Driven: 2013 Ford Flex SEL: Maximum Flex-ibility

Dec. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover, with styling based on the Ford Fairlane concept; debuting in 2008 as a 2009 model, it replaced the Ford Freestar minivan and therefore is the first crossover to feature both minivan and SUV properties delivered by Ford. Lack of sliding doors make it cooler to drive than a minivan, while still offering seating for up to seven passengers, and room for lots of their stuff.

The Ford Flex is a vehicle with styling that you will either love or hate, there is little middle ground. We happen to like the styling. Our 2013 Ford Flex SEL test vehicle showed up wearing flowing white paint, and definitely had a presence. The Flex is a large vehicle, yet is quite comfortable to drive.

With standard seating for seven in its 2-3-2 configuration (optional 2-2-2), the Flex is all about people. Except when the seats fold flat, as they easily do; then it can be all about cargo.

All-wheel drive is available for wintry conditions.

The Flex’s redesigned front end sports a new fascia, headlamps, and FLEX badging across the hood. It’s a tad less boxy now. Dual chrome exhaust tips are now standard.

Under the hood, Flex’s new base engine delivers even more efficiency and performance with the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to the 3.5-liter V6. The upgraded 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine provides 287 horsepower – an approximate 25 horsepower increase from the previous engine – and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. The new Flex also delivers 1 mpg more fuel economy, with EPA-certified fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The SelectShift® transmission offers the driver a choice between fully automatic and manual control of gear selection. Smooth engine and transmission provide the motion, while sporty exhaust sounds provide the accompanying soundtrack.

The latest version of the popular MyFord Touch® system, which is standard on Flex, provides two 4.2-inch display screens in the instrument cluster, and an 8-inch screen in the center stack to convey information and allow easy access to features and controls.

Flex is available with the automotive world’s first production inflatable rear seat belts. The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries. Airbags within the seat belts can deploy over an occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.

The Flex SEL all-wheel drive version has an MSRP of $35,175. SEL trim adds foglamps, stainless steel exterior trim, power heated mirrors, 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, dual zone climate control, 10-way power driver seat and 6-way power passenger seat, MyFordTouch electronic controls with 8-inch LCD touch-screen, media hub with USB ports, input jacks, and satellite radio. Ours had the optional 20-inch wheels.

Bottom line, if you’re too cool to drive a minivan, but really need one, then check out the Ford Flex!

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