Ford Freestyle 1.2L Petrol : Official Review - Team-BHP
Note: This is a review done in India in May 2018 - 2020 SA model engine specifications & trim features may differ from the vehicle as tested in India over 2 years ago)
The
Ford Freestyle went on sale in India at a price of between Rs. 5.09 - 7.89 lakhs (ex-Delhi) - (May 2018).
What you'll like:
• A very well-priced car; offers more than the Figo at comparable prices
• Cosmetic additions have been tastefully applied
• Genuinely fun to drive! Will bring a smile to your face
• Peppy 95 BHP 3-cylinder petrol is much improved over the Figo's lethargic 1.2L
• Powerful & efficient 1.5L diesel available. Good driveability too
• Well-tuned suspension and 190 mm of ground clearance
• Features such as that awesome touchscreen HU, auto headlamps & wipers, reversing camera etc.
• Airbags and ABS + EBD across the range. Titanium+ variant gets 6 airbags, ESP, ARP & HSA
What you won't:
• 1.2L is good for a 3-cylinder engine, but the 4-cylinder 1.2s from Maruti, Hyundai & gang are superior
• Cabin width makes the Freestyle suited to 4 adults, not 5. Rear headroom is limited for tall passengers
• Overall design (including the cabin) does feel old / bland compared to the more modern competition
• Interior quality is strictly average
• Lighter build is a departure from the usual Ford sturdiness
• Some missing essentials (dead pedal, full-size spare tyre etc.)
• Automatic transmission not offered
• Based on a flopped model, the Figo (
if that matters to you)
3-Cylinder 1.2L Petrol MT
95 BHP & 120 Nm are excellent figures for a 1.2L.
Ford recently launched the 1.5-liter Dragon series engine in the EcoSport. The Freestyle gets a downsized version of the same to fit into the <1,200 cc bracket & take advantage of the resultant lower taxes.
Marketing reasons too, to position the EcoSport's 1.5L as a clear segment above.
This 1,194 cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine develops 95 BHP @ 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 120 Nm @ 4,250 rpm. The Freestyle is hence down by 303 cc, 26 BHP and 30 Nm when compared to the EcoSport.
The excellent 1,498 cc, 4-cylinder diesel mill is retained. It puts out 99 BHP @ 3,750 rpm and 215 Nm @ 1,750 - 3000 rpm.
Full detailed & comprehensive review & many more pics at the link below:
Ford Freestyle 1.2L Petrol : Official Review
www.team-bhp.com