Riverfront Times April 19, 2012 : Page 23

Presented by: new front end is now slightly rounded, creating more visual harmony between the front of this crossover and the rest of the vehicle. The Ford signature blue oval signage has been removed from the front and now displays only the Flex badge. In the rear (regardless of the engine under the hood), the car is more visual pleasing with attractive standard dual exhaust outlets. A new integrated rear view color camera system with a large 8-inch "in dash" screen is also offered from the factory. Of course, the camera system is helpful in backing but also serves as a helpful tool when hook-ing up a boat trailer or camper. When it comes to interior volume and cargo car-rying capabilities, this Ford is more than amazing on many fronts. It really doesn't matter on your seating position as leg and head room appears to be on par with a stretch limo. Ford also elected to include advanced features often associ-ated with high end luxury vehicles. For starters, you'll discover automatic adap-tive cruise control with collision warn-ing and enhanced braking support plus a blind spot information system with cross-traffic warning alert. They also include an intelligent push button start-ing and remote start technology feature. Flex comes in a total of nine exterior colors, with three totally new body col-ors for 2013. Also offered is a color pallet with a two tone paint scheme with the vehicles upper exterior area painted a different color than the bottom half. The two color contrasted paint really enhances the car's expressive and strik-ing look. The suspension system was also re-worked. This is evident by the vehicle driving smoother, more nibble and quieter on the open road, com-pared to the outgoing version. In spite of the fact that the newest model is considered a 2013 model, it's now begin-ning to show up at dealerships nation-wide. Ford offers the 2013 Flex cross-over in three trim levels: SE, SEL and a Limited version. All build combinations are assembled at their plant located in Oakville, Ontario Canada. At roadtest with the high output engine and AWD chassis, the Flex I drove had a sticker price in the low $50,000.00 range. If you want additional background on this well built product, I suggest that you log onto Ford's web page @ www.ford.com. BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN 2013 FORD FLEX CROSSOVER Based on a heavily reworked Ford Taurus sedan platform, Ford Motor Company elected to put forward a num-ber of upgrades and notable changes for the 2013 version of their popu-lar three row, seven-passenger Flex Crossover. A more modern designed interior with an all new instrument clus-ter and a new type "user friendly" steer-ing wheel are just a few of the changes to the 2013 model. Additionally, it has new seats that offer an elevated level of comfort due to the reworked under-side foam design. Numerous advanced technologies as well as state of the art new safety breakthroughs are now on the replacement Flex including rear inflatable safety belts, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, power tilt and telescoping steering column and power-fold outside door mirrors. The Flex also showcases the latest enhanced MyFord Touch® system. Under the hood, this vehicle now comes standard with a new 3.5-liter variable valve tim-ing V 6 engine that's rated at 285 horse-power. It delivers 25 more horsepower and 1 mpg better fuel economy than the outgoing version of the older V 6 engine they used. Ford also offers the 2013 Flex with an optional yet popu-lar fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V 6 engine. As a matter of fact, it's the same engine Ford also installs in their performance Taurus SHO (special high output) four door model for 2013 as well. This performance engine shows an output horsepower rating of 355 and it is recommended to operate on pre-mium fuel. All models also come with a six speed automatic transmission and are developed on a front-wheel-drive setup with all-wheel-drive as optional. When Flex was first introduced a few years back, it was criticized by some in the automotive industry for being too boxy in the overall exterior styl-ing. To "fast forward" to the latest ver-sion, Ford clearly addressed some of the exterior body stampings to make it more contemporary and modern in appearance. This bold move should thrust this vehicle's appeal to a larger customer base. The sleeker looking all More details available at: www.riverfronttimes.com David Finkelstein, RFT automotive advertising writer 2012 20 2 01 0 1 2 KIA K I A Optima Op O p t ti i m a 012 CHESTERFIELD VALLEY $ .O&INE0RINT&#0e; *UST'REAT$EALS&#0e; 189/mo 199/mo PR/HDVHEDVHGRQNPLOHV\U&#0f;&#0f;&#1c;&#1c;GXHDWVLJQLQJ 2012 Ò ÒmkFÒu&#0c; mkF u $ 14,562 .
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Jim Butler Kia
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