2015 Lincoln MKC
The 2015 Lincoln MKC is the newest vehicle to enter the competitive compact luxury utility vehicle line. It’s sure to catch on with car buyers looking to break away from the pack. The styling is decidedly youthful with touches of luxury that rival much more expensive brands. This is Lincoln Motor Company’s next determined step in capturing a younger buyer than the brand has known for decades. This five-seater crossover is definitely not your grandfather’s Lincoln.
Lincoln, as Ford Motor Company’s luxury brand, used to share the luxury automotive top spot back in the day when large land yachts cruised American highways. But starting in the 1980s, Ford executives began to acquire other luxury car brands, and Lincoln sales slowly faded away as the brand was starved for resources. The spacious Lincoln Town Car was still a hit with the older folks, but Ford realized that something had to be done to bring new buyers to their showrooms. Last year’s introduction of the Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan was an impressive first step, but the 2015 Lincoln MKC is proof that the car maker is back in a big way.
Although it shares a platform with Ford’s popular Escape, the MKC does not share any resemblance to its automotive cousin. It does, however, share the split front grill with its stable mate the MKX, as well as the rear taillamp design. But the interior is where the MKC truly shines. The Bridge of Weir leather seats just about melt to the touch, and the matte wood inserts highlight contrasting grain. Actual buttons and dials to make it easier to control radio and climate controls and the MyLincoln TouchTM touchscreen is easy to navigate.
At an MSRP of $33,100, a base MKC comes equipped with a 240 hp, 2.0 liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that delivers EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It’s available both in front wheel and all wheel drive configurations.
If you just have to have more power, opt for the 285 hp, 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine that turns the MKC into more of a sports car with world-class handling and with only slightly worse fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The Lincoln brand is back, no doubt about it. Do yourself a favor, and put it on your shopping list.