Lynk & Co 05: Does it drive up to a 05-star review?

What’s it like to get behind the wheel of the Lynk & Co 05? At its grand debut in Manila, the Lynk & Co 05 immediately grabbed attention with its bold take on luxury and performance while having an approachable price. Developed in Sweden and produced in China, the Lynk & Co 05 strives to offer an experience that matches or even surpasses its competition. 

Crossovers are everywhere these days, but with the Lynk & Co 05, you might just find the link you’ve been missing in your automotive life. So, is it worth parking in your garage? Does it drive up to a 05-star standard? Let's find out. 

On the outside, the Lynk & Co 05 features an exterior that somehow shows both European and Chinese influences. It has a neat and modern vibe with a slim grille and a sharp front end. The split-headlight design follows a current trend, with the DRLs sitting above and the main headlamps positioned lower on the front bumper.

The car is also developed to manage different types of roads, sitting as high off the ground as some of the well-known SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, at 213 mm. Plus, it rides on big 20-inch wheels covered in Goodyear F1 tires that help keep it steady and responsive. 

Inside the Lynk & Co 05, you'll find seats that are comfy and supportive, covered in soft material that makes long drives a pleasure. Despite the sloping roofline, there is still plenty of headroom for most passengers, and the legroom is roomy enough to stretch out, even in the back. The rear seat fits two comfortably but might get a bit tight with three adults.

The trunk space is a bit on the smaller side at 336 liters due to that sleek roofline, which is less than some rivals like the Mazda CX-5. However, fold down the back seats, and you've got more space to play with for hauling bigger stuff. 

When you get behind the wheel of the Lynk & Co 05, the driving experience is smooth and quiet. Despite riding on 20-inch wheels with 45-series tires, the suspension and cabin noise reduction keep the ride quiet and comfortable. The all-wheel-drive system also gives the car solid traction. The SUV drives nicely everywhere, with plenty of power for passing easily on the highway. However, the transmission takes an extra step when switching between park, drive, and reverse, which might require some getting used to.

The Lynk & Co 05 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 251 hp and 350 Nm of torque. With an 8-speed automatic transmission, the car lets you have quick acceleration and smooth driving, while the powertrain provides a responsive sense. For those concerned about shifting, the 05 uses an automatic transmission by Aisin rather than a DCT, which avoids some of the common issues seen with dual-clutch transmissions, offering a better drive.

When it comes to gas mileage, the 05 does pretty well, and if you’re looking for fuel efficiency, the car offers decent numbers. You'll get about 8 km per liter driving around town and up to 17.2 km per liter when you're driving on the highway. These figures hold their own against other cars in this category. 

The Lynk & Co 05 doesn’t cut back on tech features, providing a dual-screen setup that uses a 12.3-inch instrument set and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported wirelessly, so you can definitely connect your smartphone and use its features, music, and other apps without bother. With wireless charging and a well-placed center console, tech convenience is integrated smoothly.

It also has actual knobs and buttons for the air conditioning and audio, which might seem simple but are super handy when you're driving and don't want to fiddle with touchscreens.

The Lynk & Co 05 comes with a price tag of PHP 2,748,000. That might sound like a lot, but when you stack it up against similar models, it’s actually a pretty good deal, especially since it’s about a million pesos cheaper than its cousin, the Volvo XC40. Given its lower price compared to similar models from more established luxury brands, the Lynk & Co 05 offers good value, especially if you appreciate a vehicle equipped with modern technology and a strong engine. 

So, is your garage missing that five-star touch? The Lynk & Co 05 might just fill that gap. Find it on AutoDeal.com.ph, where scoring a sweet deal and connecting with a dealer is hassle-free. While you're at it, browse through the full Lynk & Co lineup to see what else catches your eye.