DriveTech

A 2006 Lincoln Zephyr may be in your future

Didn't think a Lincoln could be in your future? You might want to take a test drive in the all-new Lincoln Zephyr.

The old Zephyr name is back but in an all-new Lincoln. It handles up to five full sized passengers without cramping anyone's feet in the backseat. The Zephyr is the upscale sibling of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, but you
definitely get Lincoln luxury with either the beautiful wood or aluminum interior treatments (your choice). My test Zephyr came from Witt Lincoln Mercury, which has two locations at 588 Camino Del Rio North in Mission Valley and in Escondido at 728 North Escondido Blvd.

I had a chance to drive the Zephyr last year, but for only a very short time. So I was anxious to get behind the wheel and run the wheels off it. I found the Zephyr not only very comfortable, but it handles the roads like a European sedan.

It is powered by a very impressive 3.0-liter V6 and backed by a butter smooth six-speed automatic transmission. This combination gets an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the freeway. Getting on the freeway from Mission Valley and heading up I-163, this Zephyr took on the challenge like a V8. Very impressive. Plus, the Zephyr has four-wheel disc brakes that are perfect.

The interior is very well appointed with leather and wood. All the controls are easy to reach and operate. The clock mounted in the center of the dash that says "Lincoln" is also easy to operate and this model came with the optional CD-based navigation system.

I love a good sound system and the Zephyr didn't fail me. It has an AM/FM/in-dash six-CD changer with MP3 capabilities and six well-placed speakers that truly provide concert sound. There are controls in the steering wheel that operate the sound system and cruise control, which is
very safety conscious.

Seating is very comfortable. Folks in the backseat get leather comfort and a center armrest, plus the seat splits and folds 60/40. The driver gets 10 adjustments and so does the passenger, which is unheard of. I tried the
heated front seats and found them to be very comfortable. I've tested heated seats in other vehicles that literally bake your buns! These seats are also perforated so you won't be uncomfortable on long trips.

My tester had a beautiful paint job with a color called "Tungsten Grey," which had an orchid hue to it at night, and the seats were "Light Stone" colored. The smooth lines of the exterior are offset by P225/50VR-All Season tires mounted on eight-spoke alloy wheels. The new trend is minimal chrome and that's what it has, except for the waterfall grill and the brushed aluminum Zephyr nameplate on both front doors and the trunk lid. It's stunning to look at. Lincoln adds chrome to the outside mirrors and splashes
a little chrome around the windows to give it a touch of class. It also chromed the twin exhaust tips.

A few other things worth mentioning are the keyless entry and the outside door-mounted keypad, a long-time Lincoln standard item. I've never owned a car with this feature but when I've locked myself out, I've wished I had it.
The Zephyr also comes with speed sensitive wipers that I didn't get to try out. If you're a golfer, there's plenty of room for your clubs in the good-sized trunk.

Lincoln makes safety a priority when building its cars and the Zephyr is no exception. Check with your salesperson for more information.

I didn't find anything I didn't like about the Zephyr. It fit me perfectly and I would love to take it on a long trip. Do I think it needs a V8? Not really, because how fast do you need to get to 70 miles per hour? Plus, I like the fuel mileage and for a base price of under $29,000, I would truly put this on my list if I were looking for a mid-size luxury car. So head on
down to your nearest Lincoln Mercury dealer and try one on for size!

Next week I will bring you a vehicle from Jimmy Johnson Chevrolet. Go NASCAR!

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