Ford Freestyle

The Freestyle is Ford’s cross-hatchback. It’s based on the Figo but the raised suspension and tweaked mechanicals do give the Freestyle a different persona. The Ford Freestyle is available in petrol-manual and diesel-manual forms.

The Freestyle is Ford’s cross-hatchback. It’s based on the Figo but the raised suspension and tweaked mechanicals do ...

The Freestyle is Ford’s cross-hatchback. It’s based on the Figo but the raised suspension and tweaked mechanicals do give the Freestyle a different persona. The Ford Freestyle is available in petrol-manual and diesel-manual forms.

With its cross-hatch addenda, raised suspension and additional ground clearance, the smart Freestyle looks more substantial than the standard Figo hatchback. The Freestyle is nicely done on the inside as well, with the highlight being the free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. The cabin’s brown-and-black colour theme is unique but some scratchy plastics drag things down. At the rear, space is good.
The Freestyle’s 96hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is quiet and performance is pleasant in town. It’s not the quickest revving of engines but is fun to wind hard. Ford’s 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine is different in character. It gets noisy when extended but you’ll like it for the ready access to power it gives from low engine speeds – and also its economy.
The Freestyle feels more rugged than most other cross-hatchbacks. It is a bit jiggly at low speeds but the suspension is unfazed by big bumps. The Freestyle is also enjoyable on twisty roads with good body control, great grip and a feelsome steering.

With its cross-hatch addenda, raised suspension and additional ground clearance, the smart Freestyle looks more subst...

With its cross-hatch addenda, raised suspension and additional ground clearance, the smart Freestyle looks more substantial than the standard Figo hatchback. The Freestyle is nicely done on the inside as well, with the highlight being the free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. The cabin’s brown-and-black colour theme is unique but some scratchy plastics drag things down. At the rear, space is good.
The Freestyle’s 96hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is quiet and performance is pleasant in town. It’s not the quickest revving of engines but is fun to wind hard. Ford’s 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine is different in character. It gets noisy when extended but you’ll like it for the ready access to power it gives from low engine speeds – and also its economy.
The Freestyle feels more rugged than most other cross-hatchbacks. It is a bit jiggly at low speeds but the suspension is unfazed by big bumps. The Freestyle is also enjoyable on twisty roads with good body control, great grip and a feelsome steering.

Of the two engines on offer, it’s the 1.5-litre diesel that feels more rounded. However, the pricier diesels make more sense for buyers with lots of running. Freestyles in top-spec Titanium+ trim are quite well-priced for the equipment on offer. Aside from the sophisticated touchscreen infotainment system that comes bundled with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Titanium+ cars also get the added safety of six airbags, ESC, active rollover protection and even auto headlights and wipers.

Of the two engines on offer, it’s the 1.5-litre diesel that feels more rounded. However, the pricier diesels make mor...

Of the two engines on offer, it’s the 1.5-litre diesel that feels more rounded. However, the pricier diesels make more sense for buyers with lots of running. Freestyles in top-spec Titanium+ trim are quite well-priced for the equipment on offer. Aside from the sophisticated touchscreen infotainment system that comes bundled with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Titanium+ cars also get the added safety of six airbags, ESC, active rollover protection and even auto headlights and wipers.