(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) IT'S DIFFICULT, WHEN asked to imagine your typical Lincoln, to conjure up anything other than a land yacht of a vehicle perhaps ferrying around a dignitary in early 1970s Chicago.
Such is the evocative image of the classic Lincoln Town Car, many are still used as airport limousines in the US to this day despite being discontinued in 2011. We took one during Christmas from JFK to Manhattan and, notwithstanding the appalling road surface leading to a bumpier ride than expected, hairs did start to stand up on the back of the old neck when the famous sights hauled into view from the back of this luxurious beast.
These days though Lincoln is all about modernity and, as a result of an extensive advertising campaign, Matthew McConaughey's whispery Texan drawl. Which, McConaughey aside, brings us to this week's Lincoln MKX crossover. As an SUV it aims to be contemporary, safe and in theory offers potential customers a vision of a more active outdoorsy lifestyle. It's the motoring equivalent of a hip-hop workout DVD hosted by Bear Grylls, if you will.
These criteria, the MKX fulfils well. With projections hinting that 50 per cent of all cars on the road will be SUVs in the next decade, this Lincoln has some stiff competition, but it covers the basics well. Its elevated driving position, comfortable interior and safety features including a great 360-degree view camera system and intelligent collision energy transfer bumper mean you'll be snug as a bug in a rug.
The engine is pretty good too. A 2.7 -litre EcoBoost V6 produces 376 horsepower, which is plenty for a midsize family automobile. And that is the key term we think is apparent here 'family'. Lincoln is no longer the preserve of the cigar-chomping oil magnate or Kentucky heiress. To survive in the 21st century, the company has had to evolve and appeal to the 2.4 children market, which the MKX will no doubt do. It's certainly not the prettiest car ever made, but then it's almost impossible to think of anything with this remit that is. From the side it is actually quite attractive, we're just not so taken with the front.
In short though, it drives well, provides an excellent environment in which to do the school run and pootle off to the countryside in during the weekend, produces decent fuel economy at 11 litres per 100km on the open road and will keep the kiddywinks cosy. It's just what you want from a family runner.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.