Zephyr gets a new name, more power
By launching the all-new Zephyr in the fall of 2005, Lincoln revived a moniker first used in 1936 on an entry-level luxury sedan with a starting price of $1400 to entice people into the Lincoln lineup. The 2006 Zephyr was designated to do the exact same thing — bring people into the Lincoln lineup with a starting price of $29,660 including destination charge.
Zephyr was one of a trio of sedans Ford introduced last year — the others being Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan — all derived from the excellent Mazda6 sedan, a company of which Ford is the majority owner.
For 2007 the Zephyr is reborn with a new, more powerful 3.5-liter engine, an all-wheel drive option and a new name – Lincoln MKZ. The front-wheel-drive MKZ is available as a single trim level with a starting price of $29,890. A newly available all-wheel drive (AWD) model, a feature Lincoln says that 50 percent of luxury car owners want, is a first ever for Ford’s upscale brand. Base price for the AWD is $31,765.
Both MKZ models are powered by the same all-new 3.5-liter 263-horsepower V-6, up from the smaller 3.0-liter 220-horsepower V-6 last year. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Other changes for 2007 include new 17-inch, eight-spoke machined aluminum wheels and a slightly modified grille and front fascia treatment. There’s a new horizontal crossbar across the waterfall grille and rectangular-shaped fog lamps become round. New options include THX II? certified audio system and Sirius satellite radio.
We tested all three new products earlier this year and, as expected, found that the Zephyr delivered a softer, quieter ride with excellent handling and lighter steering than both Fusion and Milan. It’s extremely nimble and easy to drive.
It also looks more upscale inside an out. The instrument panel reminds me of a Lexus. Honey-blond figured maple trim about the dash, door panels and steering wheel complements the two-tone coffee and cream soft touch dash material. I like the look and thought it all worked well together, but some thought it garish.
The expensive looking dash makes liberal use of satin-nickel trim on the center stack, air vents and gauge trim, a combination that visually works well with the maple trim. Those who prefer a more sedate look can opt for classic dark ebony wood.
The instrument panel gauges utilize white LED electro-luminescent lighting to backlight controls and switches at night.
Heated perforated leather seats are standard; cooling will cost an additional $495. Seats are comfortable with enough adjustment to fit most size drivers. The back seat, while large, is best with a maximum occupancy of two. Trunk space is generous.
Out back the rear bumper is nearly flush, bright LED taillamps are oversize with brushed metal insets and wrap around the rear fenders. Dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips and 17-inch wheels finish the look.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, AM/FM/CD and MP3 player, power/heated outside mirrors, 10-way power driver/passenger seats, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering, speed sensitive wipers, keyless entry with keypad, floor mats and rear window defroster.
I tested a 2007 model with AWD. Options included a DVD navigation system ($2495), heated/cooled front seats ($495), HID headlamps ($495), and Sirius satellite radio with six months of service ($195).
Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, and front, side and head protecting side-curtain airbags. Disappointingly, stability control and reverse sensing system are not available, a serious omission by Ford.
Both MKZ and Zephyr earned a four out of five-star frontal crash test rating for driver and passenger based on risk of injury to head and chest. They earned a highest five-star rating for front seat and four stars for rear seat occupants based on risk of chest injury in side impacts. Front-wheel drive models earned a four-star rollover rating. The AWD model is not yet rated.
I liked the way the AWD MKZ drives; it feels nimble and sure-footed with predictable handling. Unlike siblings Fusion and Milan, the MKZ is quiet at highway speeds thanks to liberal amounts of additional sound deadening insulation and laminated glass.
The added horsepower is noticeable and the engine is much quieter, both complaints I had with last year’s Zephyr. The transmission performs well, despite lacking a manual shift option.
The midsize Zephyr was a welcome addition to the Lincoln line-up, which hadn’t seen a new sedan since the debut of the now-defunct LS seven years ago. MKZ’s attractive price competes well with cars like Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne. Most importantly, it looks classy, upscale and much more expensive than it is. I think it’s an exceptional car at $30,000, but much less so at $35,000 and above as you add AWD and options.
I liked the Mercury Milan almost as much, and it costs thousands less and looks almost identical.
