First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

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Lincoln's Zed-car goes green

Ford premium brand's shows Toyota's premium brand how to do a "luxury hybrid"

By John LeBlanc Washington, D.C. - Along with a variety of sins that would make ancient Rome's ruling classes look like kindergarteners, feel free to blame Hollywood celebrities for the idea of the luxury hybrid. If it wasn't for the Ed Begley Jrs and Leonardo DiCaprios of the world adopting the Toyota Prius as a fashion statement, we probably wouldn't have cars like the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. While fuel efficiency and luxury were once at opposite ends of the value scale, guilt-free desires are something that a new generation of luxury buyers - beyond the Hollywood types - are interested in. According to Cheryl Connelly, Ford's future and trends manager, the 1980s "greed is good" mantra has been replaced by "temperate pragmatists" who want to take an "ethical vacation" with their purchases. For this new type of customer, Ford is putting forth its 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedan. Essentially a more luxurious version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid carries an $8,000 premium over its Blue Oval twin. Its $42,200 asking price is a $3,800 step up from the standard non-hybrid MKZ, and is equal to the MKZ with all-wheel drive. Using the Fusion's 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas and electric motor combination, the MKZ Hybrid scores the same excellent fuel economy ratings: 4.6 L/100 km in the city and 5.4 L/100 km on the highway. That bests its closest rival, the Lexus HS 250h hybrid, which is rated at 5.6 L/100 km city, and 5.9 highway, allowing Ford to claim the MKZ Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in North America. Of course, hybrid badge aside, real-world fuel efficiency is another matter. During a mainly urban 100-km economy-maximizing run (where we drove like rolling pylons) in the congested Washington, D.C. area, my driving partner and I managed a respectable 6.9 L/100 km. Later that afternoon on a shorter route, I managed 8.1 L/100 km, which is about the same as what I get when I'm at the wheel of the new Prius. Not only does the Lincoln beat the Lexus in fuel economy, it's also the better luxury car. The MKZ Hybrid is roomier, quieter and has more standard kit than the $39,900 HS 250h. In-car technology is becoming a big part of the value proposition with any new Ford product, even the subcompact Fiesta. So it's no surprise that the MKZ Hybrid gets the latest in gizmos and gadgets, including Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide (the MKZ's version adds additional features, including a long-term fuel economy display, and a growing apple blossom display compared to the vines and flowers of the Ford); Sync; genuine wood trim; heated and cooled seats with leather from Scotland's Bridge of Weir; reverse sensing system - I could go on. Still fresh from its remake last year, the MKZ continues on for 2011 with luxury-focused driving characteristics. Ford's research indicated that performance is becoming less of a priority for luxury buyers. Which is a good thing, because the MKZ Hybrid is based on a car that's anything but sporty. Like its regular counterpart, the Hybrid's shocks are tuned for comfort, not sharp handling. The steering is over-boosted, light and numb, while its front seats are designed for comfort, rather than supporting you in the turns. But if you're looking to be coddled - and get great fuel economy - the Lincoln is the better way to go. By comparison, the HS 250h suffers from grabbier brakes, a whinier transmission, more road noise, and a harsher ride. And for those looking to save fuel in other ways than crawling through the outlet malls, the Lincoln hybrid system can be driven at speeds of up to 76 km/h solely on electric power - nearly twice as fast as the HS 250h, which can achieve only 40 km/h on battery power. The Lincoln also has best-in-class power (191 hp, net - the gas engine makes 156 hp on its own), besting the HS by four ponies. Despite all the added standard and exclusive luxury features, extra sound deadening, and a more upscale badge, it's hard to argue for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid over the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The less expensive Ford does everything its Lincoln counterpart does, if with less posh surroundings and a slightly louder and harsher ride. In fact, badge-conscious customers aside, the hybrid Ford betters the HS 250h on these fronts as well. Less-than-compelling naming conventions aside,  you like the sound of these extras, though, and want the relatively guilt-free driving experience, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a smarter choice than the Lexus, celebrity endorsement or not. We expect Lincoln and Lexus won't be alone in this new class for long. Hybrid versions of the Buick LaCrosse and Acura TL are rumored to be in the works. But for now, if you're one of those "temperate pragmatists" looking to be coddled and save the planet at the same time, the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is your best bet. 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid WHAT I LIKE: Class-leading fuel economy and power ratings; generous amounts of standard equipment; quiet, and cosseting driving experience WHAT I DON’T: Fusion Hybrid much of the same for less; does Lincoln does badge still resonate with luxury buyers? Base price: $42,200/Type of vehicle: FWD midsize luxury sedan/Engine: 2.5-litre, DOHC, 16-valve I-4 with electric motor/Power: 191 hp/Torque: 136 lb.-ft./Transmission: CVT/Fuel consumption L/100 km: 4.6 city; /5.4 hwy/Competition: Lexus HS 250h

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