The first time you see the new Aviator, you can’t help but wonder if something this small can be a Lincoln.
Then you realize that it’s only small when measured against the super-sized Navigator. In fact, the Aviator is a regular mid-sized SUV that can seat up to seven.
This may be the first time Lincoln has built a smaller vehicle, but in luxury SUVs it isn’t the size that counts. Rather, it’s what you do with the entire package and nobody can deny that Lincoln knows how to build luxury.
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This is a vehicle that people will want to be seen in. From the front grille, down along the sides with body coloured side cladding and running boards, to the distinctive tail lights and rear facia treatments, this is distinctly a Lincoln.
The company has also designed an interior that people want to be in. Leather-covered front bucket seats with seat heaters take the chill off those cool mornings.
Instrumentation is clear and well lit without glare, thanks to light emitting diodes. All the climate and stereo controls fall readily to hand for driver and passenger.
Lincoln has made an already good sound system a bit easier to use by making an in-dash, six disc CD stacker standard. On the option side is a DVD-based navigation system that uses a touch screen to lead you through the choices of figuring out how to get where you want to go. Each year the system is getting better and eventually all cities and towns will be on the map.
The rear seat may not provide Town Car-sized amounts of leg room, but nearly every adult will be able to get in and sit comfortably. The 40-20-40 split rear seat is comfortable and I could go for an extended drive in the back.
In the third row seat, Lincoln uses an ingenious way of moving the second row seat about to make getting in and out easy. Once in place, it is pretty comfortable for a third row seat. I wouldn’t want to spend too many hours back there, but it is a big improvement over some competitors, where I couldn’t physically get into the third row. Kids will find it a great place. When not needed, the seat folds flat for added cargo space.
Lincoln has certain ride quality standards to meet, even as a SUV. Lincoln engineers have used a four-wheel, fully independent suspension that makes use of coil springs, monotube shocks and 17-inch wheels. Comfort on and off road is good and up to Lincoln standards.
Performance is another important priority for Lincoln.
To this end, the engine of choice is the 4.6 litre V-8 pumped up to 302 horsepower, which gets power to all four wheels via a five-speed automatic. To get a jump on the competition, Lincoln uses a high stall speed torque converter and a final drive ratio of 3.71.
If you want your Aviator to do more than look good at the symphony, that isn’t a problem. The same parts that give the Aviator plenty of jump off the start also give it a maximum towing capacity of 3,311 kilograms, which is better than most other full-sized SUVs.
Safety is a big issue with Lincoln, which means four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. In Canada, the Safety Canopy system of side curtain air bags is standard. The idea behind this system is to protect first and second row occupants during a side or rollover impact.
For those who don’t own a tire pressure gauge or are too lazy to use one, a tire pressure monitoring system with a low pressure warning is available.
With everything else up to standard, Lincoln took a look at warranties. Every company including Lincoln, has four year/80,000 kilometre power train warranties, corrosion warranties and roadside assistance programs.
Lincolns also come with emergency travel assistance, which with some conditions means that if your new Aviator leaves you stranded, Lincoln will come and get you and the vehicle, fix it and pay for your extra costs while the vehicle is being repaired.
Charles Renny is a freelance automotive columnist and a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. The opinions expressed in this column are the personal views of the writer.
