Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend

The Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend is a crossover version of the Figo, distinguished by its bold exterior design with body cladding and higher ground clearance of 190 mm. The 1.5-litre TDCi engine produces 99 bhp and 215 Nm of torque, making it powerful and efficient. The vehicle features a responsive 6.5-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror. Safety is a strong point with six airbags in the top variant and features like hill hold assist and Ford MyKey. The suspension setup, though stiff, provides excellent cornering stability but can be bumpy on rough roads. Overall, the Freestyle Diesel Trend is a well-rounded package that combines performance, practicality, and safety, making it a worthy consideration despite the challenges posed by Fords exit from India.

The Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend is a compelling option for those seeking a blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality. The 1.5-litre TDCi engine is a standout, offering excellent low-end torque and linear power delivery, making it adept for both city driving and highway cruising. The vehicles handling and steering feedback are commendable, especially with its electric power steering that weighs up nicely as speed increases. However, there are some drawbacks, such as the stiffer suspension that can result in a bumpy ride on rough roads and the sub-par interior material quality. Despite these, the Freestyles robust build, class-leading safety features like six airbags, and nifty features such as auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers make it a solid choice. Given Fords exit from India, spare part availability is a concern, but if managed well, this car remains a brilliant buy.

The Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend continues to impress with its punchy diesel engine, offering excellent performance and efficiency. The NVH levels of this diesel engine are commendable, better than those of VW, Honda, and the 1.3L Multijet engine. I think this makes it a great option for those who value a smooth and powerful drive.

Ford India launched the Freestyle Flair Edition, which includes the diesel variant, priced at Rs. 8.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This special edition adds a sporty touch with new styling treatments, making it a rival to subcompact SUVs and premium hatches. I believe the additional features and styling make it a compelling choice for young buyers.

The Titanium+ variant of the Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend comes equipped with necessary safety features like 6 airbags, ESP, ARP, and HSA, making it a safe choice for buyers. The boot space, however, is limited at 257L, which is less compared to competitors.

The Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend boasts a practical design with a 190 mm ground clearance, which is particularly useful for Indian road conditions. The suspension setup is excellent, providing confidence when navigating curves at higher speeds. However, the harder suspension can result in a bumpy ride at low speeds on rough roads.

The Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend features several nifty features such as auto IRVM, auto headlamps, auto wipers, and the Sync system, which are among the best in its segment. However, the interior plastic quality is not top-notch and tends to attract scratches easily. I think this is an area where Ford could improve.

The Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend, although no longer in production due to Fords exit from the Indian market, can still be considered in the pre-owned segment. When it was available, the ex-showroom price for the Diesel Trend variant was around 8.5 lakh to 9.5 lakh, depending on the location. On-road prices would have been approximately 10 lakh to 11.5 lakh, including taxes, registration, and other costs. For pre-owned models, prices can vary widely based on the vehicles condition, mileage, and age, but you can expect to pay between 6 lakh to 9 lakh. Its crucial to inspect the vehicle thoroughly and negotiate based on its condition to get the best deal.

The Ford Freestyle Diesel Trend offers impressive fuel efficiency, which is a significant factor for many buyers in India. The ARAI-rated mileage is 24.4 kmpl, but in real-world conditions, you can expect around 18-20 kmpl in city driving and up to 22 kmpl on the highway. This makes it a frugal choice for daily commuting and long road trips, helping to keep running costs in check.