A little goes a long way with MKZ
Lincoln seems to be trying to find itself.
After ditching the Mark VIII at the end of the last millennium, it introduced the LS — a name that elicits blank stares from most people. After introducing the Navigator and the Aviator, Lincoln decided to bring back the Mark brand with the Mark LT pickup and simultaneously launched the Zephyr, a luxury sedan that is a direct descendent of the Fusion.
However, Zephyr lasted only one year and has now been replaced by the MKZ (for Mark Z), a sedan that is somewhat similar to the Zephyr but has undergone a number of changes to distinguish it from its Fusion cousin. Lincoln will soon be launching two other models, the MKX SUV and the MKS sedan.
Perhaps the division has finally found its way.
Just a grille away…
The Zephyr, which last year failed to impress because of its similarities to the Fusion, has been given new life as the redubbed MKZ. The changes don’t really jump out at you (the MKZ is almost identical to its predecessor on the outside), meaning that even keen observers will need to look closely to spot the new grille, prominent fog lights and lower air intake. And of course there’s a new nameplate.
The decision to remain very (read: too) close to the style of the Fusion was a dubious choice in my opinion. Regardless of how great the car looks, how balanced and elegant compared to its competitors, it still calls the Fusion to mind, a decent but hardly prestigious car. Drivers who buy a car with an upscale label care about distinction and exclusivity. And as the Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry have demonstrated, redesign the body and you’ve got yourself a whole new car.
Contemporary retro
If the exterior lacks imagination, the interior is an entirely different story. The wide, symmetrical instrument panel looks great, with modern styling that somehow manages to evoke a bygone era when dashboards like this were the norm. Rich, white lighting makes the passenger compartment feel warm and welcoming. Buyers can choose between real wood and satin-aluminum interior trim, both of which come are available with the black or sand coloured interior.
The equipment depends on the options chosen but the MKZ offers just about everything your heart could desire. Heated seats? You’ve got it. Seat memory? Sure. A navigation system? No problem. Xenon headlamps? They’re yours! And of course, the car comes equipped with standard features such as dual-zone climate control, leather seats and satellite radio with a CD player.
It goes without saying that the Lincoln’s seats are extremely comfortable, but they’re a far cry from the pinnacle of luxury offered by the Town Car with its quilted La Z Boy esque seats. What you will get are firm, solid seats that provide excellent support for everyone and optimal driving position for the driver. Multiple seat adjustment options coupled with a telescopic steering wheel can customize the driver’s seat for any driver. The audio controls on the steering wheel, on the other hand, tend to get in the way.
42 more horses
The thing I most disliked about the Zephyr (and still dislike about the Fusion) is the 3.0-litre V6 Duratec, an engine that lags miles behind the competition. Happily, Lincoln has figured this out and replaced it with a new 3.5-litre V6 that is smoother, more responsive and decidedly more powerful, with no less than 263 horses under the hood. This same high-performance engine is found in the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX. It gets the same fuel consumption as the old 3.0-litre V6, though it is less efficient than its rival under the hood of the Lexus ES 350 (which has the same number of cylinders with similar power), but I should add that our test model did come with all-wheel drive, another new feature for 2007. This is great news for Canadians, especially since Lincoln only charges an extra $2,000 for the feature.
With or without all-wheel drive, the MKZ comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that is a model of efficiency. Gear shifting is smooth and quick, bringing out the best the motor has to offer. However, some (not me!) will be disappointed that manual is not available. With all-wheel drive, we got from 0-100 km/hr in 7.6 seconds, an entirely acceptable speed.
More manoeuvrable
The all-wheel drive has turned this formerly nose-heavy car (because of its overly heavy V6) into a much more balanced, and therefore more manoeuvrable, car. The MKZ is surprisingly stable on snowy roads and the comfort and feeling of security it offers are impressive. On this score, it outshines competitors such as the Hyundai Azera and the Lexus ES 350, with their softer and slightly less precise steering.
Its extremely well calibrated suspension combines comfort with excellent handling. Rare is the Lincoln that corners so well; however, the thing that most surprised me about this car is its structural rigidity and the quality of the construction. The body never seemed to mind any extreme driving manoeuvres and the only thing I noticed about the cabin noise was its absence. The comfortable environment and silence of this car will lure many buyers. Add to this a top-of-the-line audio system, a gorgeous interior, a quick and efficient heating system and an unobtrusive engine, and you’ve got yourself a charming luxury sedan.
My only real beef is the lack of an electronic stability control system, coupled with a minor complaint about the windshield wipers, which aren’t particularly effective. You also have to take your hand off the wheel to activate the wipers or even to adjust the speed.
Down to business
Compared to the Zephyr, the MKZ is a steal. Its standard equipment has been slightly upgraded and the new motor is a definite improvement. And all that for just $800 more. Add $2,000 in options and the total bill still comes to only $39,899, which I consider entirely reasonable. But choose your options wisely. They can easily drive the price up to the $48,000 range.
At that price, it’s a different story. But at the end of the day, the MKZ is a much better car than the Zephyr it has replaced, particularly the new engine and the all-wheel drive. It has finally become competitive with its well established rivals. Let’s just hope that its Fusion-like styling doesn’t hurt sales.
Competition: Hyundai Azera; Lexus ES 350
Strengths: V6 finally up to speed; all-wheel drive optional; well built; extremely comfortable; excellent handling
Weaknesses: Looks like the Fusion; no electronic stability control; beware of options!
Find a dealer that sells the Lincoln MKZ
Other vehicle reviews for Lincoln
Autonet Best Choice 2007 Luxury Sedans (less than $50,000)
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