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New Lincoln looks good

Lincoln Motor Company is currently undergoing a major reinvention. These efforts have resulted in a dramatic unveiling of the 2015 MKC.

Lincoln Motor Company is currently undergoing a major reinvention. These efforts have resulted in a dramatic unveiling of the 2015 MKC.

The Lincoln MKC is a compact premium utility vehicle, and is the second of four all-new vehicles to be introduced by Lincoln.

Being the most youthful offering from Lincoln yet, the MKC was designed with driver comfort and funto-drive manners in mind and comes with a host of premium amenities. Lincoln is targeting the growing base of new, young buyers as well as current owners looking to downsize as their needs change.

The MKC is an all-new crossover SUV for 2015, and enters Lincoln into the fastest growing market segment against established rivals such as the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

It's a tall order, but I was thoroughly impressed with the new MKC and taken aback by its strength in comparison to one of the strongest leader in this class, the Audi Q5, which I currently drive.

Design The MKC shares a platform with the Ford Escape, and features a unique style. To give it an elevated level of refinement over its Ford cousin, the MKC receives Lincolnspecific mechanical and feature upgrades.

Epitomizing Lincoln's new, youthful look, the MKC sports the brand's contemporary split-wing grille. This is framed by high-efficiency HID headlamps with

LED accents.

The MKC has a sleek profile, enhanced by crisp shoulder creases and sculpted body panels. The low, flowing roof and high beltline give it an athletic nature. Available 19-and 20-inch wheels add to the bold image.

At the back, full-width LED taillights complement the front lights, and the distinctive wraparound liftgate combines form with functionality.

A nice touch is the standard Approach Detection system. This feature senses your arrival and then illuminates the exterior lights, including the door handles which are colour-keyed to the vehicle. The Lincoln logo appears in front of both driver and passenger doors and warm ambient cabin lighting welcomes you in.

The cabin is an inviting environment, with premium materials such as aluminium and natural wood. The available Vista Roof is expansive and allows both front and rear passengers a great view of the sky.

Performance Customers of the 2015 MKC have a choice between two turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engines. The base engine is also used in the Ford Escape and this 2.0-litre motor is rated at 240 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque.

The MKC's optional engine is an all-new 2.3-litre unit that will also be equipped in the 2015 Ford Mustang. It produces 285 h.p. and 305 foot-pounds of torque. Through the use of turbocharging, direct injection and twin variable cam timing, Lincoln was able to make this smaller powertrain powerful and efficient.

To help improve the MKC's fuel economy, it has class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters, which make it more aerodynamic at highway speeds.

The six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission is mated to both engines. The wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow the driver to change gears quickly without taking their hands off the wheel, or they can leave it in full auto mode and relax.

The MKC comes standard with Lincoln's Intelligent All-wheel Drive system, which includes Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD). Using Lincoln Drive Control, drivers can select from sport, comfort and normal modes to suit their mood while CCD constantly monitors the road to provide a smooth ride and enhanced handling.

Advanced safety technologies are also available on the MKC. Highlights are the collision warning with brake support and a lane-keeping system to help drivers avoid common accidents.

Lincoln introduces new park-out assist technology on the MKC which guides the vehicle into parallel parking spots as well as assists with exiting tight spaces.

The MKC was developed primarily for on-road driving, therefore it has a wider track and lower centre of gravity than the Ford Escape. This, along with its exclusive suspension and steering calibrations, give it a more surefooted character.

Overall the MKC drives more like a Japanese SUV then a German model, with predictable character and balanced feel all around. It's not as sporty as the German competitors, but the steering feel and the ride characters are in line with some of the best models in this class.

Environment Inside the MKC, craftsmanship and technology combine to create a warm, luxurious cabin. Lincoln's signature push-button gear selector adds to the open, airy feel by removing clutter from the centre.

The SYNC feature with MyLincoln Touch system enables drivers to personalize their MKC through the eight-inch touchscreen. User-friendly knobs and buttons on the centre console provide quick and easy access to the climate control and sound system. The general usage has improved over the years but in reality, SYNC/Touch system is still a bit awkward to use.

The MKC's power front seats offer a comfortable and supportive seating position to people of every size. The 60/40 folding rear bench is less accommodating as it is fixed in its position. This results in the MKC having less total rear legroom than some of its rivals.

MKC has 25.3 cubic feet of storage space, expanding to 53.1 with the seatbacks folded down, which is competitive with others.

Accessing that space has been made easier thanks to the MKC's foot-activated hands-free liftgate. If your hands are full, with the key in your pocket or purse, simply kick your foot under the rear bumper to effortlessly open the hatch. Pressing a button, or waving your foot under the bumper again, will smoothly close it again.

Standard on all MKC models, Active Noise Control reduces unwanted engine noise while enhancing desired sounds to improve the driving experience. Microphones monitor the cabin's sound profile and cancel out anything which would disrupt the serene environment.

Features The MKC is available in two models with the base 2.0-litre engine starting at $39,940 and the new 2.3-litre beginning at $49,650.

Standard equipment includes perforated leather heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, keyless entry and remote start.

Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, universal garage door opener, navigation system with voice recognition, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, and an embedded modem.

Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilometres) for the base engine are 12.4 city and 9.0 highway. The optional engine returns 12.9 city and 9.2 highway.

Thumbs up The MKC is more youthful and contemporary than most other North American SUVs, and has delightful road manners.

Thumbs down Lincoln's movement towards a younger customer base means they had to sacrifice interior volume. As a result, some rivals offer more rear passenger legroom and cargo space. Some refinement issues remain in comparison to the best in this class.

The bottom line The 2015 Lincoln MKC is an upscale crossover SUV that offers sophisticated styling, excellent comfort and many luxurious features for the right price and design.

Competitors Acura RDX The Acura RDX is a well-balanced small SUV with a lot to offer. It boasts a strong and efficient V-6, a long list of standard features, and a generous amount of cargo space.

The 2015 RDX starts at $41,390, with an available Tech package adding $3,000.

BMW X3 The X3 stands out for its dynamic driving nature and feels more like a sport sedan than an SUV. BMW offers several engine options, including a fuel-efficient diesel.

The BMW X3 ranges in price from $43,300 to $48,900.

Audi Q5 The Q5 is a well-rounded compact luxury SUV with a focus on comfort, style and performance. Being an Audi, all-wheel drive is standard and provides confidence regardless of the road conditions. The Q5 is one of the best SUVs in this market.

The Audi Q5 starts at $41,900 and is available in five different models.

editor@automotivepress.com