First Drive: Lincoln Corsair Plug-in Hybrid
When I exited JFK airport into the cool evening air, the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid beckoned curbside. After a long flight with over-tired kids, I opened the door to climb in the cozy driver’s seat. The Corsair felt like a giant exhale.
The Corsair has been updated for the 2023 year. The exterior shape is consistent with the modern day form language of small SUV design, but with angular distinction. On this angular model, nuance is added to the front grille. It competes in a crowded and popular category with the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Porsche Macan.
“No loud abrupt noises, everything is subtle to the sense. ”
But that’s not where the Corsair matters most. Where the Corsair shines is that interior — both understated and inviting, defined by a whisper-quiet cabin. No loud abrupt noises, everything is subtle to the sense. The air is fresh with an air filtration and air monitoring system called Auto Air Refresh. The seats are comfortable, roomy, and lots of rear storage.
In its updated version, Corsair adds a sprawling 13.2 inch screen and SYNC4, the latest version of Ford’s operating system, which builds on the addition of Lincoln Enhance software. Amazon Alexa is included along with a complimentary three year subscription. Driver assist software — once called ActiveGlide — is now called BlueCruise, an advanced driver assistance system for highway driving. BlueCruise engages through either side of the steering wheel. It can conduct lane-changing, in-lane positioning and predictive speed assist that works at speeds up to 80 miles per hour.
Corsair is available as a gas-only model, but also sold as plug-in hybrid, which is available for the current $3,750 tax credit. The plug-in option (PHEV) is intriguing because its among the only options available in this sub-compact small luxury SUV segment, a specific but sweet spot for many of shoppers we meet. It’s a segment for people who want a sense of elevation, but don’t want to give up car like ride and handling. The hybrid makes 266 horsepower and can go about 28 miles before switching to gasoline. In the gasoline-only powered four-cylinder model it makes 250-horsepower.
The handling was astute, the breaking solid and power was there when we wanted it. From the airport I drove the Corsair on bumpy bits of Atlantic Avenue toward home, which can fell a but like a modern day off roading course. Of course in the Lincoln, the commute home was silky smooth, which in the busy hustle bustle of life, was a welcome respite.