Shanghai (ZXZC)- Lincoln has replaced the MKC with a much-improved model for 2020 dubbed the Corsair, which is set to be the first Lincoln-brand model locally-produced in China.

The first TT (tool tryout) model of the Chinese-spec Corsair code-named CX483 has already rolled off the production line with its engine successfully ignited, according to local media outlets.

(Existing Lincoln Corsair, photo source: Lincoln)

Spy shots show that the homegrown version's light cluster at the front face retains the design of the Corsair currently sold outside China. Indicators are located underneath headlights. The redesigned dot-matrix grille places the Lincoln Star logo upon a field of appealing and patterned Lincoln Star logos.

(Existing Lincoln Corsair, photo source: Lincoln)

The Corsair's “floating” roof renders a younger and more fashionable side profile for the new vehicle. At the rear end, the taillight cluster stretching across the entire tailgate is rather trendy for now. On the left side of the rear, there is a lettering of Chinese character “长安林肯” (Changan Lincoln), revealing its manufacture Changan Ford.

The body-in-white is 4,400mm long, 1,850mm wide and has a height of 1,380mm, compared with the 4,587mm*1,936mm*1,625mm overseas Corsair. The wheelbase of the China-made version measures 2,719mm, sitting between that of the Cadillac XT4 and the Volvo XC40, according to a file from local environmental protection agency.

The Chinese-spec Corsair is likely to offer a choice between a  2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a plug-in hybrid system, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.