Introduction

The Ford Freestyle is a compact crossover that combines an SUV's ruggedness with a hatchback's practicality, making it an ideal vehicle for urban and semi-urban areas. Ford launched this car to cater to buyers who seek versatility, comfort, and style in a single package. The Ford Freestyle is the "Compact Utility Vehicle" (CUV) and offers a dynamic driving experience, modern features, and robust build quality. This article will explore the design, performance, specifications, safety features, and reasons to consider the Ford Freestyle.

Design and Exterior

The Ford Freestyle features a muscular and sporty design, making it stand out on the road. It draws inspiration from its hatchback sibling, the Ford Figo, but takes it further with an SUV-like appeal. Some prominent design elements include:

• Bold Front Grille: The car's blacked-out mesh chrome highlights on the grille give it a combative appearance.
• Skid Plates: The car's front and rear feature silver skid plates, enhancing its rugged SUV stance.
• High Ground Clearance: The Ford Freestyle's 190-mm ground clearance makes handling rough terrain and potholes easy.
• Roof Rails: Functional roof rails add to the practicality and visual appeal of the vehicle.
• Projector Headlamps: Sleek headlamps with DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps) ensure better visibility and a premium touch.
• Black Cladding: Body cladding around the wheel arches and along the lower body lends a robust, SUV-like presence.
• Alloy Wheels: The Ford Freestyle has stylish 15-inch alloy wheels that complement its sporty design.

Overall, the Ford Freestyle balances ruggedness and sophistication, making it a head-turner in its segment.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Ford Freestyle reflects Ford's commitment to providing comfort, convenience, and modern technology. The cabin offers a mix of premium materials and cutting-edge elements to improve the driving experience.

• Cabin Layout: The dual-tone interior with premium fabric upholstery gives the cabin a spacious and elegant feel.
• Infotainment System: The car features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's SYNC3 technology. It supports seamless connectivity for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and voice commands.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control ensures a comfortable cabin temperature, regardless of weather conditions.
• Steering Mounted Controls: Audio and phone controls on the steering wheel allow for hands-free driving operation.
• Driver Information Display: The instrument cluster features an informational digital display that shows details such as gasoline economy, distance to empty, and trip data.
• Ample Storage: Multiple cup holders, bottle holders, and storage spaces make the cabin practical for long drives.
• Boot Space: The Ford Freestyle offers a generous 257 liters of boot space, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.

Engine Options and Performance

The Ford Freestyle has both petrol and diesel engine options, ensuring buyers can choose based on their preferences and driving needs.

Petrol Engine:

• Engine Type: 1.2L Ti-VCT Petrol
• Power Output: 96 PS @ 6,500 rpm
• Torque: 120 Nm @ 4,250 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
• Mileage: Approximately 18.5 km/l

The petrol engine offers peppy performance, making it ideal for city driving. The lightweight body and responsive engine ensure a smooth and energetic drive.

Diesel Engine:

• Engine Type: 1.5L TDCi Diesel
• Power Output: 100 PS @ 3,750 rpm
• Torque: 215 Nm @ 1,750-3,000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
• Mileage: Approximately 23.8 km/l

The diesel engine delivers excellent torque, making it suitable for long drives and highway cruising. Its strong mid-range performance ensures effortless overtaking and climbing steep inclines.

Driving Dynamics:

The Ford Freestyle is known for its exceptional driving dynamics, a hallmark of Ford vehicles. Features such as an advanced suspension system, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), and well-tuned brakes contribute to a confident and engaging driving experience.

Safety Features

Ford has always prioritized safety, and the Ford Freestyle is no exception. Its robust safety package ensures the protection of occupants during every drive.

• Six Airbags: The top variant offers six airbags that provide comprehensive protection, such as front, side, and curtain airbags.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures stable braking on all surfaces.
• ESP and TCS: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS) prevent skidding and maintain vehicle stability in slippery conditions.
• Hill Launch Assist (HLA): This feature prevents the car from rolling back on inclined surfaces during starts.
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: Rear sensors with a reverse parking camera assist in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
• High-Strength Steel Structure: The body is built using high-strength steel, enhancing occupant protection during collisions.

With these features, the Ford Freestyle achieves high safety ratings and remains one of the safest vehicles in its class.

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Variants and Pricing

The Ford Freestyle is available in multiple variants, catering to a wide range of buyers. Below are the key variants:

• Titanium has alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls.
• Titanium Plus: Top-of-the-line variant offering six airbags, SYNC3 infotainment, and premium upholstery.

Pricing: The Ford Freestyle's price range is competitive, making it a desirable option for consumers on a tight budget. While prices vary depending on the variant and location, the approximate range in Nepal is 34.99 lakh to 37.50 lakh:

Reasons to Buy the Ford Freestyle

If you are considering the Ford Freestyle as your next car, here are some compelling reasons to make the purchase:

• Rugged Design: The sporty exterior with SUV-like styling makes the Ford Freestyle stand out.
• Powerful Engines: Both petrol and diesel engines deliver strong performance and fuel efficiency.
• High Ground Clearance: With 190mm of ground clearance, the Freestyle can easily tackle rough roads.
• Top-notch Safety: Features like six airbags, ESP, TCS, and ABS with EBD ensure maximum safety.
• Feature-rich Cabin: The SYNC3 infotainment system, climate control, and spacious interior add to the overall comfort.
• Excellent Driving Dynamics: Ford's reputation for superior driving dynamics is evident in the Freestyle's handling and stability.
• Affordable Pricing: The Freestyle offers excellent value for money with its competitive pricing.

Ford Freestyle: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• SUV-inspired rugged design
• Strong build quality and safety features
• Responsive and fuel-efficient engines
• Spacious and practical interiors
• Excellent ride and handling

Cons:

• Lack of an automatic transmission option
• Boot space is slightly limited compared to competitors
• Limited rear-seat legroom for taller passengers

Conclusion

The Ford Freestyle is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a versatile, feature-packed, and rugged vehicle that can handle city commutes and off-road adventures. With its SUV-like design, powerful engine options, and class-leading safety features, the Ford Freestyle offers exceptional value for money. While it has a few shortcomings, such as the lack of an automatic transmission, its overall package makes up for it.

The Ford Freestyle is stylish, robust, and practical in the competitive compact crossover segment. This makes it an excellent option for urban dwellers and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you are navigating city streets, cruising on highways, or exploring offbeat paths, the Ford Freestyle is ready to take on the challenge with style and confidence.

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