Lincoln freshens Corsair with hands-free driver-assist, larger screen

DETROIT – Lincoln Motor Co. is updating its Corsair compact crossover with new technology, a larger touch screen and exterior design tweaks in a bid to continue drawing new buyers to the brand.

The 2023 Corsair, scheduled to hit showrooms early next year, will come available with Lincoln's ActiveGlide hands-free driver-assist technology. While the feature debuted this year on the freshened Navigator large SUV, the Corsair will be the first vehicle to come with an updated version that includes lane-change assist and other capabilities.

The small crossover will also be upgraded with the Navigator's 13.2-inch center touch screen as well as a 12.3-inch LCD cluster. Outside, it will be the first nameplate to wear the latest iteration of the brand's mesh grille.

U.S. sales of the Corsair totaled 18,139 through August — making it the brand's bestseller so far this year — with Lincoln saying more than half of those deliveries came from conquests.

"Corsair plays an important role in our portfolio – artistically crafted and expertly designed to attract younger Lincoln clients and give them the luxury experience they desire," Michael Sprague, Lincoln's North America director, said in a statement. "We want the drive experience to be even more effortless and personal and the new Corsair will deliver that with advanced technology and new features."

Lincoln revealed the freshened model Monday ahead of the North American International Detroit Auto Show.

In addition to the interior screen upgrades, Lincoln will offer an available back-lit applique on some trims that shines light through a perforated star pattern on the dashboard. It's the latest example of the brand experimenting with ambient lighting, which it highlighted on some recent concept vehicles.

It's also adding two new interior color themes: Smoked Truffle and Eternal Red.

"Color plays a major role in complementing Corsair's beautiful design," Liam Butler, a color and materials designer at Lincoln, said in a statement. "Refreshing colors and themes create an ambiance that shift the mood of the interior, creating a warm environment and a luxurious experience that is uniquely Lincoln."

The Corsair is keeping its current engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's expected to get 250 hp as well as a 2.5-liter hybrid engine on the Corsair Grand Touring plug-in variant that's expected to get 266 hp.

Lincoln said order banks for the vehicle are open now.