if this has already been discussed, i'm sorry

how is this not just a blatant rip-off design of the clubman/mini???



it's supposed to be a pretty decent car...but the resemblance can't be ignored every time i see it i see the contrast roof, the wrap-around windows, etc. and see a strangely-morphed mini. reminds me of those chinese mini rip offs

 

There was one at Cars and Coffee . They look nice but they are HUGE ! Around full size SUV but lower to the ground .

 

I get the white roof, black greenhouse, and chrome belt line similarities, but it still drives me up a wall when people say it looks just like a MINI. The Flex is fug, huge & overly square. I predict this will be a huge flop, it's the new Aztek.

 

Any car that gets under 20 MPG will be the new Aztec at $5 per gallon !

 

Sad, but true. The SUV/CUV market is shrinking, leaving less room for something like this compared to a more normal design like a GMC Arcadia or Buick Enclave.

 

Parked in front of a Clubman, no less.



I think it looks great and hope it will sell well. I doubt the intention was to make it look like a MINI, probably more like a Range Rover than anything.

 

Maybe MINI should sue Ford for royalities like ten cents per two tone Flex.

 

I was going past a Ford dealer last week and did a double-take when I saw the Flex. It was definitely "inspired" by MINI. But let's face the fact that it's a tradition in the auto industry to copy styling cues from other manufacturers. Look at how the entire industry followed behind BMW's Bangle styling.

 

Saw one at the golf course last weekend, black and white. I think that car has been in the works for a while, so I don't know if the Clubman was an inspiration. It's boxier and HUGE! Ford (and I own an F-150 MINI support vehicle) and GM will never learn. Anyway, looks like we will be a 2 MINI family, supposed to order her Clubman Saturday. I guess we'll join the ship trackers.

 

The Flex is nearly 5 feet longer and almost 1800 pounds heavier!

 

Looks like a MINI and Scion got it on. HAHAHA

 

Maybe MINI should pay Ford royalties.1955 Ford two tone. (I think the blue and white is a Chevy.) And a Ford Clubman.

 

So they'd make...what...a dollar?

 

If you really really want to talk about ripping off
peep this: Ford roofs become Custom and Cool



http://blogs.trucktrend.com/6238059/...ool/index.html

 

I think Ford needs every dollar they can get, right about now. The Flex does not look like a winner to me.

 

Looks more like a MINI and a Ford Excursion(SP?)got it on

 

I saw one on the road and was really impressed with the styling. I'd want one if it wasn't just another stupid cross-over*.

It's a little retro but that's about all I saw it having in common with mini styling. I think the Toyota FJ is more of a mini rip-off if we're going to accuse somebody.
(it's not like the PT cruiser vs. the "I swear it looks like a 49 suburban" HHR)

* calling a car a cross over is just a positive way of admitting your SUV sucks off road. Which I guess I'd prefer to all the "SUVs" out there that would have trouble making it down a gravel road.
What's the attraction of an a vehicle that doesn't get good fuel economy, doesn't handle well, can't actually go off road, and doesn't do a good job as a people carrier?

 

I think they look awesome! Get a good color combo, put some nice rims on it and then drop it a bit. If I was to get any other car on the market right now it woud be that.. I haven't driven one or anything but just by looks alone I like it.