Lincoln is on a bit of a roll with phasing out alphanumerics. First we got the reborn Continental, then the new Navigator, then the Nautilus that replaced the MKX and the new Aviator. Continuing this trend, the new Corsair replaces the MKC and competes in a key market for Lincoln, the compact luxury crossover market.
Outside, the new Corsair takes Navigator styling elements and scales them down to Range Rover Evoque proportions. The floating roof, chiseled character lines and slim, full-width taillights look very classy, as do the Navigator-inspired standard LED headlights and the chrome Lincoln signature grille. As with any new Lincoln, decorative flourishes abound, most notably the side accents featuring the Corsair nameplate. A big panoramic moonroof is available, as is a hands-free liftgate.
Inside is where the Corsair appears truly special. Lincoln’s piano key shifter is present here, are is an eight-inch Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system with plenty of well-finished redundant hard buttons. Stitched materials, chrome and unique colour palettes abound, the Corsair’s interior truly is an example of American luxury, right down to the symphonic warning chimes performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In-car Wi-Fi is standard, as are a power liftgate and Lincoln’s CoPilot 360 active safety technology suite. Speaking of technology, Lincoln is proud to offer their Phone As A Key technology on the Corsair. Owners can pair their Corsair to a secure phone app that allows them to unlock and start their car without needing a key on them. Other neat bits of optional tech include an available 14-speaker Revel audio system, available wireless phone charging, an available heads-up display, an available 12.3-inch full-colour digital gauge cluster and rain-sensing wipers. Front-row passengers have the option of available 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage function, while the second-row seats can be optioned to both fold electronically and slide, upping the functionality for cargo and passengers alike.
The standard engine on the Corsair is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Optional is a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is available, as is adaptive suspension. Speaking of suspension, the Corsair is Lincoln’s first-ever implementation of rear integral bush suspension for a quieter, more refined ride. In keeping with that theme, Lincoln has fitted the Corsair with a dual-wall firewall to keep powertrain noise and vibration out of the Corsair, and augments that quietness with standard active noise cancellation.
With a dedicated focus on luxury, the 2020 Lincoln Corsair brings something unique to the compact luxury crossover market. Pricing has not been announced yet, but expect more detailed information and pricing to be available closer to fall, when the Corsair will be rolling into showrooms.
