2015 Lincoln MKC fuel economy figures released

All-wheel-drive range-topper delivers 21 mpg combined

Some of the exterior features on the 2015 MKC include a large tailgate made from a single piece of hydroformed steel and LED daytime running lights. Photo by Lincoln.

Fuel economy figures for the upcoming 2015 Lincoln MKC crossover have been released. ”So what?” you ask.

Well, the MKC is a big deal for the luxury automaker, which is still struggling to reinvent itself. It appears to be a neatly trimmed offering into a very hot -- and highly competitive -- segment. It could help make Lincoln a commodity in the sales bonanza that is China when it goes on sale there later this year, to say nothing of the impact it could have on the U.S. consumer's perception of the brand.

Fortunately for Lincoln, this latest info suggests that the MKC can hang with the foreign competition from both efficiency and performance perspectives, at least on paper.

Recall that the MKC gets two turbocharged EcoBoost engine options. The uplevel motor is a 2.3-liter inline-four; using 93-octane fuel, Lincoln reports 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Available with all-wheel drive only, the 2.3-liter should return 18/26/21 mpg.

The base engine, a 2.0-liter four, delivers 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is 20/29/23 mpg for front-wheel vehicles; add all-wheel drive and those numbers drop to 19/26/22 mpg.

Both motors are mated to a six-speed automatic, which sounds a bit archaic, at least compared to what the competition is offering. Paddle shifters are mounted on the wheel, if that does anything for you.

These fuel economy estimates place the MKC more or less in line with its competitors in terms of efficiency while giving drivers as much or more power to play with. The supercharged 3.0-liter-equipped Audi Q5, for example, achieves 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque while returning 18/26/21 mpg. The 2.0-liter Q5 manages 220 hp and 258 lb-ft but gets a 20/28/23 mpg rating.

It won't be long before we can see how the new crossover stacks up on the road; Lincoln reports that production of the MKC is underway. Expect to see the car on dealer lots soon. Until then, you can configure the MKC of your dreams at Lincoln's website. Prices start at $33,995, and you shouldn't be able to break the $50,000 barrier for a loaded model.