Ford Flex Event
Ford Motor Co. rolled out the red carpet for the media in order to unveil their new cross-over model, the 2009 Ford Flex.
Ford is introducing the Flex as their latest attempt to capture both soccer moms and executives alike. The Ford Flex has the lines of an SUV with the creature comforts of a large sedan. It sits on a car chassis (the Taurus to be exact), yet it makes you feel like you’re still in an SUV. Resembling an elongated Mini Cooper, it is designed to replace Ford’s minivan cancellations.
Labeled not as an SUV nor minivan, although it is replacing the void left by the cancellation of the Freestar and Monterey minivans, but as a politically correct CUV or Cross-over Vehicle. The Flex shares its chassis design with the Taurus and the Taurus X. Like it’s larger full size siblings, the Flex is basically a 5 door SUV configuration with seating for 7 in a 3 row in a typical SUV configuration. It is an easy vehicle to get into and out of.
Interior is very Ford like in some aspects and refreshingly new in others. In full trim, it offers a voice activated GPS navigation system that is fully integrated with Microsoft’s Sync system and even has an internal hard drive. I was truly impressed with the Navigation system as it is full of useful information at the touch of a button. The seats are comfortable and very roomy. Ford also offers a refrigerator, which is located between the seats just behind the driver compartment that actually works as advertised. Subtle touches like available rear DVD displays and even user programmable mood lighting accents the creature comforts of the spacious interior. Both the 3rd row and available captain chair 2nd row can fold flat rather easily to offer quite a bit of room for those times where boxes and “stuff” are the passenger of choice. One final neat feature is the all passenger sun roof where everyone gets to enjoy the view upstairs.
On the outside, the Flex has a variety of color and even roof combinations to satisfy even finicky buyers. The Flex is actually longer than the Chevy Tahoe and has slightly aggressive boxy lines. It’s low and wide stance makes it look sportier than some other SUV/CUV’s. The look of the vehicle is actually very attractive. The only engine option (right now) is the 3.5 V-6 which is rated at 265hp/248tq. Mated to it’s 6-speed transmission it is said to be able to tow 4100lbs. I found the engine to be peppy, but nothing too awe inspiring. Ford is rumoring that it may offer the Twin-Force V6 rated at 320hp as a possible engine option. Personally, I think that would be a very attractive performance choice, for the current engine is “ok” but nothing to write home about in my opinion. To round out the drive train, Ford offers both FWD and AWD where the AWD option can transfer 100% of the available torque to either the front or rear axles.
With a base price starting at $28,300 and climbing up past the $36,000 mark with the top-of-the-line SEL AWD model, this is certainly not comparable with the micro SUV’s of other manufacturers. It is however a viable choice for those looking to have the advantages of an SUV, yet still keep “cool” points with buddies from the water cooler. It offers many user friendly features with a long list of safety and comfort necessities. I was impressed with the Navigation system, the low and wide semi-aggressive stance, and the creature comforts available out of a “Ford”. I was not so impressed with the engine’s power, nor some of the interior’s typical Ford plastic finish. Could it tow your boat? Doubt it. Could it get your family to Disney World with ease and comfort? Definitely. Is it the replacement for the much hated minivan? I hope so. All in all the Ford Flex offers a very eye pleasing alternative to a full size SUV. If I had $36,000 to spend on an SUV…..wait, a CUV (I hate being PC)….I would certainly consider the Ford Flex as an option.
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