Luxury on a family budget

Upon launch, the Lincoln MKZ was touted as a technological marvel, second only to a lunar rocket, if you believe commercial advertising on TV. And who wouldn't be drawn in, when you're glued to your high-def wide screens.

While the MKZ isn't actually a product of some space program, the Lincoln MKZ is taking aim right at the entry level luxury category.

First off, it looks sharp. The front grille takes some getting used to and gives the impression of a great blue whale; and the back end has a distinct 70s' flavour with the long brake lights that stop just short of the Lincoln emblem.

This MKZ sits on 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels that come with the sport appearance package, which also adds floor mats, leather steering wheel and interior aluminum accent trim.

And whereas the outside may not be liked by all, the interior is a fine piece of work to be enjoyed a lot. Sport package leather wraps the firm seats, complete with white piping and tuxedo-style white trim, with wood and silvery accents just adding to the high-quality look. Since you spend most of your time inside the MKZ, you will feel right at home with added features like heated and cooled seats and a powerful THX equipped sound system, complete with Microsoft Sync.

The Sync system allows you to handle your phone or music player with voice commands, keeping your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.

Of course if you're like me and still like to use your hands, the navigation screen is touch-sensitive as well. You can create a split screen for the map display, music selections and climate controls. The screen also acts as a backup camera monitor, which is a great feature in the MKZ.

While there are three seat belts in back, the centre hump is quite uncomfortable. Best to leave that spot for the kids imaginary friends.

The MKZ has also adopted the Volvo BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which, as it says, monitors your blind spots. It's a good idea and while I do love the system, the indicator lights on the side mirrors are not obvious enough for my liking and if there is a bright sun behind you, the light is almost impossible to see.

The MKZ is powered by a 3.5-litre V6, delivering 263 horsepower and 249 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels and has good jump off the line and plenty of highway passing power. The really nice part is that it's quiet. The bad part: it sucks down gas like a V8. Probably more of a combination of the fuel economy and the smallish gas tank, but to go from full to empty in a week can become quite old, quite fast.

Drivability is pretty good, although the steering is a little light at times; handling and cornering are very good, though, and it has a nice sporty feel about it.

The added sport-tuned suspension delivers a comfortable ride when needed and can quickly manage rough roads and quick turns.

The MKZ's progressive look sets the benchmark for the Lincoln brand and the interior is one of the most pleasing around, which could make the entry luxury car category just a little more crowded, if not more interesting.