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20 - The Oakville Beaver, W ednesday January 18, 2006 EVERYTHIN G AUTO > Chevy Impala redesigned.......... > New sizes for tire line . New Charger - broad versatility Lincoln hopes to introduce a new generation of consumers to the traditionally 'mature' brand with the Zephyr as the new sedan ups the ante in entry-level luxury segment automobiles. Fly away on my 'Zephyr': New Lincoln sedan raises the bar By Stacey Morrison Metroland-Wheels NEW YORK CITY, New York -- At the very least, the Lincoln Zephyr will make the car shoppingexperience easy for dealers and consumers alike. With only six options, "It's standard" could become the mid-size sedan's new tagline. The very best, of course, would see Lincoln's latest foray into the entry-level luxury segment attract ing younger buyers to the tradi tionally "mature" brand and giving competitors Acura, Cadillac and Lexus a serious run for their money in this growing segment. Based on the Mazda6 platform, which is also shared by the new Ford Fusion, the Zephyr extends the wheelbase by 55 mm (2.2 in.) and the width by 30 mm (1.2 in.), creating more than three feet of rear legroom and a spacious 447 litre trunk. Exterior' styling is clean and Uncluttered, with the Lincoln trademark waterfall grille displayed prominently in the front and stylish, modern LED taillights stretched horizontally across the rear. Dual chrome exhaust pipes and 17-inch wheels add, dare we say, a sporty edge to the overall package. Inside, the Zephyr stretches its luxury legs with real wood trim, leather seats and steering wheel, satin nickel accents and a classy analogue clock. Backlit instru ment gauges are easy to read and steering wheel-mounted controls for stereo, cruise and climate sys tem are right at the driver's finger tips. The cabin is^ spacious, with serene colour schemes and com fortable, heated front seats. The switchgear is shared with other Blue Oval products like the Freestyle and Five Hundred, though it's dressed up in silver for a more upscale look in the Zephyr. The optional 600-watt THX II audio system with 14 speakers is a standout and a segment exclusive. Fits and finishes throughout are of high quality, though the texturized plastic used on the dash doesn't exude luxury. It works well on Ford products, but buyers expect a little" bit more in a Lincoln. My time behind the wheel of the Zephyr coincided with the arrival of the remnants of Hurricane Wilma. It was a rainsoaked, soggy day in the Big Apple as we made our way out of the city on a quick jaunt up the eastern seaboard" to Greenwich, Connecticut. Not prime testing conditions, but the Zephyr did get to show its teeth on wet roads. Perhaps the sedan's best fea tures are the hushed cabin and compliant ride. An independent short- and long-arm front suspension and multi-link setup in the rear keeps travel smooth, without feelmg "floaty." The speed-sensitive steer ing is responsive and nicely weighted for optimum control, while the well-insulated cabin ben efits from extra sound deadening material under the carpet, in the instrum ent panel, trunk and under the hood, allowing passen gers to enjoy the scenery in peace and quiet. Safety features include ABS with electronic brakeforce distri bution, traction control and sidecurtain airbags. Stability control, however, is not available. The $37,000 Zephyr comes standard with dual-zone electronic climate control, 10-way power front seats, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and speed-sensitive wipers. The only available options include chrome 17-inch wheels ($1,100), heated and cooled front seats ($595), navigation system (bundled with THX II sound sys tem for $3,195), high-intensity discharge headlamps ($625), sun roof ($1,595) and the stand-alone upgraded audio system with 6-disc CD/MP3 player ($995).