Culture|Garage

The newest Ford crossover, the Fairlane Flex, has a new mini-site where potential buyers can build, spec and price their own vehicle. Although the pricing shown is not official, it gives buyers a good idea of what they’ll need to pay for this new kiddie/surfboard/parts/band stuff hauler.

A possible future Ford minivan replacement, the Flex has a squarer shape, presumably to appease the masses of parents sick of driving shapeless machines to soccer practice, school and beyond. Body panels showcase sculpted lines lifted directly from the Fairlane show vehicle, as well as a brushed aluminum panel over the tailgate. According to the site, the lines in the side of the Flex were supposed to resemble a classic woodie wagon, as well as a “road-tripping” vehicle for 2012, whatever that means.

Inside the Flex, an availiable “vista-roof” (Vista Cruiser?) adds moonroofs front and rear, while cupholders are numerous throughout the vehicle. Seating appears to be copious, as does stowage space. Wood trim is also present, a trait that is becoming more and more common across every vehicle in Ford’s lineup. Also look for the console-mounted refrigerator, as well as the second-row footrests which further illustrate the Flex’s purpose as a people-mover.

Ford’s 3.5 liter V6 will power the Fairlane Flex, (damn! did it again!) serving up 260 horsepower. The powerplant will be connected to a six-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive will be availiable, but not standard, adding a few bucks to the pricetag.

The Flex’s site allows you to change the trim options, paint colors and additional extras, all the while letting you watch the spend-o-meter rise. Although the purpose of the site is a bit foggy, one can only hope that the Flex will provide something legitimately good in the crossover market. Upon this author’s use of the site, the Flex came out to cost about $32,670 with a mid-range SEL trim package, and few options, including the two-tone paint scheme, ala FJ Cruiser. See the site here, to build and price your own.

via: Ford, Autobytel, Motor Trend

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