Ford Freestyle CUV Launched In India At Rs. 5.09 Lakh

Ford Freestyle based on regular Figo with SUV credentials is powered by brand new petrol engine; sports an array of cosmetic, interior and mechanical changes

Ford is currently working on the facelifted version of the Figo hatchback. Having spied testing several times, it is expected to launch in the Indian market sometime this year. It comes wearing significant design updates and some new features as well, in order to become more attractive and appealing compared to the outgoing model.

However, in order to strengthen its presence in the volume segment, Ford has now officially introduced a cross-hatch version of its Figo. The cross-hatch segment has not been a talk-of-the-town but Ford thinks it can make a significant impact in it. What claims to be a Compact Utility Vehicle is badged ‘Freestyle’ and it does have styling difference compared to the standard Figo positively.

Also Read: 2018 Ford Figo Facelift Spotted Alongside Its Cross Variant In India 

Fresh off the debut of the heavily updated EcoSport in November 2017, Ford is keen to get back in the fray with volume sales. As the popularity of the existing Figo twins (hatchback and sedan) has reduced, the cross-hatch will be pitched to get back the lost mojo for the American brand. The Freestyle will join the standard Figo hatchback and the Aspire in the lineup.

Ford says the Freestyle is for the free-spirited buyers with passion for staying out on the road with the slogan of ‘Do Everything & Regret Nothing’. In a similar fashion to the EcoSport that set the early benchmark for subcompact SUVs in India, the Freestyle is expected to create a new trend in its segment.

Also Read: Ford EcoSport’s New 1.5L Dragon Petrol Engine Unveiled 

It is banking on the SUV space that grew three-folds between 2013 and 2016, and last year the compact SUVs alone contributed to 37 percent sales raise when total total vehicle sales rose up by 9 percent. With the introduction of Freestyle, the company will be able to expand its presence and appeal for more buyers.

High demand for crossovers and SUVs in the domestic market is a well-known fact and Ford seems to be gearing up to make some profit from this trend. Ford eyes first-time small car buyers who are looking for an upgrade into CUVs. Let us take a closer look at all the facts of the Ford Freestyle:

Ford Freestyle India Price

The Ford Freestyle is priced slightly higher than the regular Ford Figo. Ford claims that the Freestyle’s service parts cost 20 percent cheaper than other rivalling hatchbacks and has class-best service interval of 10,000 km or 1 year. It is estimated to use up 41 paise per km on petrol variants and 51 paise on diesel variants from the owner as far as service costs are concerned.

It costs Rs. 5,09,000 for the entry-level Ambiente petrol trim and goes up to Rs. 7,89,000 for the Titanium+ diesel model (both ex-showroom prices introductory). Here is the complete price list:

Ford Freestyle India Launch

Having been unveiled earlier this year, the Ford Freestyle has entered the Indian market officially on April 26. India will be one of the first countries to get the taste of the Freestyle globally, emphasising the commitment the brand has been showing to our domestic market.

Ford Freestyle Engine and Specification

Ford Freestyle shares one engine and transmission option with its regular sibling. The company is introducing its Dragon family of petrol engines into India portfolio and the latest model to get it is the Freestyle. The 1.2-litre Ti-VCT petrol in the existing Figo is not carried over.

Instead, an all-new Dragon series gasoline unit makes more power and torque compared to the regular Figo with improved fuel economy. The new 1.2-litre Ti-VCT three-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 96 PS at 6,500 rpm and 120 Nm of peak torque at 3,750 rpm.

Also Read: 2018 Ford EcoSport Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 7.31 Lakh 

The full aluminium engine complies with new stricter emission norms and 10% lighter compared to the regular Figo’s petrol unit. On the other hand, the familiar TDCi diesel engine used in the Figo and EcoSport has also been used. It kicks out 100 PS of peak power at 3,750 rpm and 215 Nm of peak torque from 1,750-3,000 rpm. Both the engines are coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.

Ford Freestyle Mileage

The Freestyle CUV is claimed to have a petrol mileage of 19 kmpl (0.84 kmpl more than Figo petrol model) while the diesel engine is rated to return 24.4 kmpl.

Ford Freestyle Variants

The Ford Freestyle gets four grades namely Ambiente, Trend, Titanium, and Titanium+ with ABS as well as EBD, dual airbags, reverse parking sensors, and rear fog lamp standard across the range. The entry-level Ambiente features front power windows while the Trend grade gets touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB support, four speakers, rear view camera, front fog lamps, steering mounted audio controls, blackened B and C pillars, turn indicators integrated into ORVMs, four power windows, Sienna seat upholstery, trunk light and tachometer with gear shift indicator.

Inclusive of the features in Trend, the Titanium variant comes equipped with rear washer and wiper, push-button start, height adjustable seat belt, 5.8 inch multi-info display, 15-inch alloy wheels, driver seat height adjustment, electrically adjustable and folding ORVM, automatic climate control, silver roof rail finish and front and rear skid plates.

The top-of-the-line Titanium+ gains rain sensing wipers, Ford MyKey, side and curtain airbags, automatic headlamps, SYNC3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and glove box light in addition to features mentioned in above variants. Customers can also choose from various accessories such as different seat covers, body stripe kit and roof wrap, slimline weathershield, sun blinds and rear spoiler.

Ford Freestyle Exterior

In terms of design, the Ford Freestyle is based on the regular Figo. It comes with sharper swept back headlamps with projector units. The front grille sports a sharper hexagonal appearance and blackened criss-cross slats instead of chrome garnished elements. To mimic the mini SUVs, the Freestyle has three dimensional dynamic mesh.

There are sweeping character lines moving from front to rear for a muscular stance. The rugged front bumper receives a black cladding and integrated skid plate enhancing the tough look of the crossover. Apart from that, the side profile gets newly designed alloy wheels and sleek black cladding above the wheel arches with horizontal graphics. Other than that, there are turn indicator integrated ORVMs and blackened B-pillars.

Other important features are blackened fog lamp bezel, inclined windshield, rear profile with redesigned bumper and black cladding. Taillights boast a slightly tweaked appearance as well and the crossover would sport an integrated roof spoiler in order to ramp up the sportiness along with roof rails. Overall, the Ford Freestyle bears the basic silhouette of the standard hatchback but with accessories to boasts its SUV credentials.

Ford Freestyle Dimension

The Ford Freestyle measures 3,954 mm long, 1,737 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, and has 2,490 mm wheelbase. Compared to the regular Figo, the CUV is 68 mm longer, 42 mm wider and 45 mm taller while having the same wheelbase. The diesel version of Freestyle has 40-litre fuel tank capacity and the petrol has it at 42 litres.

Ford Freestyle Ground Clearance

The Ford Freestyle has increased ground clearance compared to the regular Ford Figo hatchback by 15 mm as it stands 189 mm above the surface.

Ford Freestyle Boot Space

As expected, the Ford Freestyle arrives with same truck capacity as its regular hatchback sibling, the Figo at 257 litres.

Ford Freestyle Colours

The six colour options in which the Freestyle will be offered are Canyon Ridge, Smoke Grey, Moondust Silver, White Gold, Oxford White and Absolute Black. The Canyon Ridge and White Gold are new additions to the Freestyle compared to the standard Figo.

Ford Freestyle Interior and Features

Like exterior, the Ford Freestyle bears some exclusive design elements inside the cabin as well. The changes help it to become distinctive compared to the standard Ford Figo hatchback. The new floating 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the centre console will enhance the premium appeal of the car.

It has SYNC 3 connectivity with smartphone integration and voice command function. It allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities. It wears a dual-tone brown and black theme inside the cabin in an attempt to increase the sportiness.

Ford Freestyle Safety Features

The Ford Freestyle comes equipped with tuned suspension with increased track width and higher ground clearance along with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), six airbags in top-spec variants, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), TCS (Traction Control System) and tuned EPAS.

It also sees introduction of Active Rollover Prevention (ARP) which is designed to perform safely in extreme situations according to Ford. It works in tandem with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and prevents tipping over by reducing engine torque and applying brakes to individual wheels automatically.

Ford Freestyle Rivals

The Ford Freestyle locks horn with competitors like Toyota Etios Cross, Volkswagen Cross Polo and the segment-leading Hyundai i20 Active in the cross-hatch space.

Ford Freestyle Images