedans, from the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai Genesis to the Cadillac CTS and Volvo S60.
Most of them are noticeably more expensive than the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. If you insist on taking the hybrid route, selection is very limited; the closest alternative would have to be the Lexus ES 300h.