Jerry Robbin

Ford pricing right for 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

By Jerry Robbin

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ shows styling cues for the Lincoln brand, such as the front grille, and has a touch of elegance in the interior. However, there is enough evidence of its Fusion origins that Ford needs to take the MKZ to the next design level with some additional exterior styling cues.

The MKZ’s gas mileage is fantastic and the fact that Ford is not charging more for a hybrid version of the MKZ says a lot about this model.

Driving Experience

The MKZ has a lot of get up and go for a hybrid, and the car has excellent handling when taking hard turns.

The MKZ Hybrid can hold its own with its peers. The electric power steering is well tuned and provides a comfortable drive experience. The suspension gives a smooth ride over rough roads. With specs of 41 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway, it is fantastic for low speed, stop-and-go driving.

Safety Features

* 4-wheel ABS
* Front and rear head airbags
* Dual front side-mounted airbags
* Child seat anchors
* Remote anti-theft alarm system
* Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
* Rear door child safety locks
* Engine immobilizer
* Front fog/driving lights
* Auto delay off headlamps
* Dusk sensing headlamps
* 2 front headrests
* 3 rear headrests
* Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
* Rear center 3-point belt
* Front seatbelt pretensioners
* Stability control
* Traction control
* Electronic brake force distribution
* Emergency interior trunk release
* Front height adjustable headrests
* Rear height adjustable headrests
* Post-collision safety system
* Tire pressure monitoring

Under the Hood

The drive train is a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, which produces 156 hp.  There is 106 hp when the electric motor takes over, such as when the car is stopped, and a net of 191 hp when the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) is utilized. The MKZ Hybrid has acceptable acceleration.

Inside

The hybrid has a THX audio system bolstered by a 600-watt amp, 14 speakers, two subwoofers and a center-channel array at the top of the dashboard. The system uses a new digital signal processing technology called DTS Neural Surround, designed to transform the stereo audio from an MP3 player into surround sound.  There is 10 gigabytes of space on the hard drive for music storage.

The navigation system is excellent and calculates routes with ease. The maps are just OK, but the street labels are easy to read and it includes both 2D and 3D views. You can also access traffic information, gas prices  and movie times.

Sync also provides an automatic 911 call feature and a maintenance report on the car. A Sync Apps screen shows these services and includes slots for future apps.

The interior is elegant and the seats conform nicely to your body.

Outside

Lincoln offers a few driver-assistance features with the MKZ Hybrid. We had a rear-view camera and blind-spot detection on our car, and both features worked very well Other available features are rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive headlights, which are nice luxury touches.

Lincoln’s designers still have a way to go to create a separate identity for the MKZ. The average person can detect the Fusion underneath the MKZ sheet metal. The MKZ Hybrid has different sheet metal from the A-pillar forward.
More subtle fenders, a hood with fewer compound details and, of course, Lincoln’s baleen grille on the front fascia are additions that do well to differentiate the MKZ from its more common cousin. Likewise, splashes of chrome along the lower fascia, mirrors and windowsills also help to separate the Fusion and the MKZ.

Summary

For the same price as a gas-aspirated MKZ, you can purchase a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The car really excels in cabin tech, like the Sync system. The MKZ is worth taking a look at if you are in the market for a nicely equipped hybrid.

Specifications

Exterior
* Width: 72.2 in.
* Height: 56.8 in.
* Length: 189.8 in.
* Front track: 61.3 in.
* Rear track: 61.0 in.
* Wheelbase: 107.4 in.
* Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 11.8 cu.ft.
* Maximum cargo capacity: 11.8 cu.ft.
* EPA interior volume: 110.8 cu.ft.

Interior
Front Seats
* Front headroom: 38.7 in.
* Front hip room: 54.0 in.
* Front legroom: 42.3 in.
* Front shoulder room: 57.2 in.
* Multi-level heating passenger seat
* 10-way power passenger seat
* 10-way power driver seat
* Passenger seat with power ad- justable lumbar support
* Multi-level heating driver seat
* Driver seat with power adjust-able lumbar support
* Height-adjustable driver seat
* Height-adjustable passenger seat
* Premium leather
* Bucket front seats
Rear Seats
* Rear hip room: 53.5 in.
* Rear head room: 37.8 in.
* Rear leg room: 36.7 in.
* Rear shoulder room: 55.8 in.
* Folding storage center armrest