While whistling through the ups and downs and twists of some of the secondary routes driven, the transmission factored-in my assertive driving style by holding gears longer and downshifting when my foot was removed from the accelerator. A tap of the brake pedal initiated a further
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| 2007 Lincoln MKZ (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
downshift if such was necessary to slow the MKZ upon entering a curve. If full engine braking was desired, it was instantly acquired by pulling the shift lever into "L." Many of the curves tackled in my drive were wet and covered with freshly fallen leaves- the same ones that look so spectacular in fall when their colours dramatically change. Unfortunately when covering the pavement, what was once beautiful can become dangerous as they rob tires of traction at the most crucial moments. In such situations, the MKZ's Intelligent AWD system worked harmoniously with the vehicle's anti-yaw and traction control technologies to whisk it securely through the perils. Prospective MKZ purchasers living in challenging climatic regions would be well served by anteing-up for an AWD-equipped MKZ over a conventional FWD unit; it would be $2,000 (Canadian pricing) well spent.
The tenacity displayed by the MKZ in corners doesn't come with a sacrifice in ride quality - after all - it's still a Lincoln. I found the blending of handling prowess and ride comfort to be ideal for this sort of a vehicle. Yes, there
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| 2007 Lincoln MKZ (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
are premium marques than can scoot around pylons more quickly but I doubt they ride more gingerly- and if they do, they are not likely to be entry-level models. For my demographic, which fits nicely into the MKZ's target audience, I think Lincoln has found the appropriate suspension setup. The genteel foundation doesn't promote unwanted body lean during aggressive cornering or nosedive during hard braking, the latter of which is performed by a strong set of 4-wheel, antilock discs enhanced with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution (EBD). Linear and predictable best describes the flawless operation of the binders on my test unit. Along with top-notch brakes, the Lincoln fits every MKZ with a full array of inflatables, including side airbags and full length safety curtains.
Ford has chosen to dress Canadian-earmarked MKZs more fully than their base-model US counterparts. Apparently we Canadians generally buy our luxury cars with all the bells and whistles, and that's pretty much how the MKZ will arrive in showrooms north of the 49th. Options that will be
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| 2007 Lincoln MKZ (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
available include chrome wheels, perforated heated and cooled seats, HID headlamps, moonroof, THX II premium audio and a navigation system. The FWD Canuck MKZ is tagged at $37,899 with the AWD version logging-in at $39,899. Despite the differences in packaging incurred on opposite sides of the world's longest undefended border, the MKZ offers outstanding value in the entry-level, luxury sedan segment. This is a charming car to drive. It's quiet, soothing and wonderfully relaxing kilometre after kilometre, or should that be mile after mile. After hours behind the wheel and beside it, I felt pain and fatigue-free after enjoying the MKZ's genteel ride and magnificent, 14-speaker THX II audio system. Those looking to move up a notch from mediocre sedan transportation to entry-level elegance would be wise to sample the MKZ while on their way to examine pricier examples of class and luxury; they may be surprised by what awaits in the Lincoln showroom.
