Thanks to TxTom we went to see a pre-production MKC today and had the thrill of test driving a manufacturers model today. Here are my first impressions:
Styling -
Very nice lines and styling from front to back. The grill was aggressive, yet was very distinctive. The rear lights flowed across the back nicely while the chrome pipes gave it a custom look. The side profile was smooth but had nice flares around the wheel wells.
Interior -
This is where Lincoln will shine over all of their competition in this popular marketplace. The leather was noticeably soft and smooth yet the seats had great support. The wood trim was a nice refreshing change in this era of plastic appointments. The fit and finish were excellent in every way. It was easy to get in and out of, and the panoramic roof is a "must have" on our list. It definitely did not feel like I was sitting in a vehicle that had a base price that began in the $30's
Drive and mechanics -
If I had to use a single word to describe the ride of the MKC it would easily be "quiet." Acceleration was noticeably brisk with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. Getting from 60 mph to 80 mph was effortless and pushing the accelerator down at a standing stop set me back in my seat. A piece of shredded lumber in the middle lane of the highway was easily avoided and didn't cause any swaying or even the hint of a loss of control. The steering is tight and responsive while offering unbelievable comfort and peace. Paddle shifters made downshifting and gear selection convenient.
Controls -
The steering wheel controls are easy to manage after taking the time to become familiar. Of course so much can be accomplished by using the voice commands of MyLincolnTouch but the standard cruise control and stereo controls are easy to manage. Also on the wheel are toggle switches for viewing current songs that are playing, phone calls, navigation, and climate settings, as well as vehicle settings, fuel usage statistics, and trip odometer information. Entertainment and climate controls are adjusted with physical knobs and switches that can be reached without looking away from the road.
Passenger comfort -
Leg room in the front is good and the higher profile gives the front occupants a commanding view of the road. The back seat is comfortable with the same soft leather and they separately recline which is a very welcome feature on long trips. Rear leg room is nothing to write home about but was average for the overall size of the MKC. Arm rests are well positioned although the back center armrest was noticeably small. The center console was deep and there was a handy tray with a sliding door in the front under the stereo and climate stack that had two USB plugs for the phone along with a 12v accessory plug.
Storage and function -
The MKC has nice storage room behind the rear seat. A retractable cover easily hides common items that cannot be stored elsewhere. There are no strut pillars to interfere with cargo loading which makes it a functional utility vehicle. The AWD was not tested but was also not noticeable in weight or handling in everyday driving. Clearance was "car like" and would be adequate for everyday driving. Off-road use would not be advisable.
Overall Impression -
Quiet and smooth with nice lines and distinctive styling make the MKC a top choice on my list. A compact size for maneuvering yet very roomy inside left me without a hint of doubt that this was a very well designed vehicle. The outstanding features are by far the abundance of technology that was incorporated into the MKC that the competition has not been able to touch at this price point. Lincoln has hit the home run that they stepped up to the plate and dreamed to knock out of the park.
I posted other photos in the gallery called "MKC Test Drive"
Lincoln MKC Forum - CombsAuthor's Album: MKC Test Drive
Styling -
Very nice lines and styling from front to back. The grill was aggressive, yet was very distinctive. The rear lights flowed across the back nicely while the chrome pipes gave it a custom look. The side profile was smooth but had nice flares around the wheel wells.
Interior -
This is where Lincoln will shine over all of their competition in this popular marketplace. The leather was noticeably soft and smooth yet the seats had great support. The wood trim was a nice refreshing change in this era of plastic appointments. The fit and finish were excellent in every way. It was easy to get in and out of, and the panoramic roof is a "must have" on our list. It definitely did not feel like I was sitting in a vehicle that had a base price that began in the $30's
Drive and mechanics -
If I had to use a single word to describe the ride of the MKC it would easily be "quiet." Acceleration was noticeably brisk with the 2.3L Ecoboost engine. Getting from 60 mph to 80 mph was effortless and pushing the accelerator down at a standing stop set me back in my seat. A piece of shredded lumber in the middle lane of the highway was easily avoided and didn't cause any swaying or even the hint of a loss of control. The steering is tight and responsive while offering unbelievable comfort and peace. Paddle shifters made downshifting and gear selection convenient.
Controls -
The steering wheel controls are easy to manage after taking the time to become familiar. Of course so much can be accomplished by using the voice commands of MyLincolnTouch but the standard cruise control and stereo controls are easy to manage. Also on the wheel are toggle switches for viewing current songs that are playing, phone calls, navigation, and climate settings, as well as vehicle settings, fuel usage statistics, and trip odometer information. Entertainment and climate controls are adjusted with physical knobs and switches that can be reached without looking away from the road.
Passenger comfort -
Leg room in the front is good and the higher profile gives the front occupants a commanding view of the road. The back seat is comfortable with the same soft leather and they separately recline which is a very welcome feature on long trips. Rear leg room is nothing to write home about but was average for the overall size of the MKC. Arm rests are well positioned although the back center armrest was noticeably small. The center console was deep and there was a handy tray with a sliding door in the front under the stereo and climate stack that had two USB plugs for the phone along with a 12v accessory plug.
Storage and function -
The MKC has nice storage room behind the rear seat. A retractable cover easily hides common items that cannot be stored elsewhere. There are no strut pillars to interfere with cargo loading which makes it a functional utility vehicle. The AWD was not tested but was also not noticeable in weight or handling in everyday driving. Clearance was "car like" and would be adequate for everyday driving. Off-road use would not be advisable.
Overall Impression -
Quiet and smooth with nice lines and distinctive styling make the MKC a top choice on my list. A compact size for maneuvering yet very roomy inside left me without a hint of doubt that this was a very well designed vehicle. The outstanding features are by far the abundance of technology that was incorporated into the MKC that the competition has not been able to touch at this price point. Lincoln has hit the home run that they stepped up to the plate and dreamed to knock out of the park.
I posted other photos in the gallery called "MKC Test Drive"
Lincoln MKC Forum - CombsAuthor's Album: MKC Test Drive