de autos cars

Refinement.

Sometimes that's all a car needs.

Three years ago, the Lincoln MKZ (briefly named "Zephyr") was a gussied-up Ford Fusion...not bad...but certainly not worth an extra ten grand above the Ford. For starters, it looked like a Fusion with a Lincoln grille slapped on. The interior had some Lincoln trim bits, but nothing truly unique.

Well, for 2010, Lincoln gets the message, and its customers get the goods. The MKZ looks, feels, drives and rides completely differently from the Fusion.

A 3.5 liter V6 is standard, as is a 6-speed automatic transmission. The MKZ rides on 17 inch wheels...with 18s optional (as on our tester).



As you can see, the interior is much more luxurious...and the designers have gone a long way toward hiding the common bits the MKZ and the Fusion share.

The test MKZ had a base price of $34,115. Options: The Ultimate Package (THX II sound system, power moonroof, Technology Package and Navigation Package) for $5,595, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat Paint ($495) and the Sport Appearance Package (18" wheels, floor mats, interior aluminium trim, leather steering wheel and dual-zone A/C for $795).

Total price: $41,850 (including $850 destination and delivery charge).

And the experience was like driving a 3/4 scale MKS...not a bad thing at all.

Another plus: The EPA mileage estimates are 18 city/27 highway.

I'm not a big fan of re-badges (as someone who lived through the Lincoln Versailles, can you blame me?), but platform sharing is here to stay. It's nice to know there's a right way to do it and people who know how.