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2007 Lincoln MKX First Impressions

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Rob Rothwell
First Drive of Lincoln's Crossover
"Ah", I said, "it sounds rather complicated." With a backdrop of skepticism, I took the wheel and hit some of the most undulating, twisty roadways on the continent. I drove the route aggressively and came away a convert. The transmission was often reading my mind. Gearing itself down when I removed my foot from the throttle heading into a tight bend. A quick tap of the brake pedal brought another quick downshift, which usually provided sufficient engine braking to set me up for the curve. A little throttle input at the apex secured a quick exit and it was onto the next curve, all without ever removing a hand from the steering wheel; and therein lies the real beauty of hill-assist- two hands on the wheel. Relatively flat cornering and the tenacity of all-wheel-drive added to the reassurance
2007 Lincoln MKX (Photo: Rob Rothwell)
found behind the wheel of the smooth riding MKX. I was fortunate enough to ride with one of the engineers responsible for the MKX's ride and handling dynamics. He described the goals they had set for the MKX and was keenly interested in my thoughts around the ride-versus-handling equation. To put it bluntly, I think they nailed it.

In a recent road test of the Mazda CX-7, I praised the vehicle's noteworthy handling characteristics while bemoaning its overly firm ride. Now I know that ride-versus-handling is a matter of personal preference. There was a time when I would have preferred "handling" over "ride," but not anymore. I want a vehicle that relaxes me with its civility not one that excites me with its edginess, yet I don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water. To that end, the MKX represents for me, the pinnacle of ride-versus-handling in the crossover segment. After hours behind the wheel navigating the beautiful but perilous Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, I emerged from the MKX feeling relaxed and pain-free, thanks in part to its wonderfully supportive front perches and a remarkably quite cabin. The test units offered-up by Lincoln were all equipped with an optional, VistaRoof. The massive amount of light entering the cabin through the expansive glass ceiling enhances the sense of space and openness in the aesthetically pleasing
2007 Lincoln MKX (Photo: Rob Rothwell)
environment. I liked this feature immensely but noted that it may be difficult to mount roof racks and other items atop the MKX. It should also be mentioned that our testers were all-wheel-drive versions of the mid-size crossover. Front-wheel-drive with traction control is the standard MKX configuration.

Along with all the comfort and elegance expected in a Lincoln, the MKX features the latest in safety engineering, including adaptive headlights, seat-mounted side airbags and Ford's Safety Canopy air curtain system. All-wheel-drive models also feature Ford's Advance Trac stability control program and their Roll Stability Control technology to keep the MKX on the road and shiny-side up. Other amenities include a 14-speaker THX II premium audio system, heated and cooled seats and DVD-based navigation. Lincoln has done a commendable job of putting forth a real contender in the luxury crossover segment. The MKX is a tremendously pleasing, impeccably assembled vehicle. Its Lincoln'ess grille and full-width taillights set it apart from anything else in the field, including examples that cost much more. In Canada, the MKX starts at a reasonable $42,399 for a front-wheel-drive version and $44,399 for the all-wheel-drive format- rendering the all-wheel-drive MKX at least $5,000 less than the Lexus RX330. Look out Lexus et al!
Rob Rothwell
Rob Rothwell
Automotive expert
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