MKZ

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
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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

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
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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