Lincoln Rolls Out the Carpet for New 2015 MKC SUV at LA Show [w/Video]

The new 2015 Lincoln MKC making its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week could prove to be one of the most important vehicles for Ford’s troubled, near-premium brand, as it competes in a category that continues to grow and hasn’t yet been conquered and saturated by Japanese and European (German) firms.

As Lincoln points out, sales in the compact luxury crossover category have grown by 25 percent since 2012, and by over than 200 percent from 2009.

Lincoln says it developed the MKC mainly with the German competition from Audi (Q5), BMW (X3) and Mercedes-Benz (GLK) in mind.

First introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, we’d say that the production model looks modern all around (with a hint or two of Audi on the profile), sans the front end where the “mustache” grille reminds us of Lincolns inglorious styling past.

You’ll be able to get the MKC with either a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine, projected to produce 240-horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. or Ford’s all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four estimated to deliver 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Notably, the same unit, with a different tuning, will be used on the next Mustang.

As standard, the MKC will come with front-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels, but Lincoln will offer optional all-wheel drive and 19-inch wheels.

North American sales of the car will begin in the second quarter of 2014.

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