Written by Marco Carvajal
The Corsair is Lincoln’s newest 5-passenger two-row, compact luxury crossover.
Lincoln’s new compact SUV has been launched as a replacement for the previous MKC model, but not really a replacement….it is a completely new SUV automobile with a new name Corsair. The MKC was a very nice SUV to drive, but the Corsair feels superior, unique and more luxurious.
The only reason why you can call the Corsair a replacement for the MKC is because the Corsair took the MKC place in the hierarchy of Lincoln’s SUV lineup, but with a completely different look, several new features and options.
The Corsair has its debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, one of the last auto-shows the world could enjoy before the COVID pandemic. It was great timing for Lincoln’s newest compact SUV introduction.
With the new name Corsair versus MKC, it will be easier for Lincoln to penetrate deep in the market of compact SUVs, creating a stronger identity and differentiation from other Lincoln models.
Corsair Created Luxury and Effortless Oriented
Lincoln designed the Corsair with the goal to give luxury-oriented customers technology to make their drive an effortless experience onboard the new Lincoln Corsair. Don’t think about autonomous driving, but more as an SUV that comes with a co-pilot to assist you in every aspect of driving, keeping you alert and allowing you to enjoy the ride as much as possible.
In order to achieve Lincon’s goal to produce effortless driving, advanced technology is present everywhere in the new Corsair, but you must pay for this technology as there are many optional features.
Several advanced features like head-up display, standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360, and the ability to use your phone as a key are some of the examples of the new technology to make you drive the Corsair effortless. But not just effortless, also with luxury style.
New Exterior Design with a Falling Roofline Similar to a Land Rover
The exterior design of the Corsair is different from other Lincoln models, and for many, it could be considered more attractive compared to most other Lincoln’s SUVs, with visually soothing design, great quality materials, and refinement to produce a luxury SUV.
The Corsair has an interesting exterior design with a front fascia and a smoothly falling roofline that produces a unique design inside Lincon’s SUV lineup. The look can be similar to a Land Rover, including luxurious interior details.
Some car experts say that Lincoln just re-packed the Ford’s Escape and sells it at a Land Rover price. However when we go into details the Corsair is very different.
It seems that Lincoln also tried to recreate styling elements from the full-size Navigator in a compact SUV like the Corsair.
The market for compact SUVs keeps growing and becoming more competitive. Lincoln as a premium brand couldn’t just launch an OK looking new SUV, the Corsair must have a killer look and features and for my personal taste the goal was achieved as said by Lincoln’s President Joy Falotico.
“Entering the fastest-growing luxury segment, the all-new Corsair is artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment to detail; it’s unapologetically Lincoln,” says Joy Falotico, president, The Lincoln Motor Company.
Corsair Name Meaning
The Corsair is somehow a replacement for the previous Lincoln SUV MKC but completely redesigned and with a new personality. As a new model, Lincoln had to use a new name for this compact SUV.
Lincoln usually creates its SUV names with aviation and nautical inspiration. The name Corsair was inspired by the Latin word “cursus” meaning journey. Some may think that the name Corsair is based on a type of sailing ship used by pirates during the 18th-century, but it seems that the name is just inspired in the word journey (in Latin) as the meaning of this attractive new model.
I personally love the name Corsair, for some people it sounds like the classic pirate ships, for others it can remind you of verbs like traveling, moving, as the Latin word “cursus”. Whatever it means for you or for Lincoln, the name sounds great and it sounds adventurous, luxurious and stylish.
Lincoln’s new Corsair is believed to have a better marketing effect than the previous MKC, avoiding confusion with names like the MKC or MKZ. Lincoln’s management has decided to move their name strategy from letter names to names like Corsair, Aviator, Navigator that are easily differentiated.
Available Turbocharged Engine 2.3 L 295 Horsepower in the Corsair Reserve Trim
Who doesn’t like car-power? when you buy a new SUV some of the main reasons to go for an SUV versus a regular automobile can be more space and power. With the new Lincoln Corsair, you get good space inside and good power, it comes standard with a 2.0 L I-4 engine, and if you buy the trim model Corsair Reserve, it gives you the option to upgrade to an available, powerful 2.3 L engine producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
The base 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine produces 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both trims Corsair Models are FWD standard and All-wheel drive is available for an extra charge.
The powerful engine of the Corsair combined with a new 8-speed transmission and 4-wheel independent suspension produces good performance and energetic driving experience to enjoy luxury and power on the road.
Extremely Safe Corsair Available with Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 Driver-Assist Technology.
Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus helps you command your Corsair with enhanced vision and precision. Available Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 Plus provides additional and enhanced technologies that will act as your co-pilot on the road, including a 360-Degree Camera, Active Park Assist Plus, Evasive Steering Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist which includes Stop-and-Go features and also Lane Centering. Speed Sign Recognition is also part of this package. This advanced upgrade from the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 helps keep your journey safe, seamless, and more enjoyable.
Corsair Models and Pricing
- Corsair Standard
Starting MSRP $35,945
MPG 22 City /29 Hwy
The Corsair Standard is the base model and it includes a standard turbocharged 2.0 L I-4 engine, spacious cabin, and Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 driver-assist technology. The exterior look includes 18″ Warm Painted Alloy Wheels, Power Liftgate, and Lincoln Premium Audio System with Ten-Speakers for great sound quality. The Corsair Standard includes FWD and is available as an intelligent all-wheel-drive for an additional charge.
- Corsair Reserve
Starting MSRP $42,630
MPG 22 City/ 29 Hwy
The Corsair Reserve model is the premium version of the Corsair with a price increase near 7K.
The Corsair Reserve includes premium ambient lighting and a 14-speaker Revel Audio System. More luxury features like 19″ Ultra Bright Machined Aluminum Wheel with Magnetic Paint, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System, and Premium Leather-trimmed 10-way comfort Seats.
The Corsair reserve, just like the base model Corsair Standards, comes with standard FWD and available as intelligent all-wheel-drive.
In terms of engine, the Corsair Reserve is available with a more powerful 2.3L Turbocharged I-4 Engine or you can have it with the standard turbocharged 2.0 L I-4 engine.
Corsair Similar to the Ford Escape and Lincoln’s Aviator but with a new look
The Corsair is similar to its cousin the Ford Escape crossover and to its brother the Lincoln’s Aviator. This new compact SUV is built on the Escape’s front-wheel-drive platform. However, it doesn’t look that similar to the Ford Escape or Aviator on the exterior.
Even if the Corsair is mounted on the same new front-wheel-drive architecture as the new Ford Escape, when we talk about luxury details it goes higher than the Escape.
The key fob is this small but too roomy for its size. The floating center console houses ergonomically tilted buttons what is a nice feature for those who like manual controls, while some controls are on the steering wheel.
The Corsair could appeal to young professionals who want good look, utility, efficiency, capacity, good audio system, high ride height, and comfortable driving experience, however, the brand is recognized as having a larger percentage of older buyers, therefore, attracting young buyers can be a challenge.
The base price of the Corsair 2.0 T AWD starts at $39K, but with additional packages and options, it would go for around $66K. The base model costs less than the Range Rover Evoque. The main competitors for the Corsair can be Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Volvo, and Land Rover.
Conclusion
The new 2020 Lincoln Corsair is a brand new compact luxury SUV in Lincoln’s line up. It seems that the Corsair is the replacement and new-generation for the previous Lincoln MKC, but is not really a replacement as it looks and drives completely different. Perhaps any similarities are due to the fact that the discontinued MKC and the all-new Corsair both are in the same segment of compact luxury SUVs and both cars are built by Lincoln.
This new vehicle is designed to provide agility and easy handling in both models Corsair Standard and Corsair Reserve. The good performance of the Corsair delivers an energetic and smooth effortless driving experience.
With a starting price of around $36K, the base standard model Corsair Standard offers great value for the money, but as we go into the premium trim Corsair Reserve the price can be much higher as options are added.
