We brought to you the first exclusive images of the new Ford compact crossover last month. The American carmaker called it the compact utility vehicle until now as the car was revealed in Delhi today. Christened as Freestyle, it is the cross-hatch version of the Figo and comes with an all-new petrol engine and a rather butch styling. Let’s take a closer look at the Ford Freestyle in our picture gallery.
The Freestyle is Ford’s new global product. It is developed in India and will debut in the country in April ahead of other markets. This goes on to show the growing importance of high-riding vehicle in the automotive markets these days.
Based on the Figo, the styling is jacked-up with body cladding all around, and roof rails and a faux bash plate. The grille is newly designed and we hope to see the same in upcoming Figo and Aspire facelifts.
Under the hood is the new 1.2-litre three-pot NA petrol engine of the Dragon family with an output of 95bhp and 120Nm. The diesel is the same 1.5-litre TDCi producing 99bhp and 210Nm offered elsewhere.
Ford claims to have tuned the raised suspension with an increased track for a sportier ride. Wheels are 185/60 R15. There is a new Active Rollover Prevention along with ESP, ABS, EBD and six airbags for added safety.
The cabin is new akin to the new EcoSport. The 6.5-inch floating touchscreen, as seen on our spied images, will come with SYNC3 infotainment system with smartphone integration while the instrument cluster is from the EcoSport as well.
When launched in April, the Freestyle will be positioned below the EcoSport as the entry-level UV. Prices are expected to be on par with its rivals like the Hyundai i20 Active, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and Honda WR-V.
