2006 Lincoln Zephyr Road Test

Inside it is also completely unique, even when compared next to a Fusion. The cabin reminds me of the current Navigator, a vehicle

The cabin reminds me of the current Navigator, a vehicle that boasts one of the nicest interiors in the full-size premium sport utility segment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

that boasts one of the nicest interiors in the full-size premium sport utility segment. The majority of Zephyr's surfaces are made of extremely high quality plastic (all but the lower console edges that would rarely come in contact with anybody or anything other than a shoe), nice to the touch and finished in a leather-like grain.

The real leather is plush too. Softer and therefore richer than that in the Fusion, which only makes sense, and perforated to let the cool air out of the optional air-conditioned seats. The wood, either a standard figured maple or dark ebony, is also real, and feels like it too, while the metal-like silver finish that covers

The real leather is plush too. Softer and therefore richer than that in the Fusion, which only makes sense, and perforated to let the cool air out of the optional air-conditioned seats. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

the console, centre stack and other surfaces, isn't overly bright and therefore, not garish. Truly, it's an elegant package that really brightened up the drab darkness of New York City on an especially wet autumn day.

Lincoln chose to introduce the newest member of the family here in Manhattan, which seems the ideal location given the high volume of Town Cars that permeate downtown city streets. Town Car. Now that's the iconic Lincoln... a resident fixture at airport limo queues and hotel roundabouts. But it's not a car many retail buyers even consider, at least not those under 70. No, while the Town Car is important to Lincoln from a sales numbers point of view, and for the cachet it enjoys as North America's premiere limousine nameplate, the Zephyr represents a new revitalized Lincoln, targeting sophisticated, 40-something up-and-comers.