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You are here: Home / Archives for Products & Reviews

Focused on family: The 2016 Ford Flex is staying on top with technology and safety

June 27, 2016 by Wendy S

It’s been a few years since I was in the Ford Flex.

Here’s my review of the 2013 Ford Flex: http://www.mapsgirl.ca/2013/06/ford-canada-2013-flex-awd-limited-review.html

2016 Ford Flex @ mapsgirl.ca

At First Glance

The 2016 Ford Flex has remained consistent with the location of all the controls. The seats are still very comfortable and there is lots of space for family, pets, and gear!

2016 Ford Flex

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The fun features that the girls loved from the 2013, like the multi-panel vista roof, made their time in the 2016 Flex so enjoyable.

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A beautiful day to have the roof open! #FordFlex #fordcanada @FordCanada

A photo posted by Wendy {mapsgirl} (@mapsgirl) on Jun 7, 2016 at 1:24pm PDT

The 2016 Flex Limited model I tested had room for 3 passengers in the middle row rather than the 2 captains chairs.

Getting around

The handling was just as I remembered it! Fun to drive on the highway or on city streets.

 

Traffic report doesn’t look great, but my ride in the #FordFlex will be fun! @fordcanada

A photo posted by Wendy {mapsgirl} (@mapsgirl) on Jun 7, 2016 at 12:18pm PDT

I still love the Ecoboost engine. Our F-150 has it and it would definitely be something that I would look for when purchasing a Ford vehicle. To learn more about this engine, read “Ecoboost: Efficiency without Compromise” from Ford Blue.

Ford continues to provide amazing features, and it’s nice to know they are still offering the blind-spot information system (BLIS), cross traffic alert (collision warning system) and adaptive cruise control. Adaptive cruise is one of the features that I miss. My regular vehicle doesn’t have it.

I was really hoping that Ford would offer the Ecoboost engine in the FWD version of the Flex. But not yet. I’ll keep my fingers crossed! Another feature that is really nice to have, that comes standard on all Ford vehicles, is the Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler. You never have to worry about forgetting to put the cap back on the fuel tank at the pumps, or having gasoline stolen from your vehicle. An integrated spring-loaded door opens when the gas nozzle is inserted into the tank. Upon removal, the door springs back and seals the tank closed. Brilliant!

A technology geek’s playground!

Of course, I had to check out the navigation system!  The detail of 3D buildings is a nice touch!  Also, enter the address and city is very easy.

 

I love the 3D buildings on the SYNC 3 Navigation! #FordFlex #GIS #map @fordcanada

A photo posted by Wendy {mapsgirl} (@mapsgirl) on Jun 7, 2016 at 8:24pm PDT

The 2016 Ford Flex has SYNC® 3 with SYNC® AppLink™. SYNC® 3 is Ford’s easy-to-use next generation infotainment system. I love MFT, as Craig has it in his F-150 – but I really love SYNC® 3. The interface is cleaner, more responsive, and amazingly fast!

Via SYNC® AppLink™, you can launch and voice-control some of your favorite mobile apps or access them in the organized apps section, which automatically loads SYNC-enabled apps from your paired and connected smartphone.

Listening to Spotify or checking the weather using AccuWeather was so cool!

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You can check out the SYNC AppLink catalog here.

Family fun!

We had fun in Toronto one evening. A nice family dinner out and a scenic drive through the CNE.  It was nice to just relax and drive without the stress of traffic.    We had fun capturing photos and videos of the 2016 Flex.

 

Site seeing with my family in Toronto in the @FordCanada Flex. It’s roomy, comfortable, and the multipanel Vista Roof allows us to see the beautiful clouds above. #FordFlex #Toronto #the6ix #Ford

A video posted by Wendy {mapsgirl} (@mapsgirl) on Jun 7, 2016 at 8:40pm PDT

 

BMO Field provided a great backdrop for the @fordcanada Flex. This would be a great vehicle to take to a @TorontoFC game! #FordFlex #FordCanada #Ford #The6ix #Toronto #GTA #TorontoFC #BMOfield

A photo posted by Wendy {mapsgirl} (@mapsgirl) on Jun 9, 2016 at 3:53pm PDT

 

Driving south on Dufferin Street from Liberty Village, I had to stop at Dufferin Gate. Such a beautiful backdrop for the @FordCanada Flex. #Ford #FordFlex #The6ix #CNE #DufferinGate #LibertyVillage

A photo posted by Wendy {mapsgirl} (@mapsgirl) on Jun 8, 2016 at 5:45am PDT

I was excited to find out that @FordCanada retweeted my tweet of this photo:

Dufferin Gate. Such a beautiful backdrop for the @FordCanada Flex. #FordFlex pic.twitter.com/KZNDe6Gfy3

— Wendy [mapsgirl] (@mapsgirl) June 10, 2016

And even more excited that it appeared in an article from CNW featuring Diane Craig, Ford Canada’s CEO

Cdn CEOs @ mapsgirl.ca
Four Communications Takeaways from Canadian CEOs

Let’s check out the back seat!

As a car seat technician, parents will frequently ask how car seats fit in their vehicles. Let’s see how the Ford Flex did with a Maxi Cosi Mico!

The middle row has lots of space for a rear-facing car seat! And there are 4 seating positions with top tether anchors! This gives you more options for installing forward-facing car seats. Many SUVs and crossovers only have 2 or 3 top tether anchors.

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You’ll have to be a bit more careful if you have a wider car seat to ensure that the plastic hinges don’t interfere with getting a good installation.

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The middle seat of the middle row isn’t wide enough to install this car seat. If you were to install a car seat in the center position, the drivers-side passenger seat would be unusable due the overlapping seatbelts.

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Passengers have access to a lot of features in the 2nd row. There are cupholders, storage spaces, and an electrical outlet!

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The inflatable seat belts are a nice safety feature. These are optional in the Ford Flex.

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The 3rd row has seats for 2 people with low anchors and top tether anchor in one seating position. As the 3rd row is a bit smaller than the 2nd row, forward facing seats would work best.

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This rear facing seat doesn’t fit.

The 3rd row does have the power folding capability! The girls and I had breakfast at the park one morning and the tailgating position came in handy.

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I really enjoyed my time with the 2016 Ford Flex. From it’s large spacious cabin, to the technology and safety features, to the comfortable ride, it was a hit for our family. If you are looking for a spacious family vehicle that is capable of hauling your family and all their gear up to the cottage, or to your kid’s baseball or soccer game, the Flex is a great choice.

Head over to Ford.ca for more information!

TTFN @ mapsgirl.ca

 

 

~ Wendy


Pros:
Roomy, comfortable, luxurious, lots of fun technology and sunroofs!

Cons:
Larger vehicle, tricky car seat installations

Specs (as tested):
• 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine
• All-Wheel Drive
• 7 passenger
• City: 15.7 L/100km
• Hwy: 11.2 L/100km
• Maximum Towing Capacity: Class I; up to Class III with optional Trailer Tow Package
• Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm): 365 @ 5500
• Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 350 @ 3500
• Transmission : 6-speed SelectShift® automatic with paddle activation
• Steering: Electric power assist Rack-and-Pinion
• Braking: Power 4-wheel disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Front suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts with rear-facing lower L-arms
• Front shocks: Gas-pressurized twin tube
• Rear suspension: Multi-link, fully independent suspension, fully isolated rear subframe
• Rear shocks: Gas-pressurized twin tube
• Wheelbase: 2994mm
• Length: 5125mm
• Height: 1726mm
• Passenger Volume: 4412
• Cargo Volume Behind First Row: 2355
• Cargo Volume Behind Second Row: 1224
• Cargo Volume Behind Third Row *Including rear seat well: 426*

Available in 3 models:
• Flex SE – Starting at $29,799
• Flex SEL – Starting at $36,799
• Flex Limited – Starting at $43,599

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Ford Canada loaned me the vehicle for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: auto reviews, Products & Reviews Tagged With: auto, flex, ford, Ford Canada, ford flex, review, suv, SYNC3, vehicle

New on DVD: Shaun the Sheep – Review and Giveaway

November 24, 2015 by Wendy S

seal-blogShaun The Sheep Movie DVD CoverSHAUN THE SHEEP: THE MOVIE is based on the well-known TV series, had fantastic reviews, is currently rated 99% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and is loved by both parents and kids alike.  Common Sense Media rates it “Great for Families“!
 
When Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for. A mix up with the Farmer, a caravan and a very steep hill lead them all to the Big City and it’s up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone safely to the green grass of home.
 

It’s amazing how much fun this is to watch…even with no human dialog! And to imagine all the time it took to create this stop-motion movie is mind blowing!  We had so many laughs.  

 

Follow Shaun the Sheep on twitter – https://twitter.com/shaunthesheep

Like Shaun the Sheep on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/shaunthesheep

And you can enjoy the fun too!

Shaun the Sheep Movie is available on DVD as of today, November 24th!  And you can win a copy!

Entry-Form

Filed Under: giveaway, Products & Reviews

The Importance of Reading to Kids with Mabel’s Labels! @mabelhood #holidays

November 13, 2015 by Wendy S

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island. — Walt Disney

Mabel’s Labels knows that reading to kids is important for their growth and development, and also one of the most rewarding and heartwarming activities we can do with our little ones. That’s why they created this adorable video of Mabel’s Labels staff reading with their kids. After you watch it, be sure to check out the great personalized books for kids they have available to make reading with your kids even more special this holiday season.

Star Wars Personalized Book

Discover all the great new products Mabel’s Labels has for the holidays. There are all sorts of ways to be merry with Mabel’s this year!

The Stocking Stuffer Combo  Holiday Return Address Labels

Filed Under: Products & Reviews Tagged With: Christmas, mabel's labels, shopping

Eat More Stars and Earn more PC Points! #EatMoreStars #GuildingStarsCA

September 10, 2015 by Wendy S

Over the last few months, I’ve shared with you some great information about the Guiding Star program.  

First we learned about what Guiding Stars are and what criteria Loblaws uses to rate different food and products.

Then I showed you how you can make great food choices to making amazing, healthy meals!

 

Now that you’re buying foods with Guiding Stars, Loblaws is congratulating you by giving you more PC Points!

eatmorestars

The more stars and item has, the more points you get!

For every 1 star item, you will get 10pts

For every 2 star item, you will get 30pts

For every 3 star item, you will get 30pts

Bonus items!

When you log into your PC Plus account and load your offers, you can see the bonus offer for the week.

This week’s offer (ending September 17th) is 3000 PC Points when your purchase $10 on Canned or Frozen Fruits and Vegetables!

eatmorestars_week3

What are you going to buy with all of your PC Points??

Filed Under: Products & Reviews Tagged With: Guiding Stars, PC Points, PC Stars

Schedule your free appointment with Loblaws’ Dietitians today! #GuidingStarsCA #PCStars

July 17, 2015 by Wendy S

Since start this campaign with Loblaws, I have learned so much already!  The Guiding Stars program makes choosing better products easier and when you meet with the Loblaws Dietitian, you will learn so much more!

Free Services available from your local Loblaw’s Dietitian

Each store with a Dietitian will have Free services available.  Appointments or registration may be required, so check your store!

Here are some of the services available at my local store:

  • Complimentary Nutritional Services (Available by Appointment Only)
  • Healthy Eating for the Everyday Athlete and Athletic Recovery
  • Healthy Hydration
  • Zucchini, You Can Never Have Enough
  • Effortless Overnight Oats

Who are the Dietitians?

I called my local RCSS and made an appointment to meet with the Dietitian.  If you are in the Oakville or Milton area, I highly recommend that you meet with Karolina!  She is very knowledgeable and personable and we had a great time!  

Dietitian

About Karolina Otto

Karolina Otto serves as your In Store Dietitian and supports all health and nutrition initiatives. Karolina brings 20 years of experience with an extensive background in foodservice management, nutraceuticall sales and marketing, child health and senior nutrition education. Karolina is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for making healthy eating fun and delicious. Her mission is to provide customers and associates with inspiring health as well as value-oriented solutions they can incorporate into their shopping experience and everyday lives. Karolina is a graduate of McGill University holding a B.S. degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and is a member of Dietitians of Canada. She is recognized for her passion for nutrition, health and wellness.

What happens at your appointment?

It all depends on you! Each appointment with the dietitian is customized to you and your health needs. You will learn how to shop and eat based on any diet needs that you have — diabetes, food sensitivities or allergies or sport training requirements, just to name a few.

She will give you all the information you need to make good food choices to keep you healthy.

Shopping with the Guiding Stars

After Karolina told me all of the great services she and Loblaws provide to Loblaws shoppers, took me for a tour of the store. 

After she understands what her clients’ nutritional needs are, she shows them around the store, teaching them about food choices, how to read labels and how Guiding Stars helps them make better choices.

Produce

Since most produce doesn’t have a nutritional label on them, the Guiding Stars book lists everything you need to know.  She explained that this is particularily important to diabetics who are concerned about their caloric intake.  She also explained that since stars are give based on higher levels of fiber and lower levels of sugar, some fruits won’t get many stars, if any at all.

BlueberriesUnderstanding the Guiding Stars

As I mentioned above, those food that have a higher level of fiber and lower levels of sugar, will get a higher number of stars.  

Reading Labels

This was an eye opener for me.  I thought that I knew a lot about reading labels, but there were some key factors Karolina taught me.

The number of the nutritional label isn’t one serving. It is the weight of the food that is around 100 calories.  So even tho the label says that 8 crackers are 100 calories if it is over 35 grams, that is more than one serving of that food group. 

On my mark, get set, shop!

Armed with my new knowledge about serving sizes, Guiding Stars and labels, I am ready to make better nutritional choices for my family!  I really recommed meeting with a Loblaw’s Dietitian!

(And if your’e lucky enought to be in the Milton or Oakville area, you’ll meet with Karolina who is fantastic!)

Click here to find a dietitian near you!

 

Filed Under: body mind spirit, Life, Products & Reviews Tagged With: #NewMapsgirl, Guiding Stars, PC Stars

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mapsgirl@gmail.com

Why “mapsgirl” ?

Wendy is a cartographer! She draws maps!

When not mapping, Wendy is also a mom to two daughters. They are the inspiration of this blog. Passionate about child passenger safety, Wendy was a certified Car Seat Technician in Ontario, Canada from 2008 to 2020. [Read More …]

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