Ford is all set to launch its new Freestyle cross-hatchback in the Indian market on April 18, 2018. Ford dealer outlets have already begun accepting bookings for the new model.
Additionally, Ford has also joined hands with Amazon India which will promote 100 units of the Freestyle on its website on April 14, 2018, 2pm onwards. A booking amount of Rs 10,000 has been set which can be paid by Amazon's certified payment modes.
The Ford Freestyle features typically crossover-like exterior changes over the hatchback – including a new bonnet, grille, skid plate, alloys and blacked-out headlamps. Other exterior changes see the addition of metallic roof rails and extra body cladding; the car also rides on bigger, wider 185/60 R15 wheels.
The cross-hatchback is available in six monotone colour options – Canyon Ridge (a brownish finish), Smoke Grey, Moondust Silver, White Gold, Oxford White and Absolute Black. A roof wrap and body strip are also on offer, as accessories.
Along with the extra 15mm ground clearance, the Freestyle also sports a unique steering and suspension set-up, when compared to the standard Figo hatchback.
The Freestyle comes with a new Dragon-series 1.2-litre petrol engine, good for 96hp at 6,500rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4,250rpm with a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 19kpl. The Freestyle diesel gets a 1.5-litre diesel that produces 100hp at 3,750rpm and 215Nm of torque at 1,750-3,000rpm. A five-speed manual is standard on both engine options, although the petrol will get an automatic option, at a later date. Interestingly the Freestyle's petrol variant comes with a 42-litre fuel tank while the diesel version – which has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 24.4kpl – has a 40-litre tank.
The Freestyle is available in four trim levels on each engine option – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium+. Even the base variant (Ambiente) gets a safety kit with ABS with EBD, dual-front airbags, three-point rear seat belts, reverse parking sensors and rear fog lamps.
Read our Ford Freestyle review