Ford Freestyle

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, and of course, all the latest features. And let's not forget the company's service network. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes can be a real challenge. But what if there was a car that offered a great balance of performance, rugged looks, and good safety? Enter the Ford Freestyle, a crossover hatchback that grabbed a lot of attention in the Indian market.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into what makes the Ford Freestyle a compelling choice, especially if you are looking for a reliable, fun-to-drive vehicle that handles Indian roads with ease.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Ford Freestyle was known for its peppy and fuel-efficient engine options. It offered a choice of two reliable powertrains:

• 1.2 Litre Ti-VCT Petrol Engine
  • Maximum Power: 96 PS (at 6500 rpm)
  • Peak Torque: 120 Nm (at 4250 rpm)
• 1.5 Litre TDCi Diesel Engine
  • Maximum Power: 100 PS (at 3750 rpm)
  • Peak Torque: 215 Nm (at 1750-2500 rpm)

Design Overview

The Freestyle’s design truly stood out in its segment, blending hatchback agility with SUV-like ruggedness.

• Exterior Design
  • Rugged crossover styling with blacked-out grille and skid plates.
  • Bold body cladding around the wheel arches and side skirts.
  • Roof rails for an adventurous look and added utility.
  • Unique alloy wheel designs that complement its robust stance.
  • Higher ground clearance giving it an imposing road presence.
• Interior Design
  • Dual-tone interior theme (often black and brown) for a premium feel.
  • Clean and functional dashboard layout.
  • Ergonomically placed controls for ease of use.
  • Comfortable seats with good support, suitable for long drives.
  • A well-designed instrument cluster providing clear information.

Key Features

While not overloaded with futuristic tech, the Freestyle offered practical and essential features:

• Infotainment System: 6.5-inch floating touchscreen with Ford SYNC 3.
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Automatic Climate Control: For comfortable cabin temperatures.
• Automatic Headlamps: For convenience and safety.
• Rain-Sensing Wipers: Automatically adjust wiper speed based on rainfall.
• Push-Button Start/Stop: Available in higher variants for keyless entry and ignition.
• Reverse Parking Camera with Sensors: Aids in easier parking.
• Power-Foldable ORVMs: Electronically adjustable and foldable outside rearview mirrors.

Please note that features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging were generally not offered in the Ford Freestyle.

What is the Ground Clearance of Ford Freestyle?

One of the Freestyle’s biggest advantages for Indian roads was its impressive ground clearance.

• Ground Clearance: 190 mm

What is the Boot Space of Ford Freestyle?

The Freestyle offered decent boot space for a compact vehicle.

• Boot Space: 257 Litres

What are the Dimensions of Ford Freestyle?

Here are the precise dimensions of the Ford Freestyle:

• Length: 3954 mm
• Width: 1737 mm
• Height: 1570 mm
• Wheelbase: 2490 mm

Powertrain Options

As mentioned earlier, the Ford Freestyle was available with two engine options, both paired with a smooth 5-speed manual transmission. There was no automatic transmission option for the Freestyle in India.

Safety Features

Safety was a strong suit for Ford vehicles, and the Freestyle was no exception, offering a robust set of features even in its segment:

• Dual Front Airbags (standard across all variants)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ARP (Active Rollover Prevention)
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Reverse Parking Sensors (standard)
• High-strength Boron Steel Body Structure

NCAP Rating Table

Ford has always prioritized safety, and its global platforms often perform well in crash tests. The Ford Freestyle shared its platform with the Ford Figo and Aspire.

Assessment	Rating	Details (for Figo/Aspire platform)
Global NCAP Adult Occupant Protection	4 Stars	Good protection for head and neck. Stable body shell.
Global NCAP Child Occupant Protection	3 Stars	Decent protection for child dummies, depending on CRS.
Bharat NCAP Rating	Not specifically tested	Bharat NCAP commenced testing later. The Global NCAP results for the platform are highly indicative of its robust build.

Rivals of Ford Freestyle

The Ford Freestyle competed in the crowded compact hatchback and micro-SUV segments. Its main rivals included:

• Maruti Suzuki Swift
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
• Tata Punch
• Mahindra KUV100 NXT
• Renault Kwid (top variants)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Advantages (Pros)

• Engaging Driving Dynamics: Ford cars are known for their fun-to-drive nature, and the Freestyle is no exception. It offers precise steering and great handling.
• Powerful Engines: Both the petrol and diesel engines deliver strong performance, making city driving and highway cruising enjoyable.
• High Ground Clearance: The 190 mm ground clearance is a boon for tackling rough Indian roads and speed breakers with ease.
• Solid Build Quality: Ford's build quality is robust, giving a sense of safety and durability.
• Comprehensive Safety Kit: Standard dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and advanced safety features like ESP and Hill Start Assist are segment-leading.
• Crossover Appeal: Its rugged looks give it a unique appeal compared to standard hatchbacks.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• No Automatic Option: The absence of an automatic transmission might be a deal-breaker for urban buyers preferring convenience.
• Rear Passenger Space: While adequate, rear legroom can feel a bit cramped for taller passengers on long journeys compared to some rivals.
• Limited Features Compared to Rivals: Lacks some trendy features like a sunroof, wireless charging, or advanced digital instrument clusters, which some newer rivals offer.
• Ford's Exit from Manufacturing: While Ford has committed to supporting existing customers with service and parts, the exit of manufacturing operations in India can be a concern for some new buyers regarding long-term support and resale value.
• Boot Space: The 257-litre boot space is decent but not class-leading.

Conclusion

The Ford Freestyle was, and for many, still is, a fantastic choice for those who prioritize driving pleasure, robust build quality, and safety above all else. Its powerful engines and excellent handling make every drive an experience, while its higher ground clearance ensures peace of mind on diverse Indian terrains. While it might not boast all the latest flashy features of some newer rivals and the concern about Ford's manufacturing exit in India is valid, the Freestyle's core strengths remain undeniable.

If you are looking for a compact utility vehicle that is safe, reliable, and truly fun to drive, and you are comfortable with Ford's committed aftermarket support, the Ford Freestyle could still be a smart and value-for-money decision for you, especially in the pre-owned market. It’s a car that truly delivers on its promise of being a 'Freestyle' vehicle for your everyday adventures.