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Lincoln

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Vehicle: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid with Vision Pkg and Executive Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$45096

Performance: The MKZ uses Atkinson Cycle hybrid when mated with the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine. That means it has 156hp and 136 lb/ft of torque. The most impressive about Atkinson Cycle is driver is able to use full electric mode without gasoline engine stepping in anywhere below 70 km/h. As with any hybrid powertrains, its the most fuel efficient when driver remains in full electric. By the time the gasoline engine steps in, the fuel efficiency would become the moot point of driving a hybrid. On the other hand, the transition between electric and gasoline motors are seamless. The CVT gearbox, which is seamless in its operation, is a perfect match for hybrid’s character. During the day on our test drive, we are able to achieve an impressive 5 liters per 100km with the MKZ hybrid. That’s spectacular given its level of luxurious features and performance afforded by the Atkinson Cycle.

Handling: The driving characteristics between standard MKZ and hybrid make no difference. As both are based on the same rigid and solid chassis for suspension to hang its hats. The suspension is comfotably compliant while absorbing all the bumps and roughness, on the other hand, MKZ doesn’t have many of its rival’s softness when pushed. Just like the Fusion which MKZ is based on, it feels sporty and responsive when pushed into corners. The steering provides decent feel and feedback, with excellent precision and path-tracking abilities. There are controlled body rolls and electronic stability control has eliminated understeer in flying colors.

Brakes: Even with the regenerative braking, MKZ doesn’t exhibit those numb feedback from the brake pedal. The brake pedal always feels firm and solid. When its time to mesh the brake pedal, there are always some lives to it. The stopping distance is short while ABS acts on the right time is an added bonus.

Interior: If there is one drawback, it has to do with the lack of proper fold-down rear seats due to the battery packs located below the floor.

The rest of MKZ’s interior is finished with nice and classy use of materials. Driver is able to configure different functions for them to know what is the most fuel efficient driving mode with the hybrid system. The “trees” indicate how fuel efficient each time you drive the car.

Conclusion: The MKZ should considered as the best luxury hybrid ever. As it comes with a price tag most consumers are able to afford, with Atkinson Cycle that is able to be driven on full electric anywhere below 70 km/h. Its also comfortable, handles relatively well and practical. It is virtually a hybrid without any compromise.

Sole competition:
Lexus HS250h

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
=====================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

2010 Lincoln MKT

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
=====================================
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

2009 Lincoln MKS

Vehicle: 2009 Lincoln MKS FWD with Interior Aluminum Applique Pkg and Vision Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$51999

Performance: During initial introduction, Lincoln only launched one powertrain for the MKS. This is an upgraded version of Ford’s Duratec DOHC 24-valve V6 family, a modified version of the proven 3.5 liter. In the MKS, its a 3.7 liter with upgraded internal components for an additional 200 liters of displacement. In this case, it has 273 horses and 270 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. When it comes to engine refinement and smoothness, this application has to be the best I have driven among all the Duratecs over the years. Its quiet and smooth enough to wear Lincoln nameplate, its also smooth and refined enough to put MKS into Lexus territory. The isolation Lincoln engineered through the MKS is impressive, as it is as quiet as a church during idle. One would be mistaken the engine has turned off with the level of quietness. The other carmaker that is able to produce engine that is as dead quiet is Lexus, which is what this MKS is targeting right at the beginning. Performance wise, 273 hoses is capable enough to motivate MKS’s 4151lb curb weight. Although the upcoming twin-turbo version would make this ride happier especially if its mated with intelligent AWD, which weighting in at over 4300lb in this 3.7 liter guise. 270 lb/ft of torque is decent if not spectcular for this pig. If not because of the excellent 6-speed automatic’s low 1st gear ratio, MKS would be quite a sluggish launch. Thankfully, both 5 and 6th gears are tall enough for quiet, comfortable highway cruising. Manumatic shifting is also good enough to push this beast through paces better. If you are looking for pure performance aspect, the upcoming twin-turbo is worth the wait.

Handling: MKS is based on a modified version of Ford’s Taurus platform, which, on the other hand, is a modified version of Volvo’s large car platform sharing with S80 and V70. As we have talked trillion times in the past, the single biggest shortfall of this platform has to be its wide turn-radius. Its an non-issue if you live on countryside but spoken huge problem in downtown LA traffic. Otherwise, the chassis is sound and solid, which is exactly what a competitive Lincoln needs. Consider Lincoln’s attempt to put MKS as more of a comfortable luxury cruiser than a capable handler, its driving dynamic is a pleasant surprise. Yes, the steering is featherweight and feedback is artificial. But its good enough for MKS’s target audience and its immediate competition. The suspension is soft, however, it absorbs bumps with authority as it doesn’t feel as floaty as one expects. Thanks to this European-derived chassis, the ride control has a sense of suppleness and firmness never found in previous Lincolns. There remain lots of up and down motions but everything has been well composed, its not something we used to be associate with this brand. There are plenty of understeer when pushed and Lincoln’s AdvanceTrac stability control acts instrusively when driven crazily into a hairpin. But all those are forgiven as its ride and handling compromise are good enough to tackle Lexus ES350, which is what exactly the MKS is going for.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, MKS’s braking feel and modulation are another delightful surprise. The pedal doesn’t have Lincoln’s previous dead-on-the-metal feedback, its also good to modulated. ABS only kicks in at the right time.

Interior: The biggest disappointment with MKS’s interior is the lack of a proper fold-down rear seats. You only got a ski pass through. Lincoln claims it would sacifice chassis stiffness. If Volvo is able to afford a fold down rear seats from S80 to XC70 riding on the same chassis, why not Lincoln?

Otherwise, MKS’s interior is a very nice place to be. In the past, Lincoln interior is an ergonomic disaster with tiny buttons placed elsewhere. In the MKS, everything else is ergonomically placed. Everything else from an effective climate control to navigation system with back-up camera, which optional with our Vision Package, are easy to use. The use of plastic and leather materials are classy and elegance. We are very pleased with the use of the soft leather hides that matched well with MKS’s quiet interior. The use of wood trim and color coordination are another praise worth of mentioned. Instead of feeling drab and boring, MKS has a tasteful break between them.

The back seat is spacious and comfortable. Its also nice enough to have rear heated seats which is a welcome feature in cold weather.

Conclusion: Without a doubt, the MKS is the best Lincoln ever made. It has broken the Lincoln norm of being a boring landyatch, once associates with TownCar and Navigator, to being a sophiscated highway cruiser. Its packaging is attractive enough to pit it against Lexus, which is a company famous for making floaty highway cruiser with lots of kits. If you want more power, the upcoming twin-turbo version is worthy of waiting for.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Lincoln MKS
=====================================
Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3/5

2007 Lincoln MKZ

Vehicle: 2007 Lincoln MKZ
Price as tested: Est. CDN$43000

Performance: Not only does this baby Lincoln received a new monikor, it also received a brand new powerplant. The Duratec 35 replaces the adequate Duratec 30 in both MKZ, Fusion, Five Hundred full-size sedan and Freestyle crossover vehicles. This motor is good for 250 horses and 240 pounds feet of torque. Its 29 more hp and 35 more lb/ft from the outgoing 3.0L motor. While the jump in hp and torque aren’t significant, the result is a much more responsive engine in every rev range. All the sluggishness and noisy from the motor have significantly improved. It feels peppier, more responsive, quieter, more refined. In short, a motor that makes the vehicle feels more upmarket and competitive than it used to be. Matched with this engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the gear ratios and smoothness have improved over the outgoing 5-speed version. Once again, a better ratio auto tranny with a larger motor would improved fuel economy due to less full throttle when pushed. It also put less stress into the powertrain which means better longevity.

Handling: Consider MKZ is based on a sketched Mazda6 chassis, its stiffness and rigidty are very promising. It doesn’t have the chassis flex once experienced in LS, which is totally unacceptable for an entry-level luxury sedan. Given the status of MKZ as a Lincoln, its expected for it to have softer springs and suspension than its Fusion and Mazda6 chassis silibings. While it got more body rolls and understeer than Fusion, it remains controllable without any floatiness one expected from Lincoln. Steering response is adequate although it feels vague on and off-center. The overall drivng and riding experience are more similar to an ES350 than Lincoln.

Brakes: With its standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, MKZ’s brake feel and stopping distance are much better than expected. Its pedal feel and modulation are better than average, even though the ABS threshold is somewhat hard to detec during emergency braking.

Interior: The interior of MKZ is pretty much a mix. While you are all the necessary luxury features one expected from Lincoln, it still short of interior details. The center stark all covered with cheap painted aluminum that matched awkwardly with the equally questionable wood trim. Speaking of wood trim, it feels more faux than any faux wood. I also hate the way those 2 huge center pods called air vents in the middle of the dashboard. The steering is just way too large for the interior. It looks like something came off a Navigator or TownCar. While the instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, its very oddball to have white gauges with blue pointers.

Regarding interior color scheme, its another mix review. The black interior just make the tacky painted aluminum looks even more terrible. If you choose the beige interior, there are just way too many colors killing each others at the same time. Silver center console, beige seats, brown wood trim and dark brown top dashboard.

The cargo area is well laid-out. With 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and uninstrusive hinges, it utilizes all the possible space for any activities.

Conclusion: While the MKZ is a worthy replacement to the LS, Lincoln needs to convince consumers it worths its premium over equivalent Fusion silibing. Fusion will received the same powertrain upgrade as MKZ vs Zephyr. The interior color scheme is more cheerful and easier to the eyes. Not to mention Fusion handles better with its sportier suspension setting. In a nutshell, if you really want to buy a Lincoln. MKZ is right for you. For my money, Fusion is a much more impressive vehicle.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 LINCOLN MKZ
================================
Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.5/5
Value-for-money: 1/5

Overall rating: 2.25/5

2004 Lincoln LS-V8

Vehicle: 2004 Lincoln LS-V8 Ultimate with rear heated seats and safety & parking pkg
Price as tested: CDN$60030

Performance: LS is motivated by 1 of 2 engines. A Duratec-based 232hp 3.0L V6 and the one in our tester, 3.9L V8 DOHC 32-valver that gives out 280hp and 286 lb/ft of torque. While the numbers look “powerful” given its maximum torque arrives at 4k rpm, LS’s performance is rather underwhelming. It doesn’t have the seat-of-the-pants feel you expect from a Detroit V8. The throttle response is better than average but the whole car feels sluggish when pushed. While this engine works well in Jag S-Type, its chassis silibing, it doesn’t seem to execute well in Lincoln formula. The 5-speed Selectshift manumatic is lazy to up and downshifts. Its also doesn’t allow you to rev pass redline before upshifting. In terms of refinement, this engine is better than average as it has low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

Handling: Given LS shares the same platform as S-Type, it got enough chassis stiffness. However, I have detected some chassis flex that is unfound in the last S-Type I drove. The steering feels plain but got adequate feedback. Its responsive enough to attack curves. The AdvanceTrac stability control is an acceptable system as it intervens quite aggressive when pushed through corners, even before the car shows its ugly head. There are quite an amount of body rolls. There is a certain understeer but you won’t see any oversteer because of the instrusive stability control.

Brakes: Pedal feel is better than average even with standard 4-wheel discs and ABS. Although its nothing spectacular but, at least, it got the job done.

Interior: LS’s interior is good for the most parts. As it has clear analog gauges, easy to use stereo and climate control. The heated seat buttons are easy to use and find. Leather seats are comfortable and supportive, although slippery through corners. However, there are enough hard plastic to make you forgot its in a premium luxury car. Most of the panels that covered the dashboard and center console are covered in cheap and hard plastic that feel more at home in a Taurus than a Lincoln. The leather feels more like vinyl than many so-called leatherette. Other than that, you got all the necessary power items like locks, mirrors, windows and seats.

In terms of back seat, it got adequate leg and headrooms. As for cargo space, the high lift-over with instrusive trunk hinges really limit the carrying ability of the LS.

Conclusion: When LS first introduced back in Y2K, Ford had high hopes that it brings sporty dynamics and performance into one package to attract younger audience than typical Lincoln buyers. As times goes by, LS has standstill while the rest of the class provide better performance, better dynamics and better interior at only a slight premium. While LS was above the bar in Y2K in medium-upper luxury segment, its below the bar as of today.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 LINCOLN LS-V8
=================================
Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive:2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2/5