The tester also featured a crisp and potent THX stereo that was integrated with Ford’s Sync system and a touch-screen navigation interface to keep occupants entertained, connected and on course during their travels. These systems are easily used once learned, and the display is one of the market’s most modern and fresh. Forget pulling over to read a map or make a phone call when you’re aboard the good ship MKS.
Toys, toys and more toys
Other advanced goodies included automatic high-beams, wipers, lights, and climate control, and even a cruise control system that self-adapts to traffic flow via radar mounted within the front grille. All this techy goodness will impress the heck out of passengers and friends while giving drivers true ‘set it and forget it’ operation for taking in a tranquil drive.
The tester also got an advanced parallel parking system that uses radar to measure for a spot before self-steering into said spot once the vehicle is placed into reverse. Unlike the complicated and fussy self-parking setup in the Lexus LS, Ford’s system is easy to use and very effective. It handled 9 of my 10 parking jobs flawlessly.
Remember Ford’s keypad system? The ‘hard’ buttons have been replaced by a self-illuminating, touch-activated pad that’s hidden in the driver’s door pillar. Swipe your finger over it and it lights up, unlocking the doors at a touch if the transponder key is on your person. This makes access quick and easy, and is a great conversation starter.
Same with the self-sealing metal flap that replaces the conventional gas cap. One less step when fueling up, sort of thing.
All to say, the MKS is packed with features big and small that make driving, navigating, refuelling and accessing the vehicle that little bit easier and more convenient.
Bar-setting interior, average ride and handling
All the gadgetry exists within a gorgeously styled and trimmed cabin that impresses from initial tactile and visual inspection. All the right materials are in all the right places, and drivers won’t find any cheap bits in here.
Further luxury comes from a softly-tuned suspension that admirably soaks up most bumps and disturbances without feeling excessively floaty. Ride quality and noise levels felt about average. The MKS is comfortable and plush, just not mind-blowingly so as some of the comparable Japanese and European stuff. Note that a set of 20-inch wheels were fitted to the tester, though ride quality suffered mainly on very rough surfaces for their presence.
Toys, toys and more toys
Other advanced goodies included automatic high-beams, wipers, lights, and climate control, and even a cruise control system that self-adapts to traffic flow via radar mounted within the front grille. All this techy goodness will impress the heck out of passengers and friends while giving drivers true ‘set it and forget it’ operation for taking in a tranquil drive.
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| The tester also featured a Ford’s Sync system and a touch-screen navigation interface to keep occupants entertained. (Photo: Ford) |
The tester also got an advanced parallel parking system that uses radar to measure for a spot before self-steering into said spot once the vehicle is placed into reverse. Unlike the complicated and fussy self-parking setup in the Lexus LS, Ford’s system is easy to use and very effective. It handled 9 of my 10 parking jobs flawlessly.
Remember Ford’s keypad system? The ‘hard’ buttons have been replaced by a self-illuminating, touch-activated pad that’s hidden in the driver’s door pillar. Swipe your finger over it and it lights up, unlocking the doors at a touch if the transponder key is on your person. This makes access quick and easy, and is a great conversation starter.
Same with the self-sealing metal flap that replaces the conventional gas cap. One less step when fueling up, sort of thing.
All to say, the MKS is packed with features big and small that make driving, navigating, refuelling and accessing the vehicle that little bit easier and more convenient.
Bar-setting interior, average ride and handling
All the gadgetry exists within a gorgeously styled and trimmed cabin that impresses from initial tactile and visual inspection. All the right materials are in all the right places, and drivers won’t find any cheap bits in here.
Further luxury comes from a softly-tuned suspension that admirably soaks up most bumps and disturbances without feeling excessively floaty. Ride quality and noise levels felt about average. The MKS is comfortable and plush, just not mind-blowingly so as some of the comparable Japanese and European stuff. Note that a set of 20-inch wheels were fitted to the tester, though ride quality suffered mainly on very rough surfaces for their presence.
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| Further luxury comes from a softly-tuned suspension that admirably soaks up most bumps and disturbances. (Photo: Ford) |