CHANGES FOR 2014:
- Minor changes to trim and equipment levels
Ford’s decision to double-down and seriously invest in Lincoln kicked off with the MKZ, which launched last year. As before, the MKZ draws from the Ford Fusion, but this time around, the two look and feel different. Bold styling inside and out sets it apart from its garden-variety cousin – as well as any other Lincoln. The MKZ also features several mechanical and technology features unavailable to Fusion drivers including continuously adaptive damping, a massive single-pane panoramic sunroof, and a V6 engine. For 2014, all MKZs gain standard knee airbags for driver and passenger, while non-perforated leather is now the standard seat upholstery. New to the options list are 18-inch painted alloy wheels, and front seats with Multi-Contour massaging function.
The MKZ and MKZ Hybrid are both available for the same starting price – the only car presently on sale to offer a hybrid powertrain as a no-cost option. Speaking of powertrains, three are available to MKZ buyers. The MKZ comes standard with a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder, which can be upgraded to a 3.7-litre V6 engine. Both engines come mated to a six-speed automatic; the 2.0T drives the front wheels, while the V6 features standard all-wheel drive. The Hybrid uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder running the lean-burn Atkinson Cycle that drives the front wheels through a CVT. It also features a lithium-ion battery pack. Unlike the Fusion, there is no Energi plug-in hybrid variant.
The base MKZ model (Premiere) receive keyless access with push-button start, 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, 10-way power driver’s seat, heated seats, wood trim, active noise reduction, HID headlamps, a 10.1-inch TFT instrument cluster, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync voice control, 11-speaker premium audio system with AM/FM and satellite radio, USB jack, aux-in, a reverse camera with parking sensors, adaptive damping, dual-zone climate control, and remote start.
Hybrid models also receive an additional set of instrument cluster features designed to help improve efficiency by encouraging smooth acceleration and braking.
The Select Equipment Group adds wood-accent steering wheel, ambient lighting, auto-dimming driver’s mirror, power tilt and telescoping steering column, and power folding side mirrors. The V6 AWD model comes standard with the Select Equipment Group.
The Reserve Equipment Group includes the content in the Select group, plus heated wood accent steering wheel, rear heated seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 110-volt power outlet, power trunk, blind-spot monitoring system, ambient interior lighting, and navigation.
The Preferred Equipment Group builds on the Reserve Group with THX II certified sound system, 19-inch wheels, and premium floor mats. This package is not available to 2.0 FWD buyers, although these features can be fitted as standalone options. All four equipment groups are available to Hybrid buyers.
The Technology Package includes adaptive radar cruise control, self-parking, lane-keeping assist system, pre-collision warning, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. It is available on all models.
Also on the options list are a standard power moonroof, a retractable panoramic sunroof, THX II certified sound system, rear inflatable seatbelts, genuine aluminum trim, and genuine wood trim.
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