Ford India has unveiled its latest global product offering, the new Ford Freestyle which the company calls a Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) for Indian consumers. India will be amongst the first markets across the globe where the new Ford Freestyle will go on sale in the second quarter of 2018.
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This new product which is actually based on the Ford Figo features SUV-like robust design. There has been an increase in demand for such crossover vehicles by consumers in India and markets around the world. This is because of the car’s commanding seating position and better ground clearance to tackle congested urban environment.
The Ford Freestyle features a unique grille with a dynamic, three-dimensional mesh and blacked-out high contrast headlamps. The front bumper comes with an integrated skid plate while the sculpted fascia sections create a protective full-width beam element accentuating the Freestyle’s SUV looks and credentials.
The rear sculpted fascia conveys Freestyle’s athletic stance while precision detailing in the tail lamps ensure every colour is noticed distinctly. The inclined windshield gives the vehicle a sleek, fast profile. It also gets protective body cladding, split 4 spoke alloy wheels, roof rails, and body decals.
Power for the Ford Freestyle will come from Ford’s all-new, three-cylinder 1.2L TiVCT petrol engine. This naturally aspirated motor generates best-in-class 96 PS of peak power and 120 Nm of torque. There will also be the Ford’s trusted 1.5L TDCi diesel engine on offer. This diesel engine generates class-leading 100 PS peak power and 215 Nm of torque. Both engines will be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Freestyle will deliver sportier performance in all driving conditions and will feature a uniquely tuned suspension with increased track-width, high ground clearance, TCS, ABS with EBD and uniquely tuned EPAS among others.
With the introduction of Active Rollover Prevention (ARP), Freestyle is designed to perform safely in extreme situations, without compromising on the fun-to-drive elements. Combined with Electronic Stability Control, the ARP system will be able to automatically detect potential rollover situations by applying brakes to individual tyres and decrease engine torque.
The Ford Freestyle will also feature Ford’s in-car infotainment system, SYNC 3 with a 6.5inch touchscreen which allows drivers to control their entertainment and their connected smartphone with conversational voice commands. SYNC 3 system is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
2018 Ford Freestyle Images:
“The global unveil of the Ford Freestyle strengthens Ford’s continued commitment to India to bring products that consumers want and value. With the cool, capable and connected Ford Freestyle, we are adding yet another great product to our diverse portfolio that will help us expand our family of happy Ford owners in India,” said Anurag Mehrotra, President and Managing Director, Ford India.
“Just like we did with the EcoSport, we see a lot of potential in offering this compact utility vehicle to meet the SUV owning aspirations of first-time buyers or young achievers who are looking to upgrade their small cars,” added Mr. Mehrotra
