Lincoln Corsair. McConaughey Effect
The Lincoln Corsair is a modernized and renamed version of the Lincoln MKC, a comfortable and powerful cruiser, produced since 2019.
Interesting fact: The 2015 Lincoln MKC was advertised by the beloved actor Matthew McConaughey. It is unlikely that such a famous actor, who has a serious approach to choosing his roles, would promote a mediocre product.
Compared to the MKC, the Corsair has grown not only in size and quality, but also in price. It is believed that the actor’s participation in an advertising campaign caused a kind of “McConaughey effect”, which attracted a more financially reliable audience and served as an additional incentive for the development of the model.
Lincoln MKC. The first generation
The 2015 Lincoln MKC is based on the popular Ford Escape, but the vehicle was seriously upgraded. It could be equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 240 hp or a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with 285 hp. The engines were accompanied by a 6-speed gearbox that transmitted forces to the front axle or to both axles in the all-wheel drive version.
The 2015 Lincoln MKC is a compact yet luxurious five-seat SUV that came in three trim levels: Premiere, Select and Reserve. Each trim level has a huge range of options, functions and additional devices: xenon headlights, LED taillights, heated mirrors, rear protective glass, rear parking sensors, ignition and keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-position driver’s seat adjuster, four-position front power passenger seat, 8-inch touchscreen interface, reversing camera, voice control, nine-speaker audio system, two USB ports, and more.
The 2015 Lincoln MKC is a compact yet luxurious five-seat SUV
The 2015/2016 MKC offered the following safety options: stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, reversing camera, front seat side airbags, driver’s knee airbag and full-size side curtain airbags. In national crash tests, the MKC received a four-star rating: for frontal impact protection (four stars) and for side impact protection (five stars). During the tests, a characteristic safety problem of the first MKC was discovered. Thus, in case of a side impact, the left rear passenger door opened and the passenger could come off on the move.
Upgrades
Overall, the MKC didn’t undergo any significant changes. However, in 2016, the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system was replaced by the more advanced SYNC 3. In 2017, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support were added, and an electric tailgate and automatic brake hold became standard options.
In 2018, the Lincoln MKC started being equipped with the Lincoln Connect 4G Wi-Fi system. The premium models acquired four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat. In 2019, as part of a general brand renewal, the MKC ditched the “winged” grille in favor of the now existing signature rectangular grille without separation with a four-pointed star.
Lincoln Corsair. The first generation
In 2019, the manufacturer introduced the new Lincoln Corsair, a modernized and renamed version of the Lincoln MKC, a comfortable and powerful cruiser. The first generation Corsair comes with three powertrains:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 250 hp;
- 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 295 hp;
- 266 hp hybrid system.
The petrol engines are paired with an 8-speed gearbox. The hybrid system is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
It is believed that the actor’s participation in an advertising campaign caused a kind of “McConaughey effect”, which attracted a more financially reliable audience and served as an additional incentive for the development of the model.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the 2021 Lincoln Corsair a five-star overall safety rating: five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests.
Standard infotainment features of the 2021 Lincoln Corsair include: 8-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot and premium 10-speaker stereo, navigation devices, Revel stereo with 14 speakers, 12.3-inch digital dashboard, wireless charging, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start and more.
The basic Standard trim level contains many options and a full range of safety and comfort features. The Reserve version offers a more powerful engine and better interior materials. The Grand Touring is a hybrid version of the SUV.
