Ford Flex Named Automobile Magazine All-Star

The all-new 2009 Ford Flex has been named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2009 All-Stars.

“We were taken by the Flex’s exterior design, which is thoroughly modern while harking back to the glory days of U.S. automakers, and a cabin that is a masterpiece of ergonomic engineering and chock-full of high-tech features,” said Jean Jennings, president and editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine.

AUTOMOBILE Magazine is one of the country’s leading automotive lifestyle publications. All-Stars were chosen following an intensive test drive of the year’s most innovative and important new cars, says Jennings. Winners were selected based on design, value and performance, driving enjoyment and the vehicle’s ability to redefine an existing category or create a new market segment.

Ford Flex (Image: Ford)

Ford Flex (Image: Ford)

Ford Flex (Image: Ford)

Ford Flex (Image: Ford)

“With seven-passenger capacity and generous proportions, the Flex is a vehicle that defies conventional wisdom,” said Jennings. “The Flex concentrates on refinement and emphasizes style while being as practical as a minivan.”

According to Ford Crossover Communications Manager Usha Raghavachari, the Flex is successfully attracting new customers to Ford, half of which are completely new to the brand.

“Customers are initially drawn to the Flex by its fresh, distinctive design and upscale, yet functional interior,” she said. “They are also captivated by innovative new technologies, like SYNC, which allows you to voice-activate your cell phone and MP3 player; a class-exclusive fridge, which cools and freezes; and SIRIUS  Travel Link™, which among other things allows you to get real-time traffic and weather and check gas prices at 120,000 gas stations across the country.”

Flex also ranks at the top of its class with fuel economy, providing 24 mpg on the highway. The vehicle also comes standard with six air bags, a Safety Canopy System and Advance Trac with RSC (Roll Stability Controlâ„¢).

“All in all, it’s a truly irresistible combination that makes the Flex worthy of being an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star,” said Raghavachari.