INTERIOR

INTERIOR  - 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Review - Reviews - Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The MKZ Hybrid's interior is where it really shines. Not literally; it literally shines on the outside with all that chrome. On the inside there's a little shine but mostly some luxury-type touches. Like heated and cooled Bridge of Weir leather seats and the wood trim and chrome details I mentioned earlier. With ambient lighting to help set the mood, any journey will be blissful in this hybrid sedan.

What I had fun with in the MKZ Hybrid was the instrument cluster, which Lincoln calls the Smart Gauge with EcoGuide technology. This futuristic display with its "Star Trek" readout will dazzle even the most jaded car nuts. Heck, I'm used to futuristic stuff in cars and I'm dazzled. The readout can be set to display a variety of information, including power, fuel efficiency or whatever. You can set the readout how you like, with the emphasis on power, fuel efficiency or whatever. When you're driving efficiently, white flowers on the display add petals and leaves to indicate how you're doing.

The MKZ Hybrid has a bad case of button madness. This is not a trait limited to Lincolns in general or the MKZ Hybrid in particular. From the driver's seat, there aren't many areas that aren't begging for your attention. I happen to want to give my attention to the road.

The MKZ Hybrid may have a little more razzle-dazzle than your average hybrid, but it doesn't overdo it in the features department. In the backseat, there are three seating positions and a fold-down armrest with a couple cupholders. That's about it. There's good legroom in the second row, and unlike many modern sedans that are going for the coupe look at the loss of some backseat headroom, no such issue exists in the MKZ Hybrid.

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