Set to make an entry in the hatchback-based crossover segment during the second quarter of 2018, Ford India recently unveiled the Figo-based compact utility vehicle that they have christened as the Freestyle. The brand is bullish about the growing crossover segment and sees tremendous scope for the new model. The vehicle comes with aggressively-styled front and rear bumpers, bold grille, roof rails, and a decent amount of plastic cladding.
There are enough bits of the old Figo there as well and the connection is unmistakable, however, the end result is a rather good-looking crossover. The cabin boasts of the same layout and finish as the Figo, nevertheless, the big change is the inclusion of the SYNC 3 infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen interface to address your connectivity needs.
On stilts
Ford will offer the Freestyle with both petrol and diesel engine options. The diesel unit is the tried and tested 1.5-litre unit that generates 100 PS of peak power and 215 Nm of torque. The petrol unit is an all-new engine displacing 1.2 litres. This three-cylinder engine is touted to offer an outstanding fuel efficiency and as far as performance figures go, the engine delivers 96 PS of peak power and 120 Nm of torque.
The car isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade on the Figo. To set it apart, the company has tuned the suspension, increased the ride height as well as the track in order to suit the driving style. On the safety front, Ford is also introducing their active rollover protection system which works with the electronic stability control to automatically detect potential rollover situations and then apply the brakes to individual tyres and decrease engine torque in order to prevent an accident.