Ford Freestyle Trend

The Ford Freestyle Trend is a well-rounded vehicle that combines the practicality of a hatchback with the rugged appeal of a crossover. It features a range of engines, including a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel, both paired with manual transmissions. The Trend variant comes equipped with essential features such as keyless entry, central locking, a digital odometer, air conditioner, and engine startstop button. Safety is a strong point, with features like driver and passenger seat belt reminders and hill hold assist. The interior is modern and comfortable, with a 6.5-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system available in higher variants, though the Trend may not include all these premium features. The Freestyle also boasts 190mm of ground clearance, making it suitable for Indian road conditions. Overall, it is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable, feature-rich, and safe vehicle that is equally adept at city and highway driving.

The Ford Freestyle Trend is a compelling option in the sub-4 metre cross-hatch segment, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and safety features that set it apart from its competitors. While it is based on the aging Figo, the Freestyle brings a fresh appeal with its faux-SUV looks and enhanced features. The vehicle excels in engine performance, particularly with its 1.2-litre petrol engine delivering 96PS of power and 120Nm of torque, making it versatile for both city and highway driving. The handling and ride quality are also noteworthy, with a communicative steering and good cornering stability. However, there are areas for improvement, such as the fit and finish, the absence of reach adjustment for the steering wheel, and limited storage spaces. Despite these minor niggles, the Freestyle Trend is a solid choice for those seeking a feature-packed, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.

Ford India introduced the Committed to Serve service campaign, emphasizing their commitment to customer service despite the termination of their manufacturing operations. This campaign aims to reassure customers that Ford will continue to provide support and services for their vehicles. I believe this initiative is crucial in maintaining customer trust during a transitional period.

Ford India has announced that it will stop production of its locally sold models, including the Ford Freestyle. The current lineup, however, will be on sale until stocks last, and the company will continue to offer support to existing Ford car owners. This move marks the end of an era for Fords manufacturing in India. I believe this decision will have a significant impact on the Indian automotive market and Fords loyal customer base.

The Ford Freestyle Flair Edition was launched in India, offering both petrol and diesel options. Priced at Rs. 7.69 lakh and Rs. 8.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively, this special edition is aimed at the festive season. It features additional styling elements and some unique features to attract buyers. I think this edition adds a fresh twist to the Freestyle, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

The Ford Freestyle was launched in India on April 26, 2018, marking Fords entry into the compact utility vehicle (CUV) segment. Based on the Figo hatchback, the Freestyle offers raised ground clearance, new features, and an updated design. It is available in four variants: Ambiente, Trend, Titanium, and Titanium+. I think the Freestyles blend of style, safety features, and performance makes it a compelling option in its segment.

Bookings for the Ford Freestyle officially started on April 7, 2018, ahead of its launch later that month. The car was spotted at dealership yards, indicating an imminent launch. The Freestyle features automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and other advanced safety features. I believe the early interest and bookings show the markets excitement about this new crossover.

The Ford Freestyle Trend variant is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the Freestyle Trend typically ranges between 7.5 lakh to 8.5 lakh, depending on the fuel type (petrol or diesel) and any additional features or packages chosen. On-road prices, including taxes, registration, and insurance, can range from approximately 8.5 lakh to 10 lakh. This pricing makes the Freestyle Trend an attractive option when considering the array of features, safety equipment, and performance it offers. For instance, the Titanium variant, which is a step above the Trend, offers six airbags, a responsive SYNC 3 infotainment system, and other premium features, but at a slightly higher cost. Overall, the Freestyle Trend strikes a good balance between affordability and value.

The Ford Freestyle Trend offers respectable mileage figures, making it a viable choice for those concerned about running costs. The petrol variant is expected to deliver around 18.5 to 19 kmpl in city driving and up to 22 kmpl on highways, while the diesel variant can achieve around 23 to 24 kmpl. These figures are competitive within its segment and ensure that the Freestyle Trend is not only fun to drive but also economical to maintain.