Lincoln debuts the refreshed 2017 MKZ

What better place to debut your automotive facelift than the plastic surgery capital of the world? We're not sure if that's why Lincoln chose the Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil its heavily refreshed 2017 MKZ. But regardless of the reason, we are glad it did. It is a huge upgrade.

While it has been improved over the years, critics never really warmed to the current Lincoln 'split wing' grill. Designed as a homage to some of the great Lincoln cars of the past like the 1940 Zephyr, the reference was lost on most buyers and thus never became the signature link to the brand's heritage.

But the new 2017 MKZ has a more harmonious look, feeling less forced and artificial than the previous design. It feels more serious and purposeful, projecting a quiet confidence that fits well with the Lincoln brand. Inside, the MKZ has been upgraded as well. Lincoln has replaced its hard-to-use sliders with good old fashioned switches and dials for the HVAC and audio systems. All the controls have been thoughtfully placed, so the functions you use most are easiest to access, and they've even made the USB ports more accessible.

Power has also been improved in MKZ with the availability of an all-new 3.0-litre GTDI V6 that's exclusive to Lincoln. When paired with all wheel-drive , the twin-turbocharged engine produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque for what Lincoln claims is effortless performance and refinement.

Another first for MKZ is an available Driver's Package which includes 19-inch wheels, ebony-painted calipers, light magnetic-painted grille, Ebony interior with carbon fibre appliqués, customisable multi-contour seats and aluminium pedal covers.

Lincoln is also raising the bar on driver assist technologies making it compet itive with comparable cars from Lexus and Cadillac. The MKZ will offer adaptive cruise control with stopand-go functionality that can automatically slow the car to a complete stop if necessary, resuming higher speeds when traf fic clears. An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal — making stop-and-go driving or waiting at a light more relaxing.

While not a complete redo, the 2017 refresh for MKZ which will be available in mid 2016, is a significant improvement over the current model in technology, style and performance. And, along with the MKX and MKC crossovers, the 2017 MKZ gives Lincoln three modern, competitive cars in the biggest segments of the luxury market.