2020 Corsair will be first Lincoln with output in China

Lincoln aiming to build on the momentum from a revamp to the larger end of its utility-vehicle lineup, is now making a big bet on its smallest crossover - particularly in a key market, China.

The 2020 Corsair, which replaces the MKC, rides on a new Ford front-wheel-drive platform to better compete in one of the industry's compact luxury crossover, a fastest-growing segments.

The new Corsair features a new suspension, loads of driver-assist features and a plug-in hybrid variant, which will be introduced later.

The MKC has been the brand's second-best seller in the U.S., where it also draws the most customers from rival brands compared with any other Lincoln vehicle. But the compact crossover is even more vital in China, where it's Lincoln's top seller. That's why the Corsair will be the first Lincoln built in China for that market, beginning late this year.

Lincoln will be localize Chinese production, as well as continuing to build the U.S. version in Louisville, Kentucky.