2013 FORD FLEX SEL

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com

The redesigned 2013 Flex has a sleek new appearance, brings more technology, fuel economy and modern sophistication to the seven passenger crossover to make the driving experience more rewarding.

Is available with the automotive world’s first production rear inflatable belts to offer improved comfort and protection for rear seat passengers. The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries; It also boasts available radar-enabled adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert. These technologies help drivers avoid potential accidents using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

Flex comes equipped with Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control technology. More typically found on high performance cars, the Torque Vectoring Control system uses the car’s brakes to imitate the effect of a limited-slip differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine torque between the front wheels during cornering, resulting in improved grip and steering and a reduced chance of under steer.

The system operates using the car’s stability control module and monitors the vehicle 100 times per second. As the car accelerates through a corner, the system detects when the front inside wheel is starting to slip and applies an imperceptible amount of braking to the wheel. This prevents wheel spin and has the effect of transferring engine torque to the outside wheel, which has more grip, thus maintaining traction and steering control.

Under the hood, the upgraded 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine provides 287 horsepower an approximate 25 horsepower increase from the previous engine and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. The new Flex will also deliver more fuel economy, with EPA-certified fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 remains on the new Flex, bringing the fuel economy of a V6 engine with all-wheel-drive capability and V8-like performance of 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both engines also are made more efficient with EPAS (electric power-assisted steering). EPAS improves fuel economy approximately 4 percent, and reduces emissions while improving steering performance primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to the vehicle’s battery, instead of an engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering system.

The new front end is now slightly rounded, creating more visual harmony between the front and the rest of the vehicle. The signature Ford blue oval has been removed from the front, which now solely bears the Flex badge. There are also six all-new wheel styles, including three all-new 20-inch selections.

Inside, Flex customers will find a modern, sophisticated driver zone with new clusters, steering wheel and electronic finish panels, as well as new seat trim and foam. Class exclusives include the available second-row refrigerated console and the latest generation of MyFord Touch with SYNC.

Also new is an Appearance Package available on Limited and SEL models that includes a two-tone black roof and black mirrors, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, leather seats, unique door trim panels and other interior upgrades for a truly distinctive premium look and feel.

The Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $33,225.00, the one I drove included the 202A equipment group package, 2nd row 40/40 seats auto-fold, 2nd row console and voice activated navigation system it came in at $38,165.00.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Ford.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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