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It is a successful blending of the sophisticated elegance of a crossover and the no-nonsense practicality of a minivan’s square exterior. Though it faintly whiffs of a adult, box-like Mini Cooper Clubman, the Flex traverses today roads in unique splendor.
Ford has made a breakthrough with one of the highest-quality interiors on display in years. An innovative Sync MP3 player and phone interface system is also available; so too a Vista sunroof of four fixed glass panels that brighten up the cabin for second- and third-row occupants. Throw in a logically powerful 3.5-liter V6 to the stew, along with available all-wheel drive, and you've got all the ingredients of a crowd-pleasing people mover. An optional refrigerator within the rear console keeps perishables cool while driving.
Ford deserves to be commended for its boldness in bringing such an avant-garde yet well-thought-out contribution to the marketplace.
The Flex gives a passenger-friendly ride but where it scores in interiors it lacks in sophistication in its power train. The only available transmission is the six-speed automatic. Standard safety features on the 2009 Ford Flex include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
The Flex handles firmly for such a large vehicle, notwithstanding a fair amount of steering play. The suspension makes for a forgiving ride, cushioning impacts with striking elegance.
Ford would be competing with itself as this new crossover will steal some of the thunder from the Edge and the Taurus X. But an in-house winner is a winner by any name.
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