Lincoln cuts a dashing figure with Corsair

Luxury markets these days must include all types of automobiles to be competitive.

We’ve driven some real luxury lately, from large seven-passengers like the Volvo XC90 to convertibles like the BMW 850xi.

But recently we drove the Ford Escape: a compact SUV with great styling and capabilities all packed in at a great price. It was basic but perfect for all types of motorists.

Well, now we have to look at the upscale, luxury version of this premise, the Lincoln Corsair. An Escape, but with fine details and appurtenances to showcase its American styling.

Two fine motor options are available here: 2.0L EcoBoost engine providing 250 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque and our tester, the 2.3L EcoBoost, familiarly known as the Mustang four-cylinder motor, offering 295 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. Both options come with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and piano-style shifter switches under the infotainment system. All-wheel drive is standard only on the 2.3L and optional on the 2.0L; both options can tow up to 3,000 pounds.

Inside, the Corsair is exquisite. The standard features are endless, like remote start, heated front seats and a power liftgate, just to mention a few. The non-Escape-like interior is really impressive with a low dash, providing great visibility and very comfortable seating. A protruding infotainment screen is present on the Corsair, similar to the Escape, which is really the only place for it to fit. It’s not our favorite place for these as they tend to take up some valuable real estate, but on the Corsair, it fits nicely. The SYNC3 Infotainment system is back and is the same as in the Escape; we really like it, it’s easy to use. A 12.3-inch driver’s dashboard cluster is available offering five drive modes, all that adjust body roll, traction and suspension accordingly. A Revel speaker system is also available, and well worth the additional cost. Rear seating is spacious, but due to the sloped rear roof lines, the headroom is limited.

The cabin is very quiet; Lincoln really did its homework in building its “sanctuary,” as they call it. The road noise was limited and the ride was smooth on our 600-mile test ride through the New Hampshire hills and southern Maine roads. Competing with the Corsair is the XT4 from Cadillac and Volvo XC40, but we haven’t tested either yet, though notice similar curves and size. We hope to test those as well, soon.

Similar storage space on the Corsair to the Escape, coming in at 27.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 57.6 cubic feet with seat backs folded, are pretty commendable for the Compact Ute category.

Although I am not sure how Ford — I mean Lincoln — came up with the name of the Corsair, defining it as pirate-like, but if it’s because they like to be the Buccaneer and steal everyone’s loot, they did a good job in naming it. I am Buccaneer too, but of course, the Tampa Bay version.

Lincoln Corsair

MSRP: $35,945

As tested: $46,995

MPG: 22 city, 28 highway, 26.9 as tested

 

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2YnH1Fu