The new MKZ Hybrid is not just the first hybrid produced by Lincoln, it's the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan you can buy in Canada.
The MKZ Hybrid advances technology to a higher level in many, many ways, but I still have some suggested improvements (more on that later). My fuel economy calculations also didn't quite match the official figures put out by Natural Resources Canada, yet overall the MKZ Hybrid turned out to be a very frugal fuel-user.
Certainly not your oldfashioned big, heavy, chrome-decked Lincoln, the MKZ is a new and more dynamic, direction for Lincoln, while still appealing to traditional buyers. The gas engine version of the Lincoln MKZ received a complete update last year, with the hybrid added this year. Based on the same platform as Ford's midsided family sedan, the Fusion, the MKZ is available in both front-drive and allwheel-drive gas versions, as well as the hybrid.
In its pure electric mode, without the gas engine, the MKZ Hybrid can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h. Yet, it's the fluid and flawless way that this hybrid system operates, as it dances between power sources and power recovery, that's most impressive.
The gasoline engine is an Atkinson cycle version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder and it's paired with a permanent-magnet AC electric motor and an electronically-controlled continuously variable (e-CVT) transmission.
While more fuel efficient than a conventional fourstroke engine, at low engine speeds an Atkinson cycle engine produces less torque. That, however, is not a problem in a hybrid system as the torque-rich electric motor fills in as a perfect power partner.
Taking full advantage of the best qualities of each power source is key to optimal hybrid performance, as is the smooth transfer between them. Lincoln has done a masterful job in both areas in the MKZ Hybrid.
The MKZ Hybrid recovers almost 94 per cent of energy when full regenerative braking is used. It's actually a brake-by-wire system with simulated brake actuation at the brake pedal and the pedal feel is just like a conventional braking system.
The Hybrid is priced the same as the all-wheeldrive version of the MKZ (at $42,200), and the frontdrive version is $38,400.
This also presents a very clear, and interesting-cash, green or performance-choice for buyers.
THE LOOKS Looking like a scaleddown version of Lincoln's flagship full-sized luxury sedan, the MKS, the MKZ offers many of the features and capabilities of the topline Lincoln sedan, albeit in a more compact, fuel-efficient and affordable package. As you'd expect, it has iconic Lincoln design cues, including the split-wing grill and the Lincoln star prominent front and back and on the front quarter panels.
And yes, there's chrome-on the door handles, fog lamp bezels, mouldings, mirrors and exhaust tips, but it's certainly not garish. My test MKZ came with a 17-inch chrome wheel option package ($1,100) that looked very sharp, enhancing the overall appearance.
THE INSIDE
The dark grey (Bridge of Weir) leather upholstery was trimmed with brown piping. A little different, but my wife (whom I rely on in such matters) thought it was both "bold and stylish." The front seats also came with a built-in heating and cooling feature for both the seatback and cushion. And something I've absolutely no hesitation endorsing is the optional ($1,000) THX audio system, a 14speaker surround sound system that was, in a word, awesome! On the other hand, the hybrid's trunk is on the small side.
The tilt/telescopic steering wheel's manual adjustments also seemed out of place in a luxury class vehicle. Power adjustments would be more in line with buyer expectations. On a positive note, the 110-volt outlet in the rear of the centre console is a great feature and those wood trim pieces that decorate the cabin ... they are real wood.
SAFETY
In addition to the standard six airbags in the gas engine MKZ, the hybrid edition comes with an extra airbag for the driver's knees. Another unique safety feature is a crash alert system that activates the hazard warning lights and sounds the horn if an airbag is deployed or a seatbelt pretensioner is activated.
Split-view side mirrors that provide additional "blind spot" viewing coverage are a new standard feature. My test car came with the optional electronic "blind spot" warning system.
THE DRIVE
The white and chrome Lincoln looked completely at home in the Okanagan. Getting there from the coast involves scaling the formidable high-altitude (1244m/4,147ft.) Coquihalla Highway. Not a problem for this hybrid, the MKZ handled the seemingly endless climb to the summit with surprising verve. While fuel economy took a beating getting to the summit, slipping the shift lever into "L" uncovered another hybrid virtue: regenerative brake.
The equally steep descent can chew up and overheat brakes, as many have discovered. The "L" position's full regenerative brake (i.e. full battery charge/no fuel use) was enough to maintain a controlled downhill speed with only occasional brake pedal applications. Lower maintenance cost is another benefit to hybrid ownership.
I drove at my usual level of gusto, without making a conscious effort to conserve fuel. Impressively, fuel economy still averaged just under 7.0 L/100 km (about 41 mpg).
While touring around the Kelowna district, its instant fuel usage readout was significantly better, typically well under 6.0L/100 km (close to 50 mpg). I had travelled almost 750 km before my first stop for fuel and reckon there was still another 200 km (of driving) in the tank to completely empty.
Hybrid fuel savings are far more dramatic in an urban setting, where it uses the electric motor more. The MKZ Hybrid takes it a step further and will startup, which can be completely silent, and run for an extended distance, purely on electrical power. The gas engine only kicks in if you need extra power.
Visuals on the instrument panel also try to coax you into driving in an ecofriendly fashion. According to Lincoln, by the time a typical driver earns all five of those (digital) flowers, he or she has saved almost 1,900 litres of gasoline and two tons of CO2.
THE SCORE
A state-of-the-art drive system gives the MKZ outstanding fuel economy, but it's also fun to drive and an excellent touring sedan.
THE SPECS-2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Trim levels: FWD, Hybrid & AWD
Base Price (Hybrid): $42,200
Power: 2.5 litre I4+AC motor, 191 hp
Transmission: e-CVT (continuously variable transmission)
Fuel consumption: 4.6/5.4 L/100km (city/highway)
Basic Warranty: Four years/80,000 km Powertrain Warranty: Six years/110,000 km Rust Warranty: Five years/unlimited km
The Competition:
Buick LaCrosse eAssist: $34,419
Lexus HS 250h: $40,850 - $44,900
