Chicago Sun-Times

MKZ LINCOLN

Offering gas, hybrid engines

- BY JOHN STEIN

The MKZ midsize sedan is often credited with reinventin­g the Lincoln brand. By combining attractive design features with innovative technologi­es, it has taken Lincoln giant steps forward.

One of the best- looking sedans in the midsize entry luxury category, the 2018 Lincoln MKZ’s grille and headlight treatment reflect style elements prominent with the all- new Continenta­l.

GAS POWER

Performanc­e fans will appreciate the all- wheel drive MKZ’s 400- horsepower turbocharg­ed V6 engine. The base turbocharg­ed 4- cylinder engine delivers 245 horsepower and 275 lb- ft of torque. A 350- hp V6, producing 400 lb- ft of torque and utilizing front- wheel drive, is also available.

HYBRID POWER

The MKZ Hybrid power comes from a 2.0- L 4- cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and a lithium- ion battery pack. A continuous­ly variable automatic transmissi­on ( CVT) routes power to the front wheels. Total system output is 188 horsepower. According to the EPA, you can expect 40 mpg overall ( 41 city/ 38 highway).

HIGH- END FEATURES

While MKZ is the entry- level sedan for the brand, the base model MKZ still provides many desirable features. These include 18- inch wheels, an adaptive suspension system, smart xenon headlights, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, LED taillights, keyless entry and push- button ignition, dual- zone automatic climate control, leatherett­e upholstery, 10- way- adjustable front seats with heating, memory settings for driver seat, a 60/ 40split- folding rear seat with ski pass- through, a leather- wrapped tilt- and- telescopin­g steering wheel and an auto- dimming rearview mirror. The MKZ has the Sync 3 technology interface and revised interior controls for the radio and climate systems.

TECH

The MKZ’s standard technology suite is comprised of a rearview camera, voice controls, Lincoln’s Sync 3 infotainme­nt interface, an 8- inch touchscree­n display, Sync smartphone app integratio­n, and an 11- speaker audio system supporting a CD player, satellite radio, a pair of USB ports and an audio input jack.

Opting for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, you will get all of the same features at the same price of admission. Opting for the MKZ Hybrid Select model adds an auto- dimming driver- side mirror, power- folding outside mirrors, leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, a power- adjustable steering wheel, tasteful interior ambient accent lighting, a 110volt power outlet and a pair of rear- seat USB charging ports – just as you would get if you chose a MKZ Select with one of the convention­al gasoline engines.

CABIN COMFORT

All of these features are housed within one of the nicest interior treatments you’ll find anywhere. In fact, Lincoln enjoys the reputation of having the most attractive passenger compartmen­ts of any American manufactur­er. More than just good- looking however, the accommodat­ions are exceptiona­lly comfortabl­e. You’ll find the seats capable of transporti­ng you fidget free over long distances. Rear seat legroom is admirable too. A wonderful highway car, the MKZ rides quietly, comfortabl­y and smoothly in the best American tradition. What’s more, competent handling is also part of the equation. When roads twist and turn, the MKZ happily accommodat­es.

There’s little doubt the 2018 Lincoln MKZ has plenty of positives. One of the best options in the market is your ability to choose between convention­al and hybrid powertrain­s, without paying a premium for the electrifie­d version of the car. Pricing for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ starts at $ 35,170.

 ??  ?? Design: Gina Galinis | Editor: John Stein                     	 
             
     
       
           Director Automotive Advertisin­g: Visit chicago.suntimes.com/section/autos for everything automotive in Chicagolan­d
Design: Gina Galinis | Editor: John Stein Director Automotive Advertisin­g: Visit chicago.suntimes.com/section/autos for everything automotive in Chicagolan­d

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