Lincoln, in front of the lack of popularity of the MKC, proceeded to a replacement of vehicle and name. Over the newcomers to the range, the manufacturer decided to use a new way of identifying the models, and it really played on originality since the range is available as follows: Corsair, Nautilus, Aviator and Navigator.
The Corsair, the model that concerns us, is the smallest and it is a “linconized” version of the Ford Escape. This approach of using a model from another division is not an exception since the majority of major brands do the same.
If these two vehicles share mechanical components, the fact remains that there is a big difference in price between the two, but also the use of several elements intended to improve driving, comfort and even prestige. social.
The Corsair family is available in three versions: Standard, Reserve and Grand Touring, the latter being the most opulent. It also has a plug-in hybrid engine that we were able to test.
Photo: Lincoln
Guaranteed elegance
For a long time, stylists persisted in designing separate grilles, inspired by the original Lincolns. It was a poor copy of the BMWs and did nothing to enhance the elegance. Fortunately, they decided to replace these grilles with a honeycomb grille that suits the whole car well. The body does not have too sharp angles. It exudes a soft elegance that harmonizes well with the vocation of the Corsair. In addition, the rear is adorned with a light strip that crosses the tailgate from side to side; a design element that other models of this brand share. It’s far from exaggerated and the effect is pretty.
In short, a stylish, discreet and successful exterior. But where the designers have outdone themselves is in the passenger compartment and especially at the level of the dashboard. It’s true that the display screen of the indicator dials really lacks visual tone, and that the black lacquer of the climate control panel is a haven for fingerprints and scratches. Yet, it looks luxurious and refined. Which is not the case with several Cadillac models, for example. We know that the quality of the materials is excellent on these, but Lincoln wins in terms of the general impression.
The front seats are comfortable. On our test model, they were infinitely adjustable, heated, ventilated and equipped with the massage function. The back seat can comfortably accommodate two adults and even a third guest, in its central part, without too much discomfort. However, the seat could be better padded. It has at least the advantage of being sliding in order to optimize the loading space or the release of the legs, according to the need. Headroom could also be more generous.
Photo: Lincoln
A Ford hybrid
Like the first hybrid engines offered by Ford and Lincoln, that of the Corsair is a house mechanism that owes nothing to other manufacturers. Here, no licensed use.
In the family of this utility, only the Grand Touring is equipped with it. Buyers who choose the Corsair Standard find a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder under the hood mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is also standard on the Reserve. For more luxury and performance, the latter offers the option of a 2.3-litre, 295 horsepower 4-cylinder turbo. It should be noted that all Corsairs have all-wheel drive.
Our test vehicle, the Grand Touring, was powered by another 4-cylinder. This 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine delivers a total output of 266 horsepower and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Electric motors are located at the front and rear axles.
In addition, our vehicle included an adaptive suspension as well as a plethora of safety accessories which explain the excellent safety rating of the Corsair. Indeed, theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives it five stars.
The price of comfort and economy
Like all modern luxury vehicles, the doors unlock automatically when you approach them and have the key in your possession. Once behind the wheel, you are confronted with a module housing the various relevant information through digital indicator dials. Their consultation is not easy due to a dark display and often you have to pay attention to consult it effectively. Fortunately, a fairly complete head-up display compensates for this irritant.
To engage the reports, we direct our fingers towards the keys placed between the dashboard and the air conditioning control module. It’s really not intuitive, but it’s the current trend since this electronic selector de facto eliminates the mechanical gear lever. This allows designers to tweak a more practical presentation.
As in most hybrid variants, the combustion engine does not start when the start button is pressed. If the battery is fully charged, you drive immediately in electric mode until it is exhausted. We’re promised 50 km of range in 100% electric mode, but I was only able to get a 44 km charge on my test vehicle.
Photo: Lincoln
If you limit your trips almost exclusively to electric mode with a few interventions of the thermal engine, you can obtain a fuel consumption of around 3.8 L/100 km. On the other hand, in normal use, we can expect to record an average of about 7.0 L/100 km.
Despite the power of auxiliary electric motors, the accelerations are correct, but certainly not dazzling. It takes about just over seven seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standing start.
This Lincoln utility stands out above all for its quietness, its comfort and its luxurious atmosphere. It should be noted that it is better suited to the highway and well-maintained roads. If you want to have fun behind the wheel on a more or less well-maintained winding road, you will quickly discover its limits… It lacks athletic qualities, because its suspension, although electronically managed, sometimes has difficulty finding the right setting.
This hybrid Corsair saves fuel by offering the possibility of driving in electric mode for approximately 50 km. Also, its level of luxury is high. Unfortunately, a fully equipped Grand Touring version comes with a bill of over $70,000.
And a few days after our test, Ford advised owners of Ford and Lincoln hybrid vehicles, including the Corsair, not to park them in a garage, but rather outside because some of them had caught fire!
There is no recall and the manufacturer promises to quickly resolve the situation. However, this downside may make people interested in the Corsair think twice…