2010 Lincoln MKT First Impressions

"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression" says the oft-quoted adage. This week, CarThrottle is spending some time with Lincoln's latest, the Lincoln MKT. First impressions are important - how does the Lincoln MKT fare?

For an automotive journalist, nothing quite compares to the experience of stepping into a vehicle, turning the key (or in this case, pressing a button!) and experiencing it for yourself. There is a particular excitement in testing a new model. As such, taking delivery of the Steel Blue Lincoln MKT tester is a unique experience.

Most of the vehicle tests I have conducted have been on a new entrant into the marketplace, but with the chance to see in person first. The Lincoln MKT is not yet in dealerships, so this is the first opportunity to see it in the metal. And at first glance, the Lincoln MKT doesn't disappoint.

The MKT Concept was no doubt a high benchmark to live up to in a production vehicle. On the exterior, while the production vehicle loses some of the concept's simplicity, it hews close to it and retains much of its character. Originally I was disappointed when I first saw the production version. It's clear though that pictures (particularly the press photography) do not do the car justice. The MKT Concept remains my favorite, but the production MKT made the transition well.

Performance wise, the MKT is a shocker. EcoBoost, EcoBoost, EcoBoost! It really is as good as people have been saying. The EcoBoost technology is being applied across the Ford lineup, after it first saw duty in the Lincoln MKS. The EcoBoost engine in the MKS is the first direct injected twin-turbocharged engine to be produced in North America.

Throttle response is excellent, with no turbocharger whine whatsoever. Current average mileage reading is coming in at about 19.1 miles per gallon, a no doubt impressive figure. Lincoln quotes mileage of 16 city/22 hwy, and the 19.1 figure includes a mix of both city and highway driving.

The interior gives off a jet-like impression - this isn't standard Lincoln fare. Sporty and well designed, it is a technological tour de force. Given the fact that American luxury interiors have been lagging, this is a welcome change.

My loaded Lincoln MKT tester was outfitted with the aluminum trim option. While certainly fitting with the overall sports aura of the MKT, my personal preference would be for the walnut wood trim. With that trim, I think it would take the interior up a further level in upscale ambiance. Spaceships might not have wood, but luxury jets do.

My initial impressions after spending a little over 24 hours with the MKT are very good. More thoughts and comprehensive information are on the way in the official road test/review - stay tuned for more!