Lincoln luxury at an affordable price
With the all-new Zephyr, Lincoln revives a moniker first used in 1936 for an entry-level luxury sedan with a starting price of $1400 aimed at enticing people into the Lincoln lineup. The 2006 Zephyr, with a starting price of $29,660 including destination charge, has been designated to do the exact same thing — entice people into the Lincoln lineup.
Zephyr is one in a trio of sedans, including the Fusion and Mercury Milan, derived from the excellent Mazda6.
The front-wheel-drive Zephyr is available in a single trim level with a 220-horsepower V-6 engine mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. This is the same drive V-6 engine/transmission combination offered on Fusion and Milan. An all-wheel-drive model will be offered for the 2007 model year.
I’ve tested all three new products and, as expected, found that the Zephyr delivers a softer, quieter ride with excellent handling and lighter steering than both Fusion and Milan. Zephyr also looks more upscale, inside and out. The instrument panel reminds me of Lexus, with appointments of honey-blond figured maple wood trim on the dash, door panels and steering wheel that compliment the two-tone coffee and cream soft-touch dash material. I like the look, but some may find it garish.
The expensive-looking dash made liberal use of brushed silver on the center stack, air vents and gauge, a combination that worked exceptionally well, visually. Those who prefer a more sedate look can opt for the more classic ebony wood.
The instrument panel gauges utilize white electro-luminescent lighting with white LED 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 large.
Outside, Zephyr features Lincoln’s signature waterfall grille flanked by quad jewel-like multi-element headlamps. Scalloped amber parking lights look classy. Fog lamps are standard.
Out back, the rear bumper is nearly flush, bright oversized LED taillamps with brushed metal insets 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.
Options on the tester included cooled front seats ($495), HID headlamps ($495), 17-inch chrome wheels ($895) and navigation system ($2495).
Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, and front, side and head-protecting side-curtain airbags. Disappointingly, stability control and rear backing sensing are not available. Crash test results are not yet available.
Overall, I liked the drive and road feel of the Zephyr. It felt nimble and sure footed, and handling was predictable. Unlike its siblings Fusion and Milan, because of considerable amounts of additional sound deadening insulation along with thicker glass, Zephyr was quiet at highway speeds. I wished for more power under the hood, but the transmission performed well despite lacking a manual shift option. However, like Milan and Fusion, the engine gets a little buzzy when you put your foot in the throttle.
The midsize Zephyr is a welcome addition to Lincoln, who hasn’t introduced a new sedan since the LS six years ago. Zephyr’s attractive price competes well with cars like Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne. Most importantly, the Lincoln Zephyr looks classy, upscale and much more expensive than it is. I think it’s an exceptional car for $30,000, but much less so at $33,000 and above as you add options. However, I liked the Mercury Milan almost as much and it costs thousands less and looks almost identical.
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