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By Tom StrongmanKansasCity.com
October 16, 2009
Lincoln is broadening its product portfolio with a luxury crossover that has three rows of seats, a high-quality interior and the availability of all-wheel drive. The MKT is essentially Lincoln's version of the Ford Flex, but it looks smaller and more elegant than the Flex. The sloping tailgate means there is slightly less cargo space. The MKT is impressive because it is quiet, solid and packed with luxury features. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V-6 with 268 horsepower, and it felt responsive in the city because it has plenty of low-speed torque. A twin-turbo, EcoBoost V-6 with 355 horsepower is optional. Prices begin at $44,200 for front-wheel drive, $46,195 for all-wheel drive and $49,200 for all-wheel drive with the EcoBoost engine. The test vehicle was a preproduction model with all-wheel drive and the standard engine. Its sticker price was $52,480. The MKT's styling is dramatic. A large split-wing front grille that is intended to recall that of the 1941 Continental dominates the front, but the execution looks a bit like a toothy smile. Soft lines and rounded corners make the MKT appear smaller than it actually is. The exterior is smooth and clean, devoid of extraneous details that might make it look busy. The tailgate is a nice finishing touch because it has large taillights and a slight V-shape that recalls luxury vehicles of the past. Although the styling will get buyers' attention initially, the cabin's coziness will keep them happy for years. French stitching is used liberally on the instrument panel, door panels and seats. Deep-set, chrome-trimmed gauges shout luxury. The symmetrically designed center stack, with a large LCD screen at the top, has titanium-colored accents. Cup holders are plentiful, and they are lit by tiny LEDs that make them easy to find at night. The MKT's well-crafted interior has space for six or seven people, depending on whether the second seat is a bench or separate buckets. Convenience options include power folding second-row seats, heated and cooled second-row seats, and a rear-seat entertainment center with 7-inch screens mounted on the headrest of each front seat. A range of high-tech features, such as adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring system, collision warning with brake support and active park assist, are options that add safety to the MKT. Active park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to automatically maneuver the vehicle into parallel parking spots. The test vehicle was equipped with the panoramic vista roof that has openings over the front and second seat. Like the Flex, the MKT can be equipped with a small refrigerator in the rear console. Safety items include anti-lock brakes, traction control, vehicle stability control and side-curtain airbags. Price The base price of the test vehicle was $46,195. Options included voice-activated navigation, panoramic vista roof, adaptive cruise control and active park assist. The sticker price was $52,480. Warranty Four years or 50,000 miles with a six-year, 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. There is no "At a Glance" box because this is a preview drive. 2010 Lincoln MKT AWD Engine: 3.7-liter, 268-hp V-6 Transmission: Automatic All-wheel drive Wheelbase: 117.9 inches Curb weight: 4,680 lbs. Base price: $46,195 As driven: $52,480 MPG rating: 17 city, 23 hwy. To contact Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.
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