With the use of graphics on a screen imbedded next to the speedometer to depict growing leaves and apple blossoms on a tree, this visual program is intended to train drivers to burn the least amount of fuel possible. Drive frugally and the tree blossoms, drive wastefully and the leaves fade. A leafless tree is not a good thing.
Although disappearing leaves may inflict a sense of guilt, the operational refinement and ride quality of the MKZ Hybrid will counter with a sense of repose.
Quiet, smooth ride dynamics invoke pleasure
The MKZ Hybrid is an astonishingly quiet automobile—and I must admit to really appreciating the serenity that accompanies a drive. The quiet backdrop is perfect for capturing every musical nuance from Lincoln’s THX II surround sound audio unit.
If there’s a fly in the ointment of the hushed cabin, it’s the occasional intrusiveness of the I4 gas engine, the presence of which becomes apparent under hard acceleration. Although evident, the acoustical soundtrack of the four-banger is refined and well managed in most circumstances. In fact, under a conservative foot, it’s barely noticeable.
Also barely noticeable within context are the bumps and grinds of typically-decayed city streets. The MKZ Hybrid is more about taking care of its occupants than getting them there fast. This is a vehicle that delivers a decently-controlled, strikingly smooth ride; and that’s its strength—not razor-sharp handling.
On the less-inspiring side of the chart is its performance in the passing lane. With a total of 191 horsepower whirling beneath its hood, don’t expect the MKZ Hybrid to outrun much else in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. But do expect it to pass those Euro, Japanese and domestic nameplates while they’re refueling.
The MKZ Hybrid is touted to deliver over 1,200 km of city driving on a single tank of fuel; unless its fuel tank is the size of an Olympic swimming pool, that’s pretty amazing.
Concluding remarks
The initial thought of driving an MKZ Hybrid didn’t excite me, especially coming off the high of a sun-filled week spent behind the wheel of a Mustang GT Convertible—but sometimes expectations are unexpectedly exceeded. This was one of those occasions.
 |
| With the use of graphics on a screen imbedded next to the speedometer to depict growing leaves and apple blossoms on a tree, this visual program is intended to train drivers to burn the least amount of fuel possible. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Although disappearing leaves may inflict a sense of guilt, the operational refinement and ride quality of the MKZ Hybrid will counter with a sense of repose.
Quiet, smooth ride dynamics invoke pleasure
The MKZ Hybrid is an astonishingly quiet automobile—and I must admit to really appreciating the serenity that accompanies a drive. The quiet backdrop is perfect for capturing every musical nuance from Lincoln’s THX II surround sound audio unit.
If there’s a fly in the ointment of the hushed cabin, it’s the occasional intrusiveness of the I4 gas engine, the presence of which becomes apparent under hard acceleration. Although evident, the acoustical soundtrack of the four-banger is refined and well managed in most circumstances. In fact, under a conservative foot, it’s barely noticeable.
Also barely noticeable within context are the bumps and grinds of typically-decayed city streets. The MKZ Hybrid is more about taking care of its occupants than getting them there fast. This is a vehicle that delivers a decently-controlled, strikingly smooth ride; and that’s its strength—not razor-sharp handling.
On the less-inspiring side of the chart is its performance in the passing lane. With a total of 191 horsepower whirling beneath its hood, don’t expect the MKZ Hybrid to outrun much else in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. But do expect it to pass those Euro, Japanese and domestic nameplates while they’re refueling.
The MKZ Hybrid is touted to deliver over 1,200 km of city driving on a single tank of fuel; unless its fuel tank is the size of an Olympic swimming pool, that’s pretty amazing.
Concluding remarks
The initial thought of driving an MKZ Hybrid didn’t excite me, especially coming off the high of a sun-filled week spent behind the wheel of a Mustang GT Convertible—but sometimes expectations are unexpectedly exceeded. This was one of those occasions.
 |
| Also barely noticeable within context are the bumps and grinds of typically-decayed city streets. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |