Features: There’s no denying the fact that the Freestyle is, in fact, a hopped up Figo. Ford calls it a “CUV” but you and I know it’s nothing more than a cross-hatch. That said, it does look quite appealing. The SUV elements are not overdone, and the Freestyle does have an outdoorsy vibe to it. Additions over the Figo include a raised 190mm ground clearance, reworked bumpers at either end, new 15-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 185-section rubber, a new grille and a pair of functional roof rails. We’d have loved to see a set of projector headlamps or maybe some LED daytime running lamps here, but that’s missing on the Freestyle. Step inside the Freestyle, and you will find yourself sitting slightly higher. The cabin is identical to that of the Figo, save for the brown-black interior combo. Also new is the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (but only in the top-spec Titanium+ model). Smaller additions include auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. Goodies such as automatic climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, electrically powered and folding ORVMs have been carried over from the Figo. In terms of space, it’s no different, which means it’s still strictly average. In terms of safety, Ford has thrown everything including the kitchen sink at the Freestyle. In the top-spec Titanium+ trim, you’re treated to six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control and active roll over protection.
Engine: Ford debuted a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with the Freestyle. The engine comes from Ford’s new Dragon family of motors and develops a class-leading 96PS of power and 120Nm of torque. Paired to a new Getrag-sourced 5-speed manual gearbox, it’s quite a hoot to drive. In our tests, it clocked 100kmph in just a smidge over 13 seconds, and returned 13.5kmpl inside the city and 19.19kmpl on the highway. A good balance? We’d say so! The diesel engine on offer is the tried-and-tested 1.5-litre TDCi motor that pumps out 100PS of power and 215Nm. We’re yet to put it through a road test, but that engine has always been fun to drive. The only chink in the armour right now, is the fact that the Freestyle does not have an automatic variant on offer.
Rivals: Maruti Suzuki Ignis : If you wanted the sensibility and no-nonsense nature of a Suzuki hatch mixed with a generous dollop of funk, the Ignis is the right fit for you. The fact that it’s practical and fun is just an added bonus. Mahindra KUV100 NXT : In its NXT avatar, the KUV100 wants to be a wee bit more polished than before. The basics haven’t really changed that much, and the only real USP of the car is the space it offers.
Variants: The compact crossover hatchback is available in three variants: Titanium, Titanium Plus, and Flair. Ford has discontinued the base-spec Ambiente, so the crossover starts with the Titanium variant now.
Should you buy the Freestyle instead of the Figo? Yes. The Figo is beginning to show its age. The Freestyle does address that issue to a fair extent by adding some zing as well as practicality. Yes, the interior quality could’ve been better, and it isn’t any better in the space department either. The real big miss in our books is the lack of an automatic variant and the persistent quality issues carried over from the Figo and the Aspire.
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