Ford Freestyle Ambiente

The Ford Freestyle Ambiente is a crossover hatchback that combines the best of both worlds the agility of a hatchback and the ruggedness of a crossover. It features a 1.2-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine or a 1.5-litre TDCI diesel engine, both paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle boasts 190mm of ground clearance, making it suitable for both urban and rural terrain. The interior is functional, with a floating 6.5-inch touchscreen, brown-and-black fabric seat upholstery, and all-weather rubber mats. Safety is a strong point, with features like two airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and hill hold assist. The Freestyle Ambiente also includes conveniences such as auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and push-button engine start-stop. Overall, it is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a great balance of performance, safety, and practicality.

The Ford Freestyle Ambiente is a compelling option in the Indian market, especially for those seeking a balance between performance, safety, and practicality. While it shares its cabin with the Figo, the Freestyle brings several enhancements, such as a sleek 6.5-inch touchscreen and improved interior aesthetics. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is notably powerful for its class, and the 1.5-litre TDCI diesel engine is a standout for its driving dynamics and lack of turbo lag. However, some drawbacks include the absence of projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, and an automatic transmission option. Additionally, issues like non-adjustable rear headrests and the lack of a reach adjustment for the steering wheel are notable. Despite these, the Freestyles robust build quality, ample ground clearance, and comprehensive safety features make it a solid choice for both city and highway driving.

The Ford Freestyle Ambiente, although discontinued, was priced at Rs 5.99 lakh in India before its discontinuation. It came with a 1.2L TiVCT petrol engine, producing 96 HP and 119 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The car featured dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and a range of safety features. I think the Ambiente variant offered great value for money with its blend of performance and safety.

Ford has announced that it will stop production of its locally sold models, including the Ford Freestyle Ambiente. The current lineup will be on sale until stocks last, and the company will continue to support existing Ford car owners. This move marks the end of an era for the Freestyle, which was known for its SUV-like design and robust features. I believe this decision will impact the Indian automotive market, especially in the compact utility vehicle segment.

In 2020, Ford introduced the 2020 Ford Freestyle with Bharat Stage VI emission norms, starting at Rs 589,000 for the base variant. This update included both petrol and diesel engine options and a standard 3-year or 100,000 KM factory warranty. The Freestyle was praised for its improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. I believe this update was a significant step in making the Freestyle more appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

The Ford Freestyle Ambiente came with several safety features, including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and a speed alert system. It also had reverse parking sensors, front 3-point seat belts, and a seatbelt reminder for both the driver and passenger. These features made the Ambiente a safe choice in its segment. I believe these safety features were a key selling point for the Freestyle.

When launched in 2018, the Ford Freestyle Ambiente was introduced at a compelling price of Rs 509,000. It featured a new 1.2L TiVCT petrol engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, and innovative technologies like Active Rollover Prevention (ARP). The car was designed to appeal to young, new-age Indian customers looking for an SUV-like vehicle. I think the Freestyles launch was a bold move by Ford to create a new segment in the Indian market.

The Ford Freestyle Ambiente is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the 1.2 Ti-VCT Ambiente variant starts around Rs. 5.91 lakh. However, the on-road price can vary depending on the state and local taxes, typically ranging between Rs. 6.8 lakh to Rs. 7.3 lakh. This pricing makes the Freestyle Ambiente an attractive option for first-time car buyers who are looking for a blend of functionality and value for money. The cost is justified by the vehicles robust build, decent interior space, and the inclusion of essential safety features like two airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors.

The Ford Freestyle Ambiente offers respectable mileage, making it a viable choice for those concerned about running costs. The 1.2-litre petrol engine variant is rated at 19 kmpl, which is commendable given its performance. The diesel variant, with its 1.5-litre TDCI engine, is even more economical, offering mileage ranging from 24.5 kml to 27.5 kml on highways when driven sensibly. This fuel efficiency, combined with the vehicles overall performance, makes the Freestyle Ambiente a smart choice for both city and long-distance driving.