2015 Lincoln MKC – Set to take over the Luxury Crossover segment!

First Lincoln MKC is about to arrive – Here is the link!

Lincoln MKC

Compact Utility Vehicles – CUVs

The Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV), or what is sometimes referred to as the Crossover market, is a competitive segment with the New Ford Escape now crushing the former leaders of the pack, the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 & Toyota Rav4.

This became such a popular type of vehicle for families who became used to space with Minivans and big SUVs, but grew sick of thirty fuel hogs and parking lot struggles. CUVs are easy to park, fit in your garage easily, are economical and for the snow belt, have the almost mandatory All Wheel Drive. Families grow, kids leave home, families shrink and vehicle needs change.

With a good decade of these type of compact SUVs gradually taking over with market domination, the segment has spawned a new mutant. Some refer to them as the CLUV or Compact Luxury Utility Vehicle, others CLC Compact Luxury Crossovers. Which ever you prefer, the cars that now reside in this segment are all awesome! No-one makes a bad car any more, but lets look into what makes the new Lincoln MKC the main contender for the King of the Hill!

Ford Escape

2014 Ford Escape

When Ford launched the extremely popular 2014 Ford Escape, the title was well and truly snatched from the Honda CR-V which had led from the front for 2 years. Ads show people asking when Ford got so cool, well, while all the other manufacturers where either dealing with Bankruptcy, Tsunamis or European economic collapse, Ford was honing in on the achilles heals of it’s competitors and working out what was needed to push forward in a big way, dominate all market segments and hit them all when they were down. And hit hard they did. Design and Technology departments drew inspiration while the drivetrain engineers built economical horsepower all came together to produce sledgehammer blows to their now shell-shocked Asian, Domestic and European counterparts.

A strong advertising campaign centered around Ecoboost models, highlighting fuel economy, Ecoboost turbocharged efficiency and power and the uber-cool foot activated tailgate captured everyone’s attention. The new Ford Escape has been killing it!

Choice of engines for the Escape are 1.6L I4 with 178hp, 184lbs ft and Epa est MPG of 23 City and 32 Hwy.

For those needing a bit more “poke” a super efficient Ecoboost 2.0L Turbo I4 240HP / 270lbs ft that returns an EPA est MPG of 22 City and 30 Highway in FWD models on 93 octane fuel, should be enough to leave those poor Honda CR-Vs with 185HP (EPA 23City / 31Hwy MPG 185HP 2.4L) and Toyota Rav4s (EPA 24City/31Hwy 176HP 2.4L) choking on dust! Really guys, this is an unfair gunfight! More with Less… A great combination…

Which brings me on to the new Compact Luxury Utility Vehicle Segment and Lincoln.

Lincoln has also enjoyed a serious boost while it’s opponents where licking their wounds in the different parts of the world. Having the benefit of being able to use the award winning Ford platforms, the whole range of Lincoln Vehicles have been upgraded and are all serious contenders in their respective markets.

The wisdom of taking a great thing and making it even better has always been a recipe for success. Lincoln has seen this, taking the formidable Ford Taurus Platform and sculpting the amazing Lincoln MKS Review, which with the 3.5L Twin Turbo Ecoboost All Wheel Drive, puts many vehicles twice it’s price to shame. The Lincoln MKZ, took the Aston “Martin’esque” Ford Fusion platform and created a truly beautiful design, both inside and out. The 2.0L Atkinson cycle I4 Hybrid with EPA est MPG of 47 City / 47 Hwy, is as green as it is golden. A 2.0L Ecoboost with 270HP with FWD or AWD is also available as is a 277HP 3.7L V6 also with Front wheel drive or All Wheel Drive for those with more lust for power.

The Lincoln MKX, shares the platform with the proven Ford Edge platform, the Ford Edge has a 270HP 3.5L V6 vs the 305HP 3.7L V6 of the Lincoln MKX. The relationship comparison of Volume vs Luxury models is roughly like this. Lincoln is to Ford in a similar way as Alpina is to BMW, AMG to Mercedes-Benz, Infinity to Nissan, Lexus to Toyota, Acura to Honda, although the Germans are focused primarily on performance first, the rest are the luxury versions of the main brands, taking a good thing and making it better.

The new Lincoln MKC

June 2014 will see the first of the exciting Lincoln MKC hitting the showrooms. The luxury pedigree of Lincoln combined with an industry leading platform of the Ford Escape is like breeding to the Winner of the Triple Crown! A sure fire winner.

The Lincoln MKC is lower, wider and longer when compared with the Ford Escape. The MKC base engine is the same 2.0L Ecoboost turbo that the Escape has for it’s top end engine, with a 2.0L Ecoboost I4 engine producing 240Horsepower / 270lbs ft of Torque. But the MKC, in keeping with Lincoln’s desire to raising the bar has another option to take on the Germans. This is in the form of a 275HP @ 5500rpm and 300 lbs ft of torque @ 3000rpm all from a super efficient 2.3L I4

Lincoln MKC 2.3L EcoBoost Turbo. Offers the most horsepower and torque per liter in its class-285/305 lb.-ft.*(on 93 octane)

featuring a Twin-Scroll Honeywell Turbo pumping 15psi. It has unique intake and exhaust configuration, including a 3 port integrated exhaust manifold, compared with a single port, with the radiator, condenser, air to air Inter-cooler and larger valves. Germans love their power and the Audi Q5 makes 272HP/295 lbs ft, BMW X3 300HP/300lbs ft, and Mercedes GLK 302HP/273 lbs ft, so it is clearly up there and at ’em, again doing more with less.

All this power is not left to fend for itself. Lincoln Drive Control is continuously controlled damping by an advanced suite of sensors that continuously monitor and adjust the MKC suspension faster than you can blink. 3 modes, Sports, Comfort and Normal to let you choose what you prefer for each journey, from exceptional ride quality to a spirited, sporty feel.

Other safety features to help keep all four wheels on the road is AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, a roll-motion sensor that directly measures your MKC’s roll rate at least 100 times a second, helping to determine when and how it will modify engine power and utilize the brakes.

So how do you set yourself apart in the company of these Luxury legends? 

Lincoln’s design team appears to be on fire lately and the MKC, with it’s handsome no nonsense lines, is no exception. It knows where it’s competition is and has gone for the jugular. The Split wing grill, all business shoulder line, and a tailgate that wraps around the lights in a clamshell style, adds to the clean purposeful body language. The Foot Activated Tailgate is a single hydro-formed panel, giving super clean lines.

You only get one chance to make a first impression, but each time you walk up to the Lincoln at night, you are welcomed beautifully! Approach Detection activates a Lincoln logo motif onto the ground a a light carpet welcome mat. Taillights, LED running lights and LED lit door handles also illuminate when you get within 9 ft of the MKC.

Lincoln MKC Ambient Cabin Lighting

Inside the clean look is continued. Once you reach the MKC, the lights can continue inside with the Ambient lighting option which creates a soothing atmosphere.  Seven different colors, to match your mood, can be set to emit from the door release handles, both front and rear footwells, front door storage pockets and front console cupholders.

Choose from premium materials like aluminum or wood trim for that rich complement to the optional Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather trimmed seat. Deepsoft is a high quality hand-sewn in Bridge of Weir’s eco-friendly facility in Scotland. It is a very particular chromium free from a centuries old leather company who supplies other prestigious companies such as Aston martin, Jaguar and British Airways, to name a few. Premiere equipment group Lincoln MKCs come with Lincoln Luxury Soft touch material, a new synthetic man-made leather that is easy to take care of.

Plenty of space for 5 passengers and an available 25.2 cu ft of rear cargo space. You can also check the option for the Hand Stitched Wollsdorf leather Steering Wheel from the alpine region of Austria, who are also an eco-friendly leather company.

Not only is the steering wheel comfortable, but it has Electronic Power Assist, (EPAS) which adapts to the driving environment. making for a easy light feel at low speeds and parking spots and a firm feel more controlled feel at higher speeds. It adapts to changing road conditions such as cross winds and crowned road surfaces.

Another stunning option is the Power Panoramic Vista Roof with power sunshade, giving all passengers an expansive view.

Lincoln MKC Vista Roof

How many times have you come up to a bank ATM drive-thru and found you can’t get close enough because your mirrors are sticking out too far, no more worries, you can press a button and they fold in! They also fold in when the vehicle is locked and unfold again once you are in the vehicle and the door is closed.

The Hands-free Lift-gate has the industry buzzing as everyone now tries to catch up. You can also press a button if you prefer the more conventional approach!

It’s all about convenience, and another great feature is the Active Park Assist and Park Out Assist. In these days of Walmart parking lots with easy diagonal parking, many people avoid parallel parking due to lack of practice, especially where there could be people watching! Now you just press a button and the ultrasonic sensors will locate an appropriate size parking space as you slowly drive along the street. Once a spot is found, you are alerted and the Active Park Assist takes over the steering wheel while you stay in control of the accelerator, shifting and braking. A large rear view camera will show you how close you are and the steering places you perfectly in the space. Instant expert!

Lincoln MyTouchMobile App

The Lincoln MKC is brimming with technology. The MyLincoln Mobile App can connect to the available embedded modem that communicates with your smartphone app allowing you to start, lock, unlock or set up a remote start. You can schedule it to start 10 mins or so before you need to leave so it is warmed up or cooled down for you.

Other Tech features:

• Enhanced THXII Certified Audio System – 700 Watts of power, 14 strategically placed speakers for a truly immersive surround sound experience
• Active Noise Control – Microphones monitor the sound of the cabin and a signal processor sends out an opposing wave to cancel out the original sound, effectively quietening the interior.
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning – Set your cruise and the ACC will detect slower traffic, automatically reducing your speed to maintain a distance you have set as desirable and safe. When traffic speed increases, so will your Lincoln MKC up to your pre-set speed. The collision warning has brake support and alerts you when it sensing a potential collision in front of you. A warning comes up on the heads-up display in the simulated form of brake lights flashing on the windshield. If you don’t immediately react, the brakes will pre-charge and increase brake-assist sensitivity providing you full responsiveness when you do brake.
• Lane Keeping System – Subtle vibration of the steering wheel alerts you when you drift from your traffic lane.
• BLIS – Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert uses Radar in the rear quarter panels to alert you to any traffic that might be in your Bilnd Spot. The cross traffic alert is useful when reversing from your driveway or parking spot, detecting a vehicle approaching within 15 yards of the rear of your MKC. The warning is an audible alert, a visual display in the side-view mirror and a signal in the message center.
• Sync with MyLincoln Touch http://www.lincoln.com/crossovers/mkc/features/Feature25 – Voice control, steering wheel mounted buttons or using the 8inch vivid display touch screen are the options to control the SYNC system. Communicate with your smartphone through SYNC, never missing an important call, get turn by turn directions through SYNC services, select your favorite tunes. SYNC also has 911 assist which can call emergency services if an airbag deploys.

Lincoln MKC Wheel Choices 18″, 19″, 20″

A selection of six styles of 18, 19 & 20 rims are offered with the MKC and a tough looking exhaust under the bumper silver skid plate completes the tough and distinctive look.

Lincoln is very concerned for your safety, so all Lincoln MKC models come with the following standard safety features.

Safety

• SafetyPersonal Safety System
• Dual-Stage Front Airbags
• Front Seat Mounted Side Impact Airbags
• Safety Canopy System with Side Curtain Airbags
• Driver Knee Airbag
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Teather Anchors for Children)
• SOS Post Crash Alert System
• Belt Minder Front Safety Belt Reminder

Lincoln MKC Airbags for Personal Safety

Security

• Illuminated Entry
• Remote Keyless Entry System
• SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System
• Child-Safety Rear Door Locks
• SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad
• Battery Saver
• Perimeter Alarm

Lincoln MKC Approach Detection Welcome “Mat” Lighting

Starting MSRP for the 3 Equipment Group packages are:

• Premiere 100A – $33,100
• Select 101A – $36,330
• Reserve 102A – $40,035

Standard Features:

Select 101A Equipment Group –  includes these features plus standard features

Lincoln MKC Select Equipment Package

Select 101A $3,230 Package

• Leather-trimmed seats
• Unique steering wheel with Wollsdorf leather
• 10-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support
• Ambient lighting
• Universal garage door opener
• Auto-dimming driver’s side-view mirror
• LED turn signal indicators on side-view mirrors
• Auto-folding side-view mirrors
• Daytime running lamps – configurable
• Cargo cover
• 18” Luster Nickel Painted Aluminum wheels

Option Packages available:

• Panoramic Vista Roof with Power Sunshade – Option on Select,  Standard on Reserve
• White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat Paint – Option on Select and Reserve
• Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat Paint – Option on Select and Reserve
• Smoked Quartz Metallic Tinted Clearcoat – Option on Select and Reserve
• Select Plus Package* – Select Only
• Climate Package** – Option on Select and Reserve
• Aluminum Trim Package – Option on Select and Reserve
• Class II Trailer Tow Package – Option on Select and Reserve
• Technology Package*** – Reserve Only

*Select Plus Package

 includes the following features:

• Navigation System with voice recognition
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert

Climate Package

 includes the following features:

• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Auto high beams
• Rain-sensing wipers

Reserve 102A $6,935 package

Lincoln MKC Reserve Equipment Package includes Vista Roof

• Leather-trimmed heated and cooled front bucket seats
• Lincoln unique steering wheel with Wollsdorf leather
• 10-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support
• Ambient lighting
• Universal garage door opener
• Auto-dimming driver’s side-view mirror
• LED turn signal indicators on side-view mirrors
• Auto-folding side-view mirrors
• Daytime running lamps – configurable
• Cargo cover
• Panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade
• Navigation System with voice activation
• Hands-free liftgate
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column
• 118″” Polished Aluminum Wheels with Dark Stainless Painted Pockets
• Embedded modem

Lincoln MKC Incentives & Offers

Factory Incentives and special offers on MKC is subject to change each month, here is a link to see the latest programs on the MKC.

Lincoln MKC Factory Accessories can be accessed here

Lincoln MKC Photo Gallery

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By Jon Scott

Bob Smith Motors Internet Director