Zephyr raises eyebrows

This week we test-drive the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, one of the most striking new vehicles we’ve driven this year.

You may be questioning as we did: Isn’t that a Mercury Zephyr? Well, not anymore. That taxonomy appeared on the ill-fated Mercury compact from 1978 to 1983 that shared assembly time with Ford Fairmont.

The Zephyr designation was also used in the late 1930s for a smaller, less expensive Lincoln, which provided the outline for the first Continental.

Today, Zephyr is back as part of the upper class Lincoln lineup, yet remains in a similar “middle position”: better than the average Mercury sedan, yet not a full-size Lincoln in style or price. Zephyr is an upscale sibling of Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. All three family members share platform “input” with the respected and popular Mazda6 line (yes, Ford owns Mazda).

Lincoln may be correct in its assumption that Zephyr will introduce “a new generation of consumers to the luxury of Lincoln.” We agree, especially when re-checking the price sticker. Specifically, it isn’t difficult these days to arrive at $28,995 for a nice car, and Lincoln seems to be playing the same odds it did in the 1930s.

Repeatable is Zephyr’s outstanding first impression. From its waterfall slotted chrome front grille to beautiful, leather-trimmed interior, Zephyr is sure to be a force in the entry-level luxury market. Zephyr’s exterior centers on overall sleekness and skillful utilization of chrome, with stunning 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, Quad Halogen headlamps, and “blue hue” security approach lamps all blending nicely with the car’s final “going away” statement, namely twin chromed-tipped exhaust.

Zephyr’s cabin is likewise beautiful, perhaps even more. Consumers may have trouble believing, sight-unseen, that a lighter-than-pine wood trim called “figured maple,” would be more attractive in the interior of a luxury car versus, say, burled walnut. Yet, it is. The combination of this soft look with satin-nickel and chrome finishes on all buttons, knobs and controls, and a mix of beige, gray and white trim, is genuinely pleasing. It’s more like being in a perfectly decorated living room than the interior of a car. (On the wood, you can go the other direction with a choice of ebony trim.) Lincoln also utilizes its classic analog clock in dash center, adding the Lincoln sophistication touch.

Enhancing the comfort and beauty of the interior is Zephyr’s smooth yet firm ride. In addition to four-wheel independent suspension, which allows each wheel to react independently to road bumps, front and rear anti-sway bars help reduce body roll. Lincoln also gives credit to the vibration and harshness reduction features including thick front-door glass, aerodynamic side-view mirrors, special performance tires and an underbody shield in keeping everything quiet inside.

The front-drive Zephyr’s power comes via a 3.0-liter, 24-valve Duratec V-6 engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The six speeds allow Zephyr to generate a solid 20-city and 28-highway fuel-mileage rating. The 3.0 V-6 is pretty much the same engine that powers many Ford products, and perhaps down the road, Lincoln will upgrade to a more powerful yet still EPA efficient engine.

In addition to many standard features, including ABS, message center, great CD stereo and additional side-curtain airbags, our tester came with heated and cooled front seats ($495), HID headlamps ($495) and an advanced Lincoln Navigation System, ($2,495). The system combines DVD mapping with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for turn-by-turn voice guidance.

Of note for the reborn Zephyr are several distinctions: roomiest interior in class; and first in class to offer standard heated and available cooled front seats, standard six-speed transmission, and largest trunk capacity. That’s all great, but where’s the now common “stability control” that usually complements the standard traction control and four wheel discs in this class? It’s not available!

Other important numbers include a 3,438-pound curb weight, 17.5-gallon fuel capacity and 107.4-inch wheelbase.

Obviously the competition is tough in this category, with Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti and Lexus among the players. Still, we can’t say strongly enough how much this car raised our eyebrows. From looks to its great ride, we give it a solid 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Awesome appearance inside and out; exceptional ride.

Dislikes: No stability control; needs more high-tech horsepower.