2016 Ford Flex AWD Limited |
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3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo (365 hp @ 5500 rpm, 350 lb -pi of torque at 3500 rpm) Six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined (EPA Rating, mpg) 18 mpg (observed) base Price (SE FWD) $ 30.495 (US) / $ 33.689 (Canada) As Tested $ 50.020 (US) / $ 58.489 (Canada) All prices include $ 895 destination charge (US) or $ 1,70 in transport costs and tax A / C (Canada). |
"Get that thing to my driveway!" Was how the former General Ford design director Peter Horbury described the reaction of his wife the first time she saw the newest people-mover Ford in 08. It was a radical move for a company that has recently left the minivan market (goodbye Freestar) for something more in tune with the times.
at least that was the plan.
under the theme "free", the Freestyle has debuted in 05, lasting until 07 when it was rebadged Ford Taurus X as part of the new Taurus family cars in 08. it was also the day of the infamous Ford Five Hundred, relationship continues to Mercury Montego and Ford with the Swedish manufacturer now Chinese-owned Volvo. and you thought the family on vacation were difficult.
Ford decided to crush the Freestyle / Taurus X and replace the hearse as Ford Flex built exclusively at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Sitting in the car with me on that memorable day of spring, I could tell by his honesty Horbury knew the Flex is a huge risk.
Build outside the US has been a smart move. If it failed, they could easily blame Ford oversized canoe route on the Canucks crazy north. Seriously, what rational country beaver as the national animal?
Exterior
Not everything is hostile to the outside of the Ford Flex, with significant changes taking place in year model 2013. But first impressions make sure it is difficult to see what happened essentially a large box. Ford is trying really hard to add some flash to the outer shell with body side character groves, a large FLEX logo on the front co ver, chromed twin tailpipes and brushed metal strips on the grid.
model limited to four-wheel drive I tested this week adds to the overall appearance extra punch. It has 20-inch wheels gloss black machined aluminum, a roof painted in black and color -keyed front and rear bumpers. HID headlights and LED rear lights also help the look, while providing an excellent night lighting. During the day, they are one of the few bright spots on an otherwise monochromatic outside.
Interior
Inside, Flex offers seven seats and a long list of standard features and optional. Front seats in society impress in with a power of 10 more heating and cooling. But there is a certain lack of legroom in the front and go in and out provides the opportunity to break my knee against the dashboard repeatedly, even if the low threshold is designed to facilitate the Entrance. Headroom is never a problem; nor is visibility with large windows and wide viewing angles. The optional multi-pane glass roof allows natural light to flood the interior during the day, or serious stargazing at night.
Second-row seats come in a fraction of 60/40 available and offer a cooling center armrest available to keep things on the ice. Our test vehicle is equipped with seat belts in rear inflatable option for extra protection. The third line 50/50 is the power turned on our test vehicle, with a useful function for the rear-facing seats at the push of a button. outdoor sports enthusiasts take note.
A power liftgate is to put all your stuff in the back or exit a hassle-free experience. Storage is never an issue with the Ford Flex and this is one of the main reasons why you may want to consider instead of a minivan.
Packag ed Roof with suitcases and seven, he proved this fact to me there several years on a Los Angeles player in Phoenix, Arizona. The complaints of the second and third row seats are minimal at best and has nothing to do with the Flex, but rather how quickly we could get to a baseball spring training play.
active help enables me to occupy small spaces normally reserved for smaller vehicles. A fun feature when parking the Ford Focus and Escape, all related stress parallel large parking Flex is rapidly eliminated with the push of a button.
Adaptive cruise control allows me to keep the pace of circulation and improve fuel economy. Set the desired distance and let you drive Flex. Advanced Collision Warning with Brake Support is ready to take over if things turn ugly in traffic during peak hours. Personally, I still prefer the old cruise control as consistently slow style and speed is not my favorite way of spending time behind the wheel.
Training
power comes in the form of a gasoline engine EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 3.5 liter . It offers impressive performance with 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. Matched with an automatic six-speed transmission and AWD, the Flex is no demon out of line, but maintains the speed with ease on the highway.
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Heres where it gets tricky and why Flex is an enigma to me.
Although it can be really loud outside, the engine, it is rewarding and completely stress -Free once behind the wheel. independent suspension handles bumps every day and a fringe of city driving. Take the highway and it feels like you are cruising in a luxo-liner. Only when the road starts to turn corners and four-lane highways reduced to two there that you know the Flex is more minivan than the sedan.
Inside the cockpit, I noticed a bit of rattles and squeaks for my taste. Wind noise is obvious, but it is not surprising given the generous proportions of glass on both the side and roof. Engine noise is controlled and not too intrusive. The stereo controls, navigation system and HVAC are logical and much better than in the past. With each new version of Ford Sync comes a little more thought and common sense.
Price
Base price for 2016 Ford Flex Limited AWD starts at $ 38.895. Our fully loaded test vehicle is equipped with features such as AWD, the equipment group, Multipanel Vista roof and more, bringing the total to $ 45,350.
Current rumors indicate this may be the last year for the Ford Flex - but I do not think so. Flex faithful appreciate convenience and seem content to look beyond the outer shell. Until now, Ford is silent on the subject.
Whatever the long-term plan, it is clear to both Mr. and Mrs. Horbury were correct in their assessment of the mover-polarizing people. The exterior can not be his best attribute, but close the doors and what you get is an exceptional space for seven and a power train that, for the most part keeps you moving on the road without complaint.
And then there is that one essential point why you may want to consider the Ford Flex for your family :. at least its not a minivan
Disclosure :. Ford Canada provided the vehicle and insurance for this revision
[Images: © 2016 Jeff Voth/The Truth About Cars]
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