Driving the Ford Lynx Ghia A/T is like driving an appliance-a well-oiled one.  It's easily forgotten, but quite easy to modulate and drive around.  Unlike other automatic transmission models we have tested so far (remember the awful Vectra?) the Lynx's automatic is decisive on the downshift and makes better use of the engine's torque and power band.  In short, the Ford Lynx, though it's a 1.6 automatic, accelerates rather quickly. The down and up shifts are seamless, and quite frankly I am amazed at how the transmission responds like a manual.  The steering is devoid of any road feel.  Nevertheless the turn-in and steady-cornering maneuvers are precise and solid thanks to two factors: precise and well-weighted steering, and the Ghia's standard 195/55 VR15 tires.

The Lynx's MacPherson struts / independent struts combination can hold its own especially in typical everyday pothole / speed bump situations. The ride is generally compliant, but is still not a match for the Honda Civic's 4-wheel independent double wishbone.  On the plus side, we couldn't feel any vibration inside the cabin even when the car would cross over bumpy roads. It seems that Ford's L-NVH (low noise, vibration and harshness) efforts really paid off. 

The biggest plus of the Lynx when it comes to the driving experience doesn't lie in the handling, but rather, in its quietness and driver confidence. Though the Lynx's engine feels quite boomy beyond the 4000 rpm, the cabin is still relatively quiet because of extensive sound insulation.  Road noise is also minimal, and the sounds of the jeepney-infested streets of Metro Manila are hardly noticeable.

If you get too blended in with the Lynx's furniture-like behavior, why don't you crank up the volume on the Lynx's Fujitsu CD-ready stereo system.  Though essentially the same as the Honda Civic VTi's, the Lynx's radio is better positioned and thus better and easier to operate.  Even if the Lynx's 4 speakers can output a bit of bass without actually sputtering, the Civic's speaker system still sounds much better. 

Overall, we would rank the Ford Lynx as the best ownership proposition amongst the field of 1.6-liter car runners available in the Philippines. Its fit and finish is unmatched by the likes of Mitsubishi Lancer and Nissan Sentra. Its driving experience is far better than the Toyota Corolla or the Mazda 323. Its features can outnumber the Honda Civic's by 2:1. Its price tag undercuts the similarly powered Opel Astra by more than 20%, and it offers standard leather seats and silver-colored console, which are only options on the Astra. 

Designed primarily to be a city car, the Lynx is a boring driving experience. However, the autobox and the engine compliment each other pretty well especially in highway acceleration / decceleration.
Steering is lifeless, but the turn-in is predictable, no-fuss and precise. Things we quite need in Metro Manila traffic.
A cut above the Japanese rest. The Lynx may not provide the excitement (unlike the Ford Focus), but its the best available 1.6-liter car money can buy. It's good value for money.