Hi, Guest
03-28-2010, 12:14 AM
I took it on a mixed drive at lower speeds, and a few quick bursts upto 100 km's/hr, on both smooth pavement, and rough pavement. It tracks and corners very well, and it goes exactly where you point it...even more so when you apply the throttle exiting a corner (like the roundabout on Prince of Wales). The electric power steering feels kinda artificial, meaning, there's not as much force feedback in your hands like there is with a conventional hydraulic system. The steering does however make up for this by giving you seemingly more precise control, and it doesn't feel like it would be out of adjustment either.
The car makes fast and easy lane changes, and you can make both left and right hand turns rather briskly, without much effort. Basically, the car steers and handles like something smaller and lighter than it is.
As far as the brakes go, I couldn't use them very hard, as the car had less than 50 km's on it and I didn't want to damage them. What I did notice though, is that they aren't mushy feeling, the pedal feels nice and firm under your foot, even without the brakes being broken in or warmed up either.
The ride of the car is very much like a Euro Ford...it's taught, but not bone jarring...firm, but still comfortable. It'd be fantastic to ride in on long highway trips, but still has a sporty enough feel to it as to not be bored to death.
As I mentioned before, the torque of the engine is effortless, and I think that it benefits greatly from sending that power to all 4 corners when it has to, making the vehicle feel even more sure-footed. I can see this engine, once broken in, being a lot like the engine in the S197 Mustang...it won't matter what rpm or gear you are in, the engine just doesn't run out of breath.
If I was to buy one of these cars, I'd get the Ecoboost AWD, in either the Limited, or the SEL. I'd get it with HID's, the larger rims, and I'd order it WITHOUT the Vista roof and WITHOUT the Touchscreen Nav system...the regular Sync system would be just fine. I'd also get it with 2 rows of captains chairs, WITHOUT the fridge in the back.
Speaking of the back, with the 2nd row of seats folded forward, it's not uncomfortable or complicated to reach the 3rd row seating, and I can actually fit in the back row with decent space. Headroom, shoulder room, and kneespace in the front seats and 2nd row is fantastic.
The salesman said that people usually don't buy the Ecoboost Flex, because they suffer from "Sticker Shock" when they see figures above $50K, and they go for the regular SEL's or Limiteds. I think what people need to realize, is that if you want a luxurious vehicle that seats more than 4 or 5 people, EVERYTHING you look at is going to be that expensive.
The Flex is a very competent vehicle, it's fast, it's nimble for it's size, and the interior is amazing...
If I go on tour to Afghanistan again, I might come home and look at one. Just gotta go see if we like it better than a GMC Acadia/Chevy Traverse/Buick Enclave first (wife loves the looks and design of these vehicles).
L8tz
The car makes fast and easy lane changes, and you can make both left and right hand turns rather briskly, without much effort. Basically, the car steers and handles like something smaller and lighter than it is.
As far as the brakes go, I couldn't use them very hard, as the car had less than 50 km's on it and I didn't want to damage them. What I did notice though, is that they aren't mushy feeling, the pedal feels nice and firm under your foot, even without the brakes being broken in or warmed up either.
The ride of the car is very much like a Euro Ford...it's taught, but not bone jarring...firm, but still comfortable. It'd be fantastic to ride in on long highway trips, but still has a sporty enough feel to it as to not be bored to death.
As I mentioned before, the torque of the engine is effortless, and I think that it benefits greatly from sending that power to all 4 corners when it has to, making the vehicle feel even more sure-footed. I can see this engine, once broken in, being a lot like the engine in the S197 Mustang...it won't matter what rpm or gear you are in, the engine just doesn't run out of breath.
If I was to buy one of these cars, I'd get the Ecoboost AWD, in either the Limited, or the SEL. I'd get it with HID's, the larger rims, and I'd order it WITHOUT the Vista roof and WITHOUT the Touchscreen Nav system...the regular Sync system would be just fine. I'd also get it with 2 rows of captains chairs, WITHOUT the fridge in the back.
Speaking of the back, with the 2nd row of seats folded forward, it's not uncomfortable or complicated to reach the 3rd row seating, and I can actually fit in the back row with decent space. Headroom, shoulder room, and kneespace in the front seats and 2nd row is fantastic.
The salesman said that people usually don't buy the Ecoboost Flex, because they suffer from "Sticker Shock" when they see figures above $50K, and they go for the regular SEL's or Limiteds. I think what people need to realize, is that if you want a luxurious vehicle that seats more than 4 or 5 people, EVERYTHING you look at is going to be that expensive.
The Flex is a very competent vehicle, it's fast, it's nimble for it's size, and the interior is amazing...
If I go on tour to Afghanistan again, I might come home and look at one. Just gotta go see if we like it better than a GMC Acadia/Chevy Traverse/Buick Enclave first (wife loves the looks and design of these vehicles).
L8tz
Bleeding Ford Blue again...