Small-ish, premium, and rather handsome, the 2015 Lincoln MKC aims to push its brand into new areas, and win new customers. Starting at $33,995, including destination fees, the MKC will be Lincoln's least-expensive new vehicle.

That's probably a good thing, as the MKC is intended to turn the heads of younger buyers. Powered by a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine in base from, the MKC comes with standard front wheel drive. A 275-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo is optional on some models at a premium of $1,140. All-wheel drive is available as an option, bringing with it continuously controlled damping (CCD), priced at $2,495.

Standard features included in the $33,995 price of entry bundle together a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, SYNC with MyLincoln Touch on an 8-inch display screen, a 9-speaker premium sound system, remote start, reverse backup sensors and rearview camera, 10-way power-adjust driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, split 60/40 second-row bench seat, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and much more.

Three trim lines are available on the 2015 MKC, including the standard Premiere, the Select ($37,225), and the Reserve ($40,930). The Select adds to the Premiere's feature set with upgraded wheels, a 10-way power passenger seat, ambient lighting, a universal garage door opener, side-mirror turn signals, re-configurable daytime running lamps, power folding mirrors, and Wollsdorf leather on the steering wheel. The Reserve adds to the Select's equipment list with a "Vista Roof" sun roof with power shades, voice-activated navigation, hands-free liftgate, blind-spot detection system, two-tone 18-inch wheels, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cooled front seats, and an embedded modem for on-the-move connectivity.

2015 Lincoln MKC

2015 Lincoln MKC

The Select can be upgraded beyond its base trim with a Select Plus package ($1,100), which bundles the voice-activated navigation system with blind-spot information and cross-traffic alert. The Reserve has an optional Technology package ($2,235) offering adaptive cruise control and collision warning, active park assist, lane-keeping, and a frost sensing system. A Climate package ($580) is available on Select and Reserve models, and adds a heated rear seat, heated steering wheel, automatic high-beam headlmaps, and rain-sensing wipers. Other optional a la carte upgrades include an enhanced THX II audio system ($995), 19-inch painted wheels ($395), 20-inch painted wheels ($995), and the CCD suspension system ($650). The CCD suspension comes standard on all-wheel drive models.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC will go on sale in the summer of 2014.