Vehicle: 2010 Lincoln MKT AWD Ecoboost
Price as tested: CDN$54980

Performance: Last year we were really enjoyed the driving experience of the Ford Flex. The Lincoln MKT is loosely based on the same platform. Whether it will come out as a purely Flex with lipstick or is it really a Lincoln flagship? We will find out after this test drive.

Our tester comes with Ford’s hyped Ecoboost engine series, as we already given lots of praises in the Taurus SHO. The same story applies to the MKT. The 3.5 liter DOHC V6 24-valve with two turbochargers are producing 355 horses and 350 lb/ft of torque. It is able to move this 2 tones of heavy beast with authority off-the-line. All have done without the annoying turbo lag one associate with turbochargers of the past. Both turbos spool up quickly and efficiencly without any fuse. The variable valve timing also helps this Ecoboost engine’s mid and upper range when pushed. The overall refinement and flexability on Ecoboost engine is simply impressive. When mated with direct injection technology, the fuel efficiency in this MKT has been stellar. We got an average of 13 liters per 100km which is impressive in this segment. The flexability and revving quality already blown a German company’s same system away. Best of all, it delivers power of what it should be. Without a proper gearbox, no matter how good an engine is simply useless. In MKT’s case, it got an excellent 6-speed manumatic with paddle shifters. Not only the lower gears set to low ratios to improve acceleration. Both 5th and 6th are tall enough for MKT’s cruising abilities. The availability of paddle shifters encourage shift’em by yourselves to better use of Ecoboost rev ranges.

Handling: The MKT handles surprisingly nimble consider how much it weights. While the suspension has been softened up for more luxurious-oriented Lincoln-esque ride quality, it continues to impress through the corners. I half expected MKT handles so confidently and reassuring when pushing through twisties. As suspension has done a good job of providing a supple yet comfortable ride, without sacificing the handling dynamics through right damping characteristics. Although the steering feels a bit vague and numb, precision and response are more than adequate. While there remain plenty of body rolls, they are more than tempted consider its vehicle size. MKT’s AWD system has done a good job of combining with AdvanceTrac, which acts as safety curtains, before any driver rears its ugly heads. The AdvanceTrac only steps in before AWD is unable to save from oversteer and understeer, which acts as second line of defence in active safety.

Brakes: Consider MKT’s curb weight, its brake pedal has done a more than good enough job to haul this beast to a standstill. The stopping distance is short and pedal feels reassuring. The pedal always feels confidence-inspiring with lots of lives to it. On the other hand, ABS only acts necessarily.

Interior: The use of materials and fit-and-finish are more than up to Lincoln standards. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic and leather around the dashboard. All the instrumentation gauges and major HVAC are all within easy reach. Both the climate control and stereo system are easy to figure out.

The second row of seats are comfortable. On our loaded version, it comes with a cooler for those on a long trip. Lincoln claims its cooling ability is twice as fast as refrigator in your home.

As with most crossovers, there aren’t many cargo space with the third row up. With the third row folds down, there are more than enough space to carry luggages with 5 persons on board.

Without the back-up camera and back-up sensors, MKT’s slightline is simply poor thanks to the thick pillars. With those features, it makes backing up the MKT a far more easier and safer job.

Conclusion: Before I started the test drive, I was expecting MKT is only a Flex with a lot of chrome to make it a Lincoln. But I came away impressively as MKT feels like every inch a Lincoln, with enough merits to challenge some of its intended rivals.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Lincoln MKT
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5