Glen Woodcock
Published: 09 12 2010
MKX leads Lincoln resurgence
I love the Lincoln MKX commercial where the guy at the wheel says, “If you’re buying a new vehicle, shouldn’t it be new?” Exactly! And obviously a lot of Canadians like the new things Ford is doing with its Lincoln division.
MKX also gets a new, more powerful engine in the form of a 3.7-litre V6 that unleashes 305 hp at 6,500 rpm and spins out 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 – which Lincoln says is best in class. The 24-valve aluminum V6 is coupled to a six-speed automatic and in testing by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for its 2011 Canadian Car of the Year competition, this allowed the MKT to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and from 80-120 in 5.8. Not quite best in the SUVs/CUVs over $50,000 class, but close to the Porsche Cayenne (at more than double the Lincoln’s price) and better than the category winning Volkswagen Touareg (MKX finished second).
The interior also is all new, with standard 10-way power heated and cooled front seats and clever touches such as a split sliding centre armrest that driver and front passenger can adjust to their individual needs, push-button ignition and roof-mounted reading lights for those riding in back.
Standard is MyLincoln Touch, which can be used to activate:
· heated steering wheel
· entertainment
· information
· navigation
· climate control systems
· As well, the optional navigation system can be voice activated and SYNC allows you to access your digital media player or phone by voice alone.
· Pads on either side of the steering wheel also can control most of these functions through interactive displays on the instrument panel to either side of the speedometer.
More useful technology is available at extra cost including (but not limited to):
· Adaptive cruise control with collision warning that alerts the driver both audibly and visually when a crash is imminent and prepares the braking system for a panic stop. You can set the distance between you and the vehicle in front to where you’re comfortable and then the MKX does the rest. It’s a relaxing, hassle-free way to cruise on a busy expressway.
· Sight & Sound package is a blind spot information system (BLIS) that alerts the driver when a vehicle is in the blind spot on either side and when backing up also lets you know if a cross traffic is approaching.
Lincoln is on a roll and MKX is leading the charge. Thanks to vehicles such as this, one of the world’s oldest makers of luxury automobiles is back – in a big, big way.
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