2015 Lincoln MKC: Hail Mary Compact Crossover Scores Big

The 2015 Lincoln MKC is the first of its breed for the premium nameplate.

From a distance, in silhouette, there's a hint of the Escape's profile.

Throw in the Lincoln's standard all-wheel drive with either engine and you've got an appealing package that will see you through all four seasons.

The MyLincoln Touch entertainment and communications interface will frustrate some.

The MKC demonstrates that the brand that pretty much everyone in the market for a luxury vehicle has forgotten about can still produce a memorable model.

Actual buttons buttress the MyLincoln Touch system's most important controls.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC shows that the automaker is back on track when it comes to producing models that people will actually be willing to pay full MSRP for.

The biggest challenge facing the MKC? Convincing people to give this small people mover a chance to prove itself.

The Lincoln MKC is based on the Ford Escape, a popular compact crossover in its own right.

I can only hope that enough crossover shoppers notice the MKC in time to keep the lights on at Lincoln.

The MKC's centre stack 'floats' above the console.

The MKC goes to great lengths to distance itself from everything Escape.

A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the MKC.

There's roughly 30 percent less storage space behind the rear row in the Lincoln as compared to the Escape.

Thinly-disguised Blue Oval clones and a lack of a coherent brand identity have dogged Lincoln since at least the 90s.

The entire dashboard and control set look and feel as though they belong in a luxury vehicle, especially the deftly-curved centre stack.

If you're going to successfully charge a premium for a vehicle it has to offer something you can't get from a more affordable option.

I think I speak for the majority of premium crossover shoppers when I say I've got no need for this type of family hauler to boast any type of track day credibility.

The MKC goes to great lengths to distance itself from everything Escape so as to develop its own distinct character.