Forget about the heavy-bodied sedans or extremely casual flank of sport utility vehicles: Finding the perfect medium between them was the idea that Lincoln designers had from the beginning when making their first-ever premium compact SUV, the MKC.

And the U.S.-based premium carmaker has pulled off a balance between the class and dynamics for the new car.

“The all-new MKC is the second car among four innovative models Lincoln aims to launch by 2016. The first of its kind, the MKZ was such a success that we expect to sell 1,500 units this year. I am sure the MKC can satisfy even the finickiest customers in Korea, and bring us even bigger success,” said Jung Jae-hee, head of Ford Korea, at the presentation Thursday. 

The exterior of MKC inherited classic, luxurious and sophisticated DNA from Lincoln. The high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy presence, which leads to responsive handing and cornering stability. The pedestal side-view mirrors improve visibility while longer-lasting, energy-efficient, high-intensity discharge headlamps are integrated within the signature split-wing grille to give the front end a unique feature.

The inside, its design led by Soo Kang, chief interior designer of Lincoln headquarters, is more youthful and fashionable.

The full-wide instrumental panel, complete with push-gear shift, is smaller than the conventional console box situated between the drivers’ seat and passenger seat.

The all-new Lincoln steering wheel is wrapped in Wollsdorf leather. The cabin and open-pore trim are available in the Sonata Spin applique, as well as zebrano and Santos rosewood finishes, made with responsibly harvested trees.

“I have worked with Lincoln for more than 20 years and the more I get to know it, the more I get to understand that its cars shine like the users, and connect with their emotions on a deep level,” Kang told reporters.

For users’ comfort, the MKC adopted Approach Detection, which senses the vehicle approaching within 2.4 meters of an object and then responds by illuminating the mats at both front seats as well as the headlamps, tail lamps and door handles.

The signature Hands-Free Liftgate system combines sensors and simply kicking one’s foot under the rear bumper without lifting a finger to open the rear cargo area. The Lincoln Drive Control manages damping, electric power-assisted steering and active noise control.

The Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System and MyLincoln Touch entertainment system are also special features to the MKC.

“Most of all, the 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, is the pride of what Lincoln has acquired through nearly 100 years of history,” said Noh Sun-hee, Ford Korea spokeswoman.

The All-New Lincoln MKC is priced at 49 million won ($47,000), inclusive of value-added tax.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)