Ford C-MAX; Coming to America!

Source – Ford MyCarData

For all of you who commented last week on the article, “First Look at the All-new Ford C-MAX,” here’s the announcement you’ve been waiting for: The Ford C-Max is coming to North America!

The all-new 7-seat Ford C-MAX debuted today at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it will arrive in North America beginning late 2011. The new C-MAX brings kinetic design language to the compact segment, combining bold styling and versatile, spacious 7-seat layout.

The C-MAX is the first of a new generation of global C-segment cars scheduled for introduction by Ford over the next several years. This series of new models will include the all-new, next-generation Ford Focus sedan and five-door hatchback models, scheduled to launch late in calendar year 2010 in the United States.

According to Ford analysts, small cars in the B- and C-segments accounted for less than 15 percent of the U.S. market in 2004. In year-to-date sales through August 2009 however, the small car segment has reached nearly 22 percent of total industry sales, and further gains are expected.

Ford’s new C-vehicle family is the result of an unprecedented global development program that will deliver for customers an array of available advanced technologies aimed at enhancing their convenience, comfort, safety and overall driving experience.

“Consumers are seeking uncompromised vehicles offering value for the money, and C-MAX squarely hits those targets,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “The Focus C-MAX will be great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive, bringing Ford DNA to a new market segment in the form of an aspirational, fuel-efficient people carrier.”

Exterior design elevates segment

The new Ford Focus C-MAX demonstrates that compact, 7-seat vehicles can be stylish and desirable while still delivering outstanding space and functionality.

Bold exterior and interior designs have been created using the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design form language, building on the themes established in recent product introductions like the hugely successful European-developed Fiesta, Kuga and Mondeo ranges.

Kinetic design elements applied to the new C-MAX include the dynamic, rising beltline, full sculpted surfaces, bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders supported by a prominent undercut line and the distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar.

Offering seating for up to seven, the C-MAX destined for North America features a high roofline and thin pillars to emphasize the generous room and visibility in the cabin. Twin sliding doors are neatly integrated, with the rail concealed by the undercut line on the shoulder of the vehicle.

Stylish, modern interior

The new C-MAX interior mirrors the dynamic and modern character of the exterior, complete with muscular, expressive shapes and bold graphics.

Key design features include the taut, wing-like form of the upper instrument panel, which reaches out to the sides of the interior. A dramatic sweeping form connects the instrument panel with the center console.

The cockpit provides a commanding, raised driving position with high-mounted shifter and center console inspired by the acclaimed layout in the new Fiesta. Carefully designed storage areas are located throughout the cabin, including generous door pockets, a large glove box and additional compartments and cup holders in the center console.

Ingenious 7-seat layout

To maximize the versatility of the 7-seat layout, Ford engineers developed a new seat-folding mechanism for the three second-row seats. This mechanism allows the center seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats, creating a handy walk-through space between them.

This walk-through space allows passengers to access the third row without having to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when those positions are occupied by child safety seats. Owners have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating layout or switching to a full 7-seater when required.

The second- and third-row seats also have been cleverly engineered so they can be folded to create a flat load floor, regardless of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so they operate with just one hand.

Ford EcoBoostTM advanced powertrains

In many markets, the new C-car family will be offered with versions of Ford’s new EcoBoostTM engines. EcoBoost combines direct petrol injection, turbocharging and dual variable valve timing to maximize efficiency, resulting in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 20 percent compared with conventional gasoline engines with a similar power output.

The initial Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder lineup will comprise 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines. The engines will be available globally, with versions launching in Europe and North America in 2010, and the first rear-wheel-drive application in the Ford Falcon in Australia in 2011. By 2013, nearly 80 percent of Ford global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option.

Ford Taurus

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

American families fell in love with the Ford Taurus during the mid ’80s, but performanceenthusiasts became childlike over the Taurus SHO when it was introduced in 1989.

After ‘the rounding’ in 1996, there was even a SHO powered by a Yamaha V8. Then, the Taurusbecame the darling of rental fleets with no fun to be had. All that began to change when the 2010Taurus recently debuted on the Volvo large car platform. Now, Ford takes its SHO on the road.

‘The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxuryappointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fueleconomy,’ said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. ‘This new sport derivative answersenthusiasts’ calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude.’

Having debuted during January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the paint ishardly dry on early production units of the next-generation Taurus. With a European chassis tomatch its dashing Euro looks, the new Taurus should be a major hit for Ford. But, that’s only wherethe goodness begins.

The new SHO will come with a twin-turbocharged ‘Ecoboost’ 3.5-litre V6 that generates a whopping365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at a relatively low 3,500 rpm. All of thatpower going just to the front wheels would be a nightmare, so Ford equipped the SHO withtorque-sensing all-wheel-drive to even out the power delivery. A six-speed manumatic transmission,with steering wheel paddle shifters, gives drivers complete control. Fuel economy should come inaround 25-MPG hwy.

With the exception of a subtle wing and 19′ (or optional 20′) wheels, the SHO is a real sleeper.Your neighbors will hardly notice you bought the hottest Ford sedan available. The interior isupgraded with leather-trimmed seats with Miko suede inserts that are made from recycled sodabottles. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and sport gauges encourageenthusiasts to grip and go.

Suspension settings were also stepped up a few notches. Said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer,’Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers withprecise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride.’

As Ford’s flagship, engineers ensured it would come with all of the latest gadgetry. Push buttonstarting, capless fuel filling, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, and reversing camera are but astart. The SHO is also equipped with blind spot detectors (BLIS’ – ala Volvo), adaptive cruisecontrol that monitors traffic ahead to adjust speed, and Collision Warning with brake assist. Thelatter detects stopping traffic ahead and will apply brakes if the driver does not take action.

With such style, power, and wizardry the Taurus SHO makes you want to return to 1968 and kickGalaxies into the next one! Unlike the older power brokers, the new SHO comes with the foundationto kick heels with the world’s best sport sedans while carrying four or five passengers infull-size comfort. Over 100,000 of the first two generations of SHOs were sold by 1999, and with astarting price of $37,995, we could see that many more. Competitors include the Pontiac G8,Chrysler 300C, and Nissan Maxima.

2009 Ford Flex – A Truly “Flex-uous” Crossover

Sandi Pedersen – www.car-data.com

I can’t say it was love at first slight but the Ford Flex certainly did win me over once I got in and familiarized myself with my surroundings. This 3.5 liter V6 engine provided plenty of get up and go as well as a smooth ride down the highway. I was surprised by the 16 city miles per gallon and 22 highway miles per gallon but my husband gently reminded me that it is a pretty substantial vehicle. Whenever I glance at the Ford Flex I cannot help but be reminded of with nostalgia of the boxy station wagons from yester years.

What impressed me the most….? Well, let’s start with the built in refrigerator in the rear console. How “cool” is it to travel the country and always have a chilled beverage at the ready. Now, this is an option, but well worth it, and I’m sure it would pay for itself over time in ice savings. Next, you know what a stickler I am for a backup camera. I put it in reverse, quickly looked at my navigation screen and thought, “oh my gosh, a vehicle this size and no back-up camera”. To my surprise and delight there it was in my rear view mirror. It was then that I realized by doing this you don’t have to purchase the pricey optional navigation system just to get the back-up camera. Kudos to the Ford engineers on that one.

Overall, I was pleased with the unique interior. From the subtle diamond patterned leather seats, to the easy to read gauges, this vehicle is very user friendly. The feeling of openness is enhanced by the individual sunroofs over each second row seat. You’d also be surprised by what will fit in this crossover. Second and third row fold-flat seating can easily be configured to allow plenty of cargo space or passenger room. I even juggled a bag of groceries and popped up the rear seat with one hand.

The technology incorporated in the Flex was another reason this vehicle won me over. I could not believe it when I opened the center console and discovered a USB port. This allows you to charge an iPhone or play music with any USB device, through the awesome sound system. Not only is it acoustically correct, the Microsoft syncing feature is sure to be a wave of the future.

The design, technology, flexibility and comfort make this vehicle a pretty attractive option for those looking for a good overall crossover with a unique look. If you like your car to attract a few stares, be sure to check out the Ford Flex.

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediately look at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldom without a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a very important aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10
Cup holders – 9½

Not only were there several convenient cup holders they were lit so you could easily maneuver your drink in the dark. I’m impressed, can you tell?

Ford F-150 Represents A Solid Step Forward

Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com

The glory days of ‘a truck in every driveway’ are now over but that doesn’t mean that they haveceased being needed and popular. The F150 is still the most popular Ford vehicle and pickups stillhave an important place in the automotive landscape.

Not long ago, people bought them because ‘everybody had one’. Now a day, that’s not a goodenough reason and the trend has swung mostly to smaller more fuel efficient vehicles that moreclosely match people’s real needs. Notwithstanding, for certain tasks, nothing can match a pickupand the F150 aims to be the truck of choice.

For 2009, the new SuperCrew version of the F150, already a large vehicle, has been extended 6inches. The B pillar is now moved rearward, giving better visibility to front seat passengers. Therear seat area has also benefited from the stretch and the floor is nearly pool-table flat. Withthe rear seats pushed up out of the way, this rear cargo area is huge.

Speaking of interiors, the new Platinum Edition is slotted above the King Ranch. The interior istrimmed tastefully and ruggedly. The 2nd generation of Sync is available plus a new 700 watt Sonyaudio system. This elegant, leather trimmed interior comes with a nice faux woodgrain trim, a floorshifter, a large screen navigation system, a rear seat DVD entertainment pod and a sunroof.

The stout frame of the F-150 has been strengthened and the ride has been smoothed even more. Thevery popular rear step gate that was introduced on Ford’s Super Duty pickups last year is now onthe F-150 this time. As pickups have gotten bigger, it has become more difficult to climb into thebed. The step gate has a step that comes out of the tailgate, as does a rigid grab handle. Now,climbing into the bed of this large truck is very easy for virtually anyone.

Additionally, Ford has introduced a retractable side step feature. Currently, bed rail heightsare so high that only a basketball player could stand on the ground, reach over the side and touchthe bottom of the box. The step is positioned under the bed just behind the cab. By pressing on therelease with your foot, a step pops out allowing almost anyone to climb up and easily reach insidethe bed.

The new F150 is civilized and rugged at the same time. Power has been improved and fuel economyincreased. Even among some very tough competition, the new F150 was awarded the Pickup Truck ofTexas by the Texas Auto Writers Association recently.

As large and capable as the former F150 was, the new one is even better.

Ford Mustang 2010

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

Only an exclusive club of automotive brands has endured so honestly as Ford’s Mustang. Yearafter year, generation after generation, the original pony car excites drivers with exhilaratingperformance and beautiful bodies. After tearing up roads for 45 years, grandchildren of earlybuyers are now enjoying their own Mustangs. This tradition takes a turn for the best in 2010 asFord recently introduced the next-generation Mustang at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas, ‘More than 9 million customers have madeMustang one of the world’s most beloved automotive and cultural icons. Making sure this modernlegend lives up to their expectations has been a driving force for the team, which went to greatlengths ‘ gathering customer input everywhere from race tracks to Main Streets in cities throughoutthe U.S. ‘ working to create the best Mustang ever.’

Design is a blend of the current model, classics, and the Italian Giugiaro show car from acouple of years ago. The front is more aggressively refined, with the first new Mustang emblemsince the original in ‘64; V6 and GT models have differentiated front ends. Headlamps and turnsignals are combined into one unit, inspired by the ‘70 Mustang. Fog lamps on V6 models are in thebumper, but remain in the grille on GTs. Side profiles are sleeker and correct for the next decade.Faceted taillamps include back-up lights, ’sequence firing’ LED turn indicators, and give theimpression of the traditional three-barrel design. All of the sheetmetal, except for the roofline,is new.

In describing the new Mustang’s new forms, Ford group vice president of Design, J Mays, stated,’The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of thetimes ‘ and the 2010 does exactly that. The new Mustang is close to the magnetic center of theoriginal, fully loaded with the swagger you’d expect, but with modern refinement and attention todetail like you’ve never seen in a muscle car.’

Correcting a gripe of the current model, the interior was upgraded with fresh design and higherquality materials. The dashboard and center console are a coherent whole and flow together better.Seats, armrests, and dashboard are upholstered in softer materials; large analog gauges, twin cowldash design, and sporty three-spoke steering wheel remain as a testament to the Mustang’s heritage.Dash and ambient lighting can be changed through a spectrum of 125 colors while Microsoft Sync isnow available to give Mustang drivers access to voice-activated calling, navigation, satelliteradio, and real time weather forecasts. Early designers never dreamed of the technology found inthe new car’s interior.

Swagger must be backed up with performance ‘ the Mustang will deliver a powerful whomp from baseV6 and V8 engines. By spreading experience from the popular Bullitt edition, the GT’s 4.6-litre V8will increase output to 315 horsepower ‘ connected to the road through a refined suspension system.Engineers still haven’t coughed up a world-class independent rear suspension, but they have doneeverything possible to control its behavior. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control,and electronic stability control are standard to keep all of the horses running in the rightdirection.

In the early 1960s, Lee Iacocca and his team at Ford had a simple idea: Take a basic economy carplatform, refine its suspension, stuff in an energetic powertrain, drape a beautiful body over it,and sell it to youthful drivers who appreciate fun and sun. It’s worked pretty well for 45 years.The next chapter begins when the 2010 Mustang begins rolling out of its Flat Rock, MI assemblyplant early next year.

Ford Fusion

Sandi Pedersen, Car Data Co.

The Fusion fits nicely in the Ford lineup between the compact Focus and the larger Taurus sedan.Its sleek lines and distinctive three-bar horizontal grille catches your eye and has become Ford’ssignature mark.

I found the overall appearance of this car particularly pleasing. While the chrome contrastsnicely with the body work the high trunk line and chrome trim tail light clusters give it anoverall classy look.

The model I drove, the SEL, came well equipped. Standard features included Sirius satelliteradio, AM/FM 6CD/MP3, fold flat passenger seat and a feature I’ve really come to love, theMicrosoft Sync voice activated system. This allows you to sync your bluetooth-enabled cell phone,access their phonebooks, and play calls and read text through the speakers. Along with thisstandard equipment came optional automatic headlights, automatic temperature controls, leatherinterior, heated outside mirrors and keyless entry. Add all these features together and it makesthis sedan a force to be reckoned with.

The Ford Fusion provides not only solid high-speed stability but responsive handling and a nice,smooth ride. I was able to take it on a road trip and even though I found the seats slightly softthey still provided a supportive ride. I also was able to achieve maximum comfort with the standardtilt and telescoping steering wheel and six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, great for someonewith shorter legs. The Fusion seats five, the rear-seat passengers have a decent amount of leg roomand you do not get a cramped feeling. Add to this the estimated 18 city miles per gallon and 26highway miles per gallon, for the 3.0L 4V V6 Duratec engine.

Space was also a plus with a good size flat floored trunk. Loading groceries and luggage was aneasy task and all Fusion models include a 60/40 split rear seatback which allows a generous amountof pass-through space.

Ford’s affordable mid-sized sedan, starting in the low $18,000 range, handles better than mostin its class and is fun to drive. The four-wheel independent suspension and precise rack-and-pinionsteering makes it especially enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. Also take into consideration, theupdated styling, which sets it apart from many similar generic looking mid-sized cars, theaffordable pricing which includes a generous amount of standard equipment and the available options. All this makes for a ‘perfect fit’ for buyers looking for value.

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediatelylook at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldomwithout a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a veryimportant aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10

Cup holders ‘ 7′

Not only were there several convenient cup holders, buy they were lighted so you could easilymaneuver your drink in the dark.

2009 Ford F150

Jim Meachen, www.car-data.com

Ford says its truck team had a clear vision when developing the 2009 F-150 ‘ redesign America’sbest-selling pickup truck inside and out to ‘give customers unrivaled capability, unprecedentedchoice and a host of smart, game-changing features.’

A day spent at Ford’s Romeo, Mich., proving grounds showed us that Ford has generally succeeded.

While the new Ford isn’t totally new ‘ what is these days? ‘ there have been extensive changes,some neat innovations, a new top-line trim level for the well healed and the addition of a base 4.5-liter V-8.

The vast buying choices, as al-ways, with Ford are impressive. The usual mind-boggling array ofconfigurations is still there. We counted dozens of basic choices including regular cab, extendedcab and crew cab; three V-8 engines; three bed lengths; seven trim levels; and rear- wheel orfour-wheel drive.

Prices range from $22,070, including a $975 destination charge, for a base rear-wheel driveregular cab XL truck with a 78-inch bed to $44,560 for the base version of the new luxuriousPlatinum crew cab edition. Believe it or not, you can spend around 50 grand if you check off allthe available options.

If you want a new F-150 and can’t find one to suit your taste and pocketbook perhaps it’sbecause you are totally confused.

We have to hand it to the Ford team who allowed journalists to pit the truck’s ‘unrivaledcapability’ against its chief competitors, the Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado and the new 2009Dodge Ram in several proving ground tests including towing, hauling, handling and durability.

Make up your own mind, the Ford guys told us.

Indeed, the new F-150 may not be our hands-down favorite in every facet of pickup driving, butoverall we came away with the impression that Ford has good reason to expect the newest F-150 toperpetuate Ford’s many years of sales leadership.

Dramatic styling changes are not as important in the pickup ranks as in other segments, but apickup does have to offer a rugged eye- pleasing quality without straying from the basic theme. Wethink Dodge hit the right notes with a conservative exterior treatment of the new Ram, and,likewise, we think Ford’s tweaking of the new F-150 is on target.

The new truck looks more massive than the 2008 model with a larger in- your-face grille, muchlike the big front end on the Super Duty. The giant grille, the truck’s squared-off corners and thetall walls of the cargo bed make a bold statement.

The truck remains about the same size, but Ford stretched the crew cab six inches creating alarge living area for rear passengers. When cargo hauling is your mission, there are 57 cubic feetavailable under the roof through the use of flip-up rear seats.

The upscale interior of the previous iteration has been restyled with a slightly bigger centerconsole ‘ the center bin will accommodate hanging file folders and a laptop computer ‘ and as manyas 30 storage areas around the cab. In top wood and polished aluminum trim the cockpit could easilybe mistaken for a Lincoln.

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of living in the new truck is its quiet interior. Fordhas done a commendable job keeping noise levels low.

We found the seats wide enough for our big body and very comfortable.

A tall passenger we were transporting in a crew cab expressed amazement at the rear-seat comfort, something he said he had not found in other pickups.

But we do have a small problem with the interior ‘ the center console display, which mimicsthose found in the newly styled Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape, has too many small, lookalikeblack buttons on the audio and climate controls.

Horsepower junkies may bemoan the fact that Ford decided not to inject a massive V-8 into theF-150 lineup. There’s no 5.7-liter making 381 horsepower as in the Tundra nor is there a muscular 5.7-liter Hemi dispensing 390 horsepower as in the Ram. Those seeking horsepower bragging rightswill have to skip the Ford.

They may be missing the boat, however. We found the F-150’s hauling and towing capabilitiesimpressive with the carryover 5.4-liter V-8 making 320 horsepower and an even more important 390pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic.

Pulling a 7,500-pound load up steep grades, we discovered scads of useable power and we felt theF-150 was a more refined tow vehicle than any of the competitor’s trucks. Ford brags that in toptowing configuration, the F-150 can pull up to an industry-leading 11,300 pounds. Top payload isalso the best in class at 3,030 pounds.

What Ford has that the others don’t is a base V-8 engine. It offers 248 horsepower and 294pound-feet of torque. The downside ‘ it’s mated to a four-speed automatic. The mid-level engine isa new three-valve 4.5-liter that makes 292 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque mated to thesix-speed automatic. It will tow up to 9,500 pounds.

Although Ford didn’t follow Dodge with the controversial use of coil springs in the rear, thetraditional leaf springs are now longer helping smooth out the ride.

We applaud Ford for including numerous safety features as standard equipment in all of itstrucks including stability control, traction control, four-wheel ABS with electronic brakeforcedistribution, tire pressure monitoring, front side-mounted airbags and trailer sway control.

Several neat features include a step that folds out of the tailgate along with a grab handle foreasy access to the truck bed, bed extenders stowable along the bed walls instead of resting in thebed when not in use, and bed-side steps tucked under the fenders that can be opened with a push ofthe foot allowing the average-sized person to step up and handily reach over the tall cargo boxwalls.

Options are many and include the very useable SYNC hands free music and phone system, a reversecamera that shows the truck’s trailer hitch location making hook up easy, and navigation with theSirius Travel Link system that among other things helps you find the lowest gas prices and thendirects you to the station.

Ford has done a creditable job making a good truck better. Most people who desire a full-sizedpickup should be able to find the right combination of size and features for their needs andpocketbook. We predict the best-selling truck in America will hold its position.

Ford Fusion

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

Ford did a very smart thing several years ago when it based its mid-size sedans on the dynamicMazda6 architecture. From my first drive, it was obvious engineers had taken the best traits of the’6 and combined them with a roomier cabin and upscale trim that made the Fusion (and similarMercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ) excellent alternatives to cars like the Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, andNissan Altima. Considering the re-style and re-engineering that are coming for 2010, Ford is poisedfor greater success.

Ford is quite good at contributing relatively minor investments to improve models beyond theirmeans. Much of the new Fusion’s exterior is carry-over, but the bold chrome grille and power domehood look like they could just as easily come from the 2009 F-150 as a mid-size family car. It doeslook very good, however. Interior trim is also refined and upgraded.

New for 2010 is a hybrid version ‘ the first gas/electric passenger car for the Blue Oval team.Ford expects the Fusion Hybrid to rate at least 5-MPG better on the highway than the Toyota Camryhybrid, or about 40 MPG. Running with an improved version of the Escape Hybrid’s system, the Fusionhybrid can operate up to 47 mph on pure electricity and allow up to a 700-mile range on citystreets.

A new dashboard features a center speedometer with configurable LCD displays on each side tocoach drivers on the best ways to conserve fuel and to get vital information about the car’sperformance. Said Derrick Kuzak, Ford V.P. for Global Product Development, ‘With the new FordFusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, we are now able to offer even better range of travel on batterypower at a greater speed, thanks to a more efficient, seamless transition between thebattery-powered motor and gasoline-driven engine. These new hybrids will exceed expectations on allfronts ‘ fuel efficiency, comfort, convenience and overall drivability.’

Ford is genius at evolving vehicles over long periods of time while keeping them current andrelevant. Now available with an enhanced hybrid system and cool styling, it is going to be toughcompetition for the Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry, Chevy Malibu, and Nissan Altima hybrids.

Ford Flex

Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com

They say the American auto industry is in a slump, and yet the hometown brands keep smackin’ emout of the park every chance they get. The 2009 Ford Flex is the latest vehicle from the Big Threeto live up to its pre-launch buzz, and considering the amount of hype that an auto manufacturer iscapable of that’s no small task.

The Flex is a sophisticated and stylish mega-wagon, a people-hauler with panache and analternative to full-size SUVs for buyers who aren’t interested in towing 10,000 pounds. Larger thanthe Taurus X and Explorer, this vehicle features three full rows of seats but is easier to drive(and feed) than an Expedition.

The Flex’ curved-box styling is upright and elegant. The distinctive contrasting roof color(it’s available in silver or white) invited comparisons to the MINI Cooper, and the squared-offcorners made folks think of the Scion xB, but the Flex is much larger (and arguably more grown-up)than either of those cars. That said, this is a very polarizing design, and during my drive Iencountered those who loved it and those who found it awful. Personally, I like it; it’s a stepaway from the cookie-cutter look common to crossovers, and there’s no mistaking the Flex foranything else, which is usually a good thing. The grille and headlights are flush-fit and create achrome band that covers the entire front end. The hood and side panels are marked by multipleparallel character lines. On uplevel models, a satiny silver tailgate makes the rear end pop.

The high beltline on the exterior is evident on the interior, as well, and despite the Flex’size it feels bathtub-like. It’s far from claustrophobic; if anything, the tall beltline makes theFlex feels bigger than life.

It’s easy to drive, but bulky. Open any door and you’ll notice that the door panels dramaticallyunder the body, a clever trick that helps keep the doorsills clean and prevents muddy smears onyour clothes. There’s seating for seven. The seats were just-right for some passengers and bitterlyuncomfortable for others; the rear seats drew no complaints. The third row tumbles into the flooreasily, much like the third row seats on minivans,and leaves a handy cargo well when it’s inposition. Fold all of the seats and the total cargo area is just over 83 cubic feet.

The Flex is available with a host of personalization features too, from the multi-paneled glassVista Roof to the adjustable mood lighting in the cup holders. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, abackup camera and a voice-activated navigation system are available. A refrigerated center consoleis a limousine-like touch.

The 3.5 liter V6 under the hood is powerful enough as well; the Flex doesn’t feel underpowered.Surprised that a vehicle this size doesn’t need a V8? The Flex’s 262 horses are more than capableof pulling the Flex along at freeway speeds. It’s a big vehicle, but even at over 4600 pounds it’slighter than many SUVs. This car is quiet on the freeway and long-legged as well–it’s a perfectroad-tripper’s ride, as long as you watch the speed.

The transmission is a six-speed automatic that’s very well suited to the Flex’ size and operatesseamlessly. A choice of front- or all-wheel drive is available, and a properly equipped Flex willtow up to 4500 pounds. That healthy capacity is a part of the reason the Flex is classified as atruck, but it’s basically a large and capable station wagon.

The fully independent suspension keeps the Flex smooth and comfortable on the road. MacPhersonstruts are used up front, with a multilink rear. In addition to the available all-wheel drive,bad-weather performance is assisted by Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Controltraction-control suite, which varies the torque going from front to rear and side to side inall-wheel drive models to keep the wheels planted before a skid can even begin.

It’s rare that a car with humble, cargo-carrying aspirations makes much of an impression, butthe Flex is one of the most impressive automotive debuts of 2008. Considering the competition,that’s saying something. With eye-catching style, extremely practical interior appointments andexcellent driving dynamics, the Flex would probably go a long way toward making station wagons hip,if Ford was willing to call it one. The car’s high stance labels it as a crossover, however.

Its price tag makes it accessible to the average buyer, no matter what you call it. Flex pricingstarts reasonably enough, but will creep up to over $40,000 for a fully loaded Limited. Then again,there are folks who can load enough equipment onto any car to make it cost over forty large. Keepthe options reasonable, and the Flex is affordable. My SEL tester stickered for $34,455 after theSYNC, two-tone roof and interior lighting package were added.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Casey Williams, www.car-data.com

With gas prices receding ever so slightly, you might be thinking about looking at big vehiclesagain. You could ‘ there are a lot of great ones out there. But, wouldn’t you rather think green,conserve fuel, and still have all of the space and comfort you want? Add in the new Limited package, capless fuel filling, and Microsoft Sync, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid may be the way to go.

The Escape Hybrid came just as I was heading out for a weekend of fun with a fraternity brother,his wife, and kids. I had about a two-hour Interstate run ahead of me. Over the years, I’ve drivenmany Escapes and imagined the revised ‘09 Hybrid would be a great traveling companion. It was.

Unlike a lot of crossovers, the Escape is proud enough of its SUV heritage to forgo swoopingcurves for an upright wagon profile that looks tough without being trite. A large chrome grillethat extends from the bumper leads into a domed hood, strong wheelarches, and clean bodylines. Ifyou look closely at the rear side windows, you can see a small air opening to help cool the batterypack. Low rolling resistance tires shod handsome 16′ aluminum wheels for good handling, acomfortable ride, and improved fuel economy. Subtle green logos on the front doors and rear hatchclue you in that this is not a normal Escape.

It is hard to remember now, but Ford was near last in introducing a compact SUV. Honda andToyota, with the CR-V and RAV4, beat Escape to market by a generation. Ford wisely built on thesuccess it had with the Explorer and Expedition when it styled and equipped its smallest off-roader. Early models handled well, but were noisy, unrefined, and not quite up to standards set by thebig SUVs or even the Focus compact.

Escapes have come a long way. They’re still great compacts, but are so refined and well equippedthat they make you wonder who needs more in everyday life. Interiors like our Hybrid Limited’s arehandsome with their blue-lit gauges, piano black finish on the center console and control surrounds, standard audio system with 6-disc changer, chrome door handles, ambient lighting, leather-wrappedsteering wheel, heated leather seats, cargo cover, and one-touch power glass moonroof. Automaticclimate control works without thought to keep you at your desired temperature. To lower theEscape’s overall CO2 emissions, seats are made from soy-based foam instead of petroleum ‘basedmaterials; fabrics are woven from 100% recycled materials. Safety is enhanced by side curtainairbags that deploy during rollovers.

Like the stylish new Lincoln MKS, the Escape can connect with the world while on the go. Thecoolest available system is SYNC, co-developed with Microsoft. By pressing a button on the steeringwheel, drivers can command the audio and navigation systems. Hungry? Just say so and SYNC conjuresup local restaurants and can route you to them. Concerned about the weather? SYNC provides afive-day forecast and real time satellite map of your vicinity. Bluetooth connectivity allowshands-free telephone calls, Sirius Satellite Radio brings Elvis and CNN from beyond, and iPODs canconnect to the car with an USB port so you can control your music from the in-car controls. And, ifyou need to charge your laptop, hybrids include a household 110V plug in the front console.

Driving at night to see my friends, I came upon a tour bus lounging in the left lane. With athought and press of my right foot, 177 ponies and hordes of electrons came online and stepped tothe road through Escape’s electronic all-wheel drive system. AdvanceTrac stability control andfour-wheel ABS stood by in case I over-drove my abilities.

Escape Hybrids are powered by Ford’s Duratec 16-valve, 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinderengine, electric motor, continuously-variable transmission, and batteries. Regenerative brakes andthe gas engine recharge the batteries, which allow the Escape to hum through traffic withoutconsuming fossils. It’s a little eerie when the engine shuts down at stoplights or when creepingthrough parking lots, but fuel economy ratings of 34/31-MPG city/highway for front-drive models and29/27-MPG for AWD are easy to understand. In real-world driving, cruising near 80 mph and throughcity traffic, I exceeded those ratings.

Ford may categorize the Escape as an SUV, but it is a car-based crossover that handles like asportier station wagon while keeping everybody up and out of snow, mud, and rough terrain.Especially when equipped with electronic all-wheel-drive, the Escape can actually take you to seethe picturesque scenes Ford puts in its ads while keeping you well connected and entertained nomatter where you tread. Carrying economy car fuel economy ratings, and a full load of technologythat causes luxury makers to tremble, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid syncs green from trail todriveway.

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