Arabian Motors Group, the Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer in Kuwait today launched the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC, the first ever introduction from the luxury brand in the small premium utility. The 2015 MKC is the second all-new product from Lincoln following last year’s introduction of the all-new MKZ sedan, marking a new chapter in Lincoln luxury.

The Lincoln MKC is a unique creation from the ground up with an assortment of first-in-class features and technologies, a sleek and futuristic premium design and refined touches of luxury. Its all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine offers excellent performance while its ingeniously implemented wraparound liftgate is an example of masterful customer convenience.

The luxurious interior embraces driver and passengers alike, and its new and innovative technology personalizes the MKC ownership experience. Lincoln MKC follows the MKZ sedan to become the second all-new Lincoln in as many years as the brand continues its reinvention.

“The all new Lincoln MKC is a perfect blend of inspired automotive design and dynamic driving performance in a segment that has grown in popularity in recent years,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “As a challenger luxury brand, entering this segment is a natural next step for us. MKC will do more than just compete – it will change the way people think about Lincoln.”

“We are excited to offer the first-ever Lincoln MKC to our customers here in Kuwait, and we are confident that the all-new model will comspete strongly in the premium SUV segment thanks to its truly unique features and technologies that promise to deliver an outstanding performance and a personalized experience to the luxury customer,” said Mr. Ian Partridge, Group Sales Operations Manager at Arabian Motors Group, Hamad M. AlWazzan and Partners

Paul Anderson, Marketing director for Ford and Lincoln in the Middle East, said: “The all-new MKC gives the Lincoln brand’s reinvention a strong boost and is yet another important proof point in the brand’s promise of delivering four products in four years.. We kicked off this direction last year with the all-new Lincoln MKZ, and we are confident that the all-new MKC will delight customers with its inspired automotive design and class exclusive technologies.”

Building the right vehicle at the right time

Lincoln MKC – first introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2013 Dubai International Motorshow – represents a critical milestone in Lincoln’s plan to expand its lineup.

MKC gives Lincoln a compelling offering in the small premium utility vehicle segment, the fastest-growing part of the luxury market. The segment has grown by 25 percent since 2012 and by more than 200 percent since 2009. The segment growth is being driven by new luxury buyers who are coming into affluence, as well as by current luxury owners who are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones as their life desires change.

Designed to inspire inside and out

The Lincoln design team faced the dual challenge of creating a standout vehicle in a competitive field, while further refining the Lincoln design DNA that started with the 2013 MKZ. From its signature split-wing grille to its uniquely crafted, hands-free wraparound liftgate, the Lincoln DNA is evident.

“Our design team worked tirelessly to create a vehicle that attracts new customers to the brand while meeting the expectations of longtime Lincoln drivers,” said Max Wolff, director, Lincoln Design. “The execution of the new liftgate is a prime example of how a premium design element can create a better customer experience.”

MKC presents a sleek, sculpted body that helps it stand out among peers. Its high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, while features such as soft exterior lighting, pedestal side-view mirrors and an available panoramic, all-glass Vista Roof® give the vehicle a luxurious, sophisticated personality.

The unique design also carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship and high-tech combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. An architecturally unique instrument panel showcases Lincoln’s signature push-button gear shifter, which provides an open, inviting interior space.

“We gave attention to every detail to convey a stylish, fashion-oriented vehicle,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. “Our use of colors, materials, stitching – every detail was considered to create an overall luxurious experience.”

The enhanced THX® II Certified Audio System, an industry-first featuring THX-distributed bass technology and 14 right-, center- and left-slot speaker assemblies, is available. The state-of-the-art audio system delivers a rich, immersive surround sound experience that reproduces music as it was mixed in the studio.SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch™ enables drivers to personalize MKC by using voice-activated commands or simple touch controls on the class-exclusive 8-inch touch screen. Knobs and buttons on the center console provide additional and easy access to control the air conditioning and sound system.

Lincoln luxury meets dynamic performance

When equipped with the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, MKC offers 285 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters are designed to help improve MKC fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

MKC comes standard with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, projected to produce 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data. This makes Lincoln MKC an all-EcoBoost vehicle.

MKC comes standard with front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels. Drivers can upgrade to Lincoln’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and 19-inch wheels for enhanced cornering and handling and an even sportier look.

The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system also includes Continuously Controlled Damping. Drivers can use Lincoln Drive Control to select from sport, comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood. CCD constantly monitors the road; the suspension reacts on average within 20 milliseconds, providing a smooth ride with enhanced handling.

CCD also is available in the standard front-wheel drive configuration of MKC.

“The width of MKC’s track has been set to allow the designers the freedom to create a planted stance for the vehicle, and it provided engineers the opportunity to minimize body roll and give the vehicle a more sporty feel,” said Lisa Drake, MKC chief engineer.

Technology provides protection, confidence

MKC offers advanced technology such as collision warning with brake support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help drivers avoid common accidents. The collision warning system is designed to alert the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity.

MKC introduces available park-out assist technology, a class-exclusive feature that enhances the vehicle’s active park assist capabilities. Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight parking spots.

The vehicle’s Lane-Keeping System uses rearview mirror-mounted cameras to identify lane