The Truck Guy: Adding Some Flex
By Ian Harwood
The Ford Flex was just introduced last year, so what could Ford possibly do to improve on it?
Looks:
The styling of this vehicle is very unique. Scalloped door panels, two-tone roof and body paint, and refined grille and headlight assembly makes it stand out over the rest of the Crossover crowd.
In The Cab:
The MyKey system is a new technology that Ford developed to allow parents of teenagers to encourage them to drive safely. The system can be programmed by the parent through the vehicle message centre. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the code, which enables certain default driving modes such as limited top speed, earlier low fuel warning, traction control system that cannot be deactivated to limit spinning the tires, seat belt reminders that continue to chime and audio system that is muted until seat belts are buckled.
The interior is very spacious and comfortable. With the front passenger seat folded, the second row buckets folded via the one touch power release and the third row 50/50 bench folded into the floor, you can carry some very long loads, 2,356 litres of cargo, in fact. The Flex Limited features heated second-row bucket seats. There is a lot of natural light inside thanks to the multi panel vista roof that provides skylight views to all three rows of passengers. The optional navigation system has been improved, and it features a home screen that can be customized to include your favourite photo. The system can store up to 32 jpg files of up to 1.5mb each. The digital jukebox can store approximately 2,400 songs and enables users to browse their music via the screen or through voice activation.
Power:
This is where we really notice the difference between the ‘09 Flex and the ‘10 Flex.
Ford is now offering (optionally) a lighter weight, all-aluminum 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers the performance of a V8 with the fuel economy of a V6. This engine is twin-turbocharged and direct injected, producing 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Roadworthy:
The trailer sway control found on the 2009 Ford F150 has been introduced to the Flex. Basically, if your trailer sways in one direction, the system applies selective braking pressure on the tow vehicle’s opposite side. This creates counter moments to the forces applied on the vehicle from the trailer, dampens the yaw motion and helps to reduce the sway. Electric power assist steering with pull drift compensation (EPAS) greatly improves the drivability of this vehicle. A pull or drift sensation in steering can be caused by crowed streets or steady winds. This new technology enables the system to gradually increase steering compensation in these conditions. The driver does not need to make an extra effort to help maintain driving comfort straight down the road.
The other cool option available on this vehicle is the active park assist. I have experienced this technology with a Lexus vehicle before but had some trouble with it. This system worked every time and flawlessly. It uses ultrasonic sensors to parallel park the vehicle in a minimum slot of 1.2 times the vehicle length. Once the system is activated, it scans available parking and notifies you if a suitable space has been found. Simply put the vehicle in reverse and the system takes over.
Verdict:
I drove the tester up and down the highway and into some big hills. It powers up the hills towing a trailer with a quad in it with little effort. I was impressed. The self-parking capabilities blew me away, so I had to try it several times just make sure it was not a mistake. It worked without fail. When this option is available on other Ford vehicles, I would strongly recommend it.
I found driving the 2009 version to be very good, but this latest version gives more options that I did not think I would see for a few years. Technology sneaks up on you very quickly and if you embrace it, then it can make life a lot easier.
Sticker price:
SE FWD ———————————- $32,699
SEL FWD ——————————– $35,999
Limited FWD —————————- $41,999
SEL AWD ——————————– $37,999
Limited AWD —————————- $43,199
Limited EcoBoost ———————- $46,599
Pump frequency:
Flex AWD (City/Highway) 13.5/9.1L per 100 km
Flex FWD (City/Highway) 11.8/8.1L per 100 km
Flex AWD EcoBoost - 13.1/9.2L per 100 km
Warranty support:
Basic warranty ——- 36 months/60,000 km
Powertrain warranty 60 months/100,000 km
Corrosion perforation warranty – 60 months/unlimited distance
Ian Harwood is the manager of Custom Truck Parts in Surrey, BC and has over 20 years experience in the truck accessory business. You can contact him at
ian@rpmcanada.ca
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