Lincoln finishes off its MKZ safety system with four-wheel disc brakes enhanced by a four-sensor, three-channel anti-lock
braking system incorporating electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Traction assist also is standard, although, like the Zephyr, stability control doesn't seem to be part of the package in standard trim or optional.
On more of a convenience note, the MKZ gets the same large 447-litre (15.8 cu-ft) trunk as the Zephyr, which incidentally makes it the largest trunk in its midsize class. It features a flat load floor and, more importantly for shorter drivers, a fairly low lift-over height for easier loading and unloading. Ford also claims that its deck lid integrates "compact hinge mechanisms that won't impinge on trunk volume or crush cargo". For larger loads, the rear seatbacks can be
folded forward in a 60/40 configuration, allowing up to four occupants and their skis and/or snowboards, or whatever else might be longer than the trunk is.
The MKZ's top-tier THX II certified audio system is also worthy of mention, as it improves the sound of any musical track no matter the genre. It boasts a total of 14 speakers, a count that includes two subwoofers, powered by a 600-watt amplifier and a "sophisticated processor that inputs bandwidth, peak audio levels and coverage uniformity to deliver a smooth spectral balance and wide dynamic range," or so says Lincoln. I, having tested the system in the Zephyr, find it amongst the best in its class. Making things better is an mp3/iPod audio jack as well as SIRIUS satellite radio connectivity.
The DVD-based navigation system also works well, featuring a high-quality 6.5-inch-wide monitor plus text-to-speech capability with English, Spanish or French comprehension and instruction.
In conclusion, Lincoln's decision to rename the Zephyr after only a few months
of availability seems odd; especially being that the car is getting such rave reviews and, for good reason is becoming increasingly popular. Obviously Lincoln feels the significant marketing expense that will be needed to reeducate consumers who may have been interested in a Zephyr, explaining that their new car is now called a MKZ, is worth it. Certainly there must be more important things to spend money on than this.
The move to its alpha naming strategy, while paying some homage to "Mark" Lincolns of the past, may help it gain acceptance with buyers who currently purchase European or Asian premium cars, but in all honesty, its 2006 Zephyr has created renewed interest in the brand because it is a much better car than any recent Lincoln and starts at a price that is within reach of a greater number of entry-level luxury buyers. Success in this market segment comes down to the product, not naming strategies. And with the new 2007
Navigator, just announced, it seems that not all of Lincoln's new vehicles will go completely alpha - shouldn't it be the MKN, or even more apropos, the MKXXXL, to keep it inline with the new naming strategy?
New name or not, the MKZ should continue to pull new luxury buyers into Lincoln showrooms, which should also help sales of the brand's larger, more profitable models by driving interest in Lincoln as a luxury nameplate. A new MKS, expected to replace the LS next year, will be a good "switch" car for MKZ prospects that might be able to afford a little more, again driving up profits to an automaker that desperately needs a boost. The improvements made to the new MKZ will only help in this effort.
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| The MKZ gets the same large 447-litre (15.8 cu-ft) trunk as the Zephyr pictured here, the largest trunk in its midsize class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
On more of a convenience note, the MKZ gets the same large 447-litre (15.8 cu-ft) trunk as the Zephyr, which incidentally makes it the largest trunk in its midsize class. It features a flat load floor and, more importantly for shorter drivers, a fairly low lift-over height for easier loading and unloading. Ford also claims that its deck lid integrates "compact hinge mechanisms that won't impinge on trunk volume or crush cargo". For larger loads, the rear seatbacks can be
 |
| The MKZ's top-tier THX II certified audio system features 14 speakers and a 600-watt amplifier, plus its spacial equalizer allows for infinite adjustment within the cabin. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The MKZ's top-tier THX II certified audio system is also worthy of mention, as it improves the sound of any musical track no matter the genre. It boasts a total of 14 speakers, a count that includes two subwoofers, powered by a 600-watt amplifier and a "sophisticated processor that inputs bandwidth, peak audio levels and coverage uniformity to deliver a smooth spectral balance and wide dynamic range," or so says Lincoln. I, having tested the system in the Zephyr, find it amongst the best in its class. Making things better is an mp3/iPod audio jack as well as SIRIUS satellite radio connectivity.
The DVD-based navigation system also works well, featuring a high-quality 6.5-inch-wide monitor plus text-to-speech capability with English, Spanish or French comprehension and instruction.
In conclusion, Lincoln's decision to rename the Zephyr after only a few months
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| Does it really makes sense for Lincoln to change from Zephyr to MKZ so soon after launching an expensive marketing campaign designed to create awareness? (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The move to its alpha naming strategy, while paying some homage to "Mark" Lincolns of the past, may help it gain acceptance with buyers who currently purchase European or Asian premium cars, but in all honesty, its 2006 Zephyr has created renewed interest in the brand because it is a much better car than any recent Lincoln and starts at a price that is within reach of a greater number of entry-level luxury buyers. Success in this market segment comes down to the product, not naming strategies. And with the new 2007
 |
| New name or not, the MKZ should continue to pull new luxury buyers into Lincoln showrooms. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
New name or not, the MKZ should continue to pull new luxury buyers into Lincoln showrooms, which should also help sales of the brand's larger, more profitable models by driving interest in Lincoln as a luxury nameplate. A new MKS, expected to replace the LS next year, will be a good "switch" car for MKZ prospects that might be able to afford a little more, again driving up profits to an automaker that desperately needs a boost. The improvements made to the new MKZ will only help in this effort.
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