The Truck Guy – Ford Flex – Making Life A Lot Easier
I recently had the chance to travel to Denver, Colorado to test drive one of Ford’s newest offerings. I was very surprised that it was a 2010 Ford Flex. After all, this vehicle was just introduced last year, so what could they possibly do to improve on it?
By Ian Harwood
I recently had the chance to travel to Denver, Colorado to test drive one of Ford’s newest offerings. I was very surprised that it was a 2010 Ford Flex. After all, this vehicle was just introduced last year, so what could they 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 make 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 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 L 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 photos. The system can store up to 32 jpeg files 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 deference 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 motor is twin-turbocharged with direct injection, and produces 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Pump frequency:
Flex AWD 13.5 l/100 km City, 9.1L/100 km Hwy
Flex FWD 11.8 l/100 km City, 8.1L/100 km Hwy
Flex AWD EcoBoost 13.1 l/100 km City, 9.2 L/100 km Hwy
Roadworthy:
The trailer sway control found on the 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.
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
Verdict:
The test drive involved a toll highway through the suburbs of Denver to a town nestled up against the Rocky Mountains called Boulder. From there, I drove a very twisty steeply-graded road to about the 3,000-metre level. This gave me a chance to test out some trailer towing exercises. Although I found it a little difficult to breathe at this altitude, the vehicle’s turbos did not. It power up the hills towing a trailer with a quad in it with little effort. I am impressed. The self-parking capabilities blew me away, so I had to try it several times just to make sure nothing was staged. 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 offers 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, it can make life a lot easier.
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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