Autos: Ford has a future with the funky Flex

If you're looking for evidence that Ford has a future, consider the funky Flex.
The crossover utility vehicle with its eccentrically rectangular profile represents a design breakthrough for the Blue Oval on two fronts:
1. It bypasses the image problems of a minivan while providing similar degrees of utility;
2. It appeals to younger buyers looking for a way to stand out from the crowd.
After years of trying to challenge Chrysler's dominance in the minivan market, Ford finally threw in the towel in 2006, retiring the Freestar and taking a different path.
Using the Fairlane concept car that appeared at auto shows in 2005 as a starting point, Ford turned out the production version as the Flex for display at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. Sales of the 2009 model began last summer as the automotive market was disintegrating under the weight of recession.
In its second lap, the Flex is seeing respectable sales, with April establishing its best month since last summer's intro.
Critics have crowned the Flex with an array of kudos. Maxim Magazine named it the "Ultimate Road Car," while the Canadian and Texas auto writers associations named it crossover utility vehicle of the year.
The boxy design is more attractive in the long, full-size Flex than it is in the compact CUVs like the Nissan Cube. The body gains coolness with signature side grooves, all-black windows and a multi-panel Vista Roof.
With seating for seven, Flex provides wide, roomy seats and best-in-class head room and leg room in all three rows. Technical highlights include Ford Sync voice-activated navigation, a Sony premium audio system, Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, ambient lighting, a reverse camera system and Sirius Travel Link.
Priced in three trim levels from $29,325 to $37,585, the Flex is pricey enough that only those with secure jobs will probably be tempted. Flex is sold as a front-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Introduced with a 262-horsepower Duratec V6 engine, the Flex will be available with a much more powerful, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the 2010 model. The EcoBoost is the first gasoline direct-injection, twin-turbo in North America, cranking 355 horsepower and a hearty 350 foot-pounds of torque. Ford promises the power of a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a V6.
By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost as part of the company's plans to improve fuel economy. Ford claims top fuel economy of 19 mpg combined city and highway in the full-size crossover category.
"The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group president of Global Product Development.. "We're able to decrease the size of the available engine -- such as installing a V6 versus a V8 -- yet boost the power using turbocharging to deliver similar power and torque of that larger engine."
The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 also powers the Lincoln MKS and MKT.
The twin parallel turbochargers are water cooled and operate simultaneously. A high-pressure fuel pump operates up to 2,175 pounds per square inch, which is more than 35 times the norm seen in a conventional V6.
Flex's interior is designed to provide comfort and nice ambience for long-term travel, with a number of entertainment options.
Second-row passengers get adjustable and removable footrests, and both the second and third-row seats fold flat into the floor to create excellent cargo capacity.
An optional "mini-fridge" refrigerator can be mounted in the middle console mounted between the second-row seats.
Flex's voice-activated communications and entertainment system is called Ford Sync, integrating cell phone, satellite radio, compact disc, DVD and other systems under software from Microsoft. The Navigation system has a built in hard drive for music and picture storage. The cabin is lit with programmable "mood lighting" available in seven colors, along with a multi-panel Vista Roof, similar to that on the Edge.
An optional back-up camera above the bumper, allows the driver to see obstacles to the rear, displayed on the 8-inch navigation display screen, when reverse gear is engaged. The Flex comes with Ford's AdvanceTrac traction control system with roll stability control which helps the driver maintain control on low traction surfaces and during emergency maneuvers.

WHAT'S NEW: EcoBoost V6 in second year of production.
PLUSES: Styling, comfort, utility.
MINUSES: Price, maneuverability.
BOTTOM LINE: Stylish solution to minivan image problems.

(E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend(at)sbcglobal.net)
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