The latest model to arrive in dealership showrooms is the 2007 Lincoln MKX luxury crossover. The MKX combines elegance with sporty fun and pulls off the neat trick of combining a powerful V6 engine with a remarkable quiet interior. All of this is flanked by some of the newest technology and vehicle advances available from Ford Motor Company. Buyers of a vehicle like this one are looking for refinement, notable fuel economy and the same car-like ride and handling that they'd find on luxury passenger cars like sedans. And the Lincoln MKX delivers, with the road mannerisms of a car and the utility features of an SUV. There aren't many vehicles in the luxury crossover division, though if you do cross-shop, you'll want to check out the Infinti FX-35 or perhaps a couple of new entries from Mercedes and Audi.

Engineering-wise, the MKX shares much of its underpinnings with the Ford Edge. But the exterior styling and interior appointments of the MKX lift it far above the Edge. The upscale material used on the inside showcases the best in leather and metal accents, and the easy-to-use instrument panel is very functional and uncluttered. The interior is surprisingly spacious; luxury seating for five is available, with automatic heating and cooling features. Generous cargo space is available behind the second-row seats. The exterior is very contemporary, regardless of the angle from which you view the MKX. A panoramic vista roof is available with one-touch operation, providing a more "open" feeling for all occupants. A premium sound system is available, with fourteen speakers plus factory-installed DVD components and MP3 audio input jacks. The tech-tastic MKX also features an optional advanced automatic, sweeping motor-driven headlight system that operates in concert with the position of the steering wheel (this helps in illuminating tight corners during night driving). The 3.5-liter state-of-the-art smooth-operating engine is rated at 265 horsepower. It's designed to function best with a six-speed, surprisingly smooth automatic transmission that achieves a seven-percent better fuel economy than a four speed. All versions of the MKX are available with a finely tuned,

all-wheel-drive suspension. This classy 2007 vehicle carries a base price of $34,795 (including shipping).

More details available at:

www.seattleweekly.com

David Finkelstein, RFT

automotive advertising writer