Lincoln MKC

2015 Lincoln MKC

Continuing on refreshing the Lincoln brand thanks to the MKZ sedan, Ford's luxury brand began expanding their range starting with this; the brand new Lincoln MKC. Yes, Lincoln had crossovers in their lineup from their least-successful MKT to the soon-to-be-regenerated MKX crossover, which is going to be based on the upcoming Ford Edge. For this brand new model, the MKC sits below the MKX to be a compact crossover and competes with the likes of compact crossovers from Europe but is it any good?

Hold on, isn't just a Ford Escape underneath?

Indeed it is. The Lincoln MKC is mechanically similar to its twin, the Ford Escape, but unlike the Ford Escape, the Lincoln MKC is available with two EcoBoost engines; one is a 2.0L and the other one is a 2.3L. Both of these engines are mated with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox.

How are these engines differ?

The 2,0L model is all about efficiency while the 2.3L is all about performance, well as a theory. The smaller one produces 240HP of power and 270lb-ft of torque while, on the base FWD model, fuel economy is expected to be 23MPG, although actual mileages can vary. On the range-topping 2.3L model, with AWD standard, it produces 285HP of power output and 305lb-ft of torque. The 21 combined MPG mileage is usually plenty for this engine although, again, actual mileages can vary.

What's it like to be with the MKC?

2015 Lincoln MKC interior

2015 Lincoln MKC

Good question but to be honest, getting to know about the MKC isn't the easy part because by the time you first encounter one, its questionable design, both inside and out, really makes your head itching for questions. While everything Lincoln-y is plastered all over its skin, this much more of a Ford Escape with some fancy clothing straight out of Gatsby. If you're managed to drive one of those, people will think you're just a regular guy having some fancy living for whatever the reasons are. But what's fancy on the MKC is some loads of gadgets plastered through its pockets, well save it for the Sync because this is too time-consuming for me.

Since this is based on the Escape, does it have the...

Hands-Free, Foot-Activated Liftgate? Yes but that's an optional feature for the MKC. This nifty little gizmo lets the liftgate open automatically when you lift your foot under the rear bumper. This is a very amazing feature for those who have their hands full. Go ahead, try it for yourself.

Now onto the gizmo part...

The loads of gadgets I told above, the MKC comes with Enhanced THX II Certified Audio System, Active Noise Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning, Lane-Keeping System, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, and the bizarrely impressive Active Park Assist with Park Out Assist.

What's it like to drive?

2015 Lincoln MKC

In terms of driving, the Lincoln MKC slightly feels like European crossovers, probably thanks to the use of independent MacPherson struts on the front and rear multi-link suspensions. Thanks to this suspension setup, the MKC not only feels civilized on the road but also well-behaved on the open roads like a well-trained dog. With the AWD system ready, the MKC feels like the boy scouts or the girl scouts, living up to their motto of "always ready". The base FWD model feels fine but that doesn't cut the mustard, if you know what I mean? 

How much?

The MKC starts at 33,100 US Dollars so its almost five grand cheaper than its big brother, the MKX, but more expensive than the Ford Escape. When compared to its rivals, it's 600 dollars more than the Audi Q3, 100 dollars less than the Mercedes GLA-Class, and 2,200 dollars more than the BMW X1. This could be very one-sided.

Colors: White Platinum, Ingot Silver, Karat Gold, Midnight Sapphire, Ruby Red, Silver Sand, Smoked Quartz, Tahitian Pearl, and Tuxedo Black.

Photo: Ford Motor Company