2013 Ford Flex Loses Hard Edge

Just the Facts:

• The 2013 Ford Flex, which debuts next week at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show, gets a rounder look to "modernize the design."
• The 2013 Ford Flex goes on sale in the spring.
• A new appearance package on Flex Limited and SEL models includes a two-tone roof.

DEARBORN, Michigan ? The 2013 Ford Flex, which debuts next week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, gets a rounder look to "modernize the design," said the Dearborn automaker. The 2013 Ford Flex goes on sale in the spring.

When asked by Inside Line on Tuesday if the Flex's redesign was done in response to customer complaints, Ford said no. On November 1, Ford reported that 2011 year-to-date sales of the Flex were down 21.9 percent versus 2010. Ford sold 23,012 Flexes through October 31 versus 29,458 during the same period in 2010.

"It was about modernizing the design," said Angie Kozleski, a Ford spokeswoman. "It's a fresher new appearance. We rounded out the boxy edges."

The Ford blue oval has also been stripped from the front and replaced by the Flex name in boxy letters. The Flex also gets standard dual exhaust. A new appearance package on Flex Limited and SEL models includes a two-tone roof, as well as 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, leather seats and unique door trim panels. Three new colors have been added for the 2013 model year: Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown.

The Flex is equipped with a base 3.5-liter V6 engine that Ford says is "projected to deliver 1 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and in city driving, with 20 more horsepower." The upgraded engine delivers 285 hp.

The EPA says the 2012 Ford Flex FWD model returns 17 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway.

Pricing has not been announced on the 2013 Flex, but Kozleski said it will "remain competitive." The base 2012 Ford Flex SE FWD starts at $29,290, including an $825 destination charge.

Inside Line says: Ford softens the Flex's polarizing design for the 2013 model year.

Source: http://www.insideline.com/ford/flex/2013/2013-ford-flex-loses-hard-edge.html

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