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Da da da da dah, Inspector Gadget!
Children of the 1980s know who I'm referencing... remember Inspector Gadget? The animated TV show series with a sometimes bumbling bionic police inspector was one of my favorites. He had all kinds of great gadgets! I have been driving a new 2015 Ford Flex this week, courtesy of Ford Southeast, and it has some auto gadgets I have never seen before.
Like the chiller compartment: the available second-row refrigerated console can chill up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles in refrigeration or freezer mode! We are often rolling down the highways on family road trips, and I always bring a small cooler with a few drinks and snacks. This would save us from needing that extra piece to lug around and no more melting ice cubes or plastic freezer blocks that do not stay cold long enough. Family travel approved.
And the BLIS system: the Blind Spot Information System warns drivers of objects in the blind spot when backing up, helping to avoid aggravating parking lot mishaps. It uses radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn drivers before a potential impact.
Do you want to know the coolest feature that totally surprised me? The auto-up third row. This vehicle seats seven comfortably and setting up the third row is as painless as pushing a button! To see it in action, check out my Ford Flex video on Instagram.
Have you ever heard of inflatable seatbelts? Seriously! Second-row inflatable belts offer improved comfort and protection for passengers. The system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for second-row passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries. As a mom of two with one already in a booster seat, this is a fantastic safety improvement. I'm fascinated by the idea, but I hope we never have an opportunity to see it in action.
Our personal experience with the Ford Flex was enjoyable. After installing the baby's car seat and switching over our big girl's booster, we spent an afternoon and the weekend cruising around our area so I could get a feel of the vehicle and its features. Amelia thought it was comfortable and I had no problem fitting her booster and baby's large convertible car seat. The Flex somehow looks smaller on the outside than it is on the inside. It is incredibly roomy and can seat up to seven! I like that idea for bringing friends home after playdates or after-school activities.
The Flex has an interesting modern look, one that isn't my favorite to be honest. But it is certainly interesting and I can see how so many people really love it, especially with the eye-catching optional two-tone paint job. It isn't a boring "soccer mom" kind of vehicle, but it can haul like one! The interior felt quite luxurious in leather with all the bells and whistles including push-button start, satellite radio, and a navigation system. My only regret about reviewing the Ford Flex is that we cannot take it on our long road trip later this month. I am going to miss the space and comfort!
Please use your vehicles for good this holiday season and find a donation location near you. My family donated new toys to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta this year, thanks to Ford's One Tank for Good and such a fun experience with the Ford CMAX from the year prior. We wanted to bring items to help the children at CHOA once again.
Remember, if you are on the west side of Atlanta metro, you can donate at John Bleakley Ford in Lithia Springs. With three donation collections, they made it really easy to choose a cause that touches your heart.