Ford Vehicle

With a long list of innovations and style unique to its class, Ford’s full-sized 2009 Flex crossover is bold and refreshing. At first glance it appears to be incongruous with rising gasoline prices. But gas-sipping microcars aren’t ideal for everyone ‘” especially those who regularly carry up to a half-dozen passengers and their luggage or sports equipment. Among the current crop of SUVs, pickup trucks and even crossover-utility vehicles, the Flex is an out-of-the-box front-runner.

Offered in Canada in two trim levels, it starts at $34,999 for the well-equipped front wheel-drive SEL, and runs to $42,999 for the all wheel-drive Limited. Power is delivered via Ford’s smooth 3.5-litre V6 Duratec engine linked to an equally smooth, six-speed automatic transmission that it shares with the Taurus X. It makes 262 hp at 6,250 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 revs.

Ford projects fuel economy numbers of 12.6 L/100 km (city) and 8.4 L/100 km (hwy) for the front-wheel-drive Flex and 13.5 (city) and 9.5 (hwy) with AWD. Flex will be available next year with the turbocharged ecoBoost engine. Inside, the Flex seats six (or seven, with the no-cost optional second row 60/40 folding bench seat) with ample space and comfort and upscale features and details. Thoughtful features include coat-and-grocery bag hooks and storage compartments throughout.

Class-leading technologies include SYNC, voice-activated navigation with reverse camera system, premium Sony sound system and ‘њsurprise-and-delight’ќ features like Ford’s EasyFuel capless refueling nozzle and exclusive, compressor-driven refrigerated console. Flex is built on the Taurus X platform, stretched five inches for greater middle-seat space. An all-new, Flex-specific rear suspension is designed for hauling and load bearing ‘” it can comfortably pull up to 1,900 kg.