Bold, practical, and surprisingly fun to drive — the Ford Freestyle carved a niche for itself as a crossover hatchback that blended SUV-like toughness with city-friendly agility. Though discontinued, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts and used car buyers for its unique personality and value-packed features.
A Hatchback with SUV DNA
Launched in India as a more rugged alternative to the Ford Figo, the Freestyle was marketed as a “Compact Utility Vehicle” — a clever term that captured its blend of hatchback practicality and SUV-inspired styling. It featured black cladding, roof rails, and a raised ground clearance of 190 mm, giving it a more adventurous stance than typical hatchbacks.
Its dimensions — 3954 mm in length, 1737 mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2490 mm — made it compact enough for urban driving while offering a spacious cabin for five passengers.
Powertrain Options and Performance
The Freestyle came with both petrol and diesel engine options, catering to a wide range of buyers:
- Petrol Engine: A 1.2L Ti-VCT 3-cylinder engine producing 96 PS at 6500 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. It was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and offered a mileage of around 18.5 kmpl.
- Diesel Engine: A 1.5L TDCi engine delivering 100 PS and 215 Nm of torque, with fuel efficiency reaching up to 24.4 kmpl.
Both engines were known for their peppy performance and drivability, especially in city conditions. The Freestyle’s front-wheel-drive layout and light steering made it easy to maneuver, while its suspension setup handled rough roads better than most hatchbacks.
Safety First
One of the Freestyle’s standout features was its commitment to safety. The top-end Titanium+ variant came equipped with six airbags, a feature rarely seen in cars of its price range. It also offered:
- ABS with EBD
- Traction control
- Hill launch assist
- Electronic stability program (ESP)
- Ford MyKey system for added parental control
These features made the Freestyle one of the safest hatchbacks in its segment, appealing to families and young professionals alike.
Interior and Infotainment
Inside, the Freestyle offered a well-designed cabin with thoughtful touches. The dashboard featured a 6.5-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — one of the most responsive units in its class.
Other comfort features included:
- Electric power steering
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- Keyless entry
- 12V power outlet
- Analog + digital instrument cluster
The rear seat offered decent legroom and headroom, and the boot space was adequate for weekend getaways or daily errands.
Variants and Pricing
The Freestyle was available in 19 variants, with prices ranging from ₹5.91 lakh to ₹9.03 lakh (ex-showroom) before its discontinuation. Buyers could choose from multiple trims — Ambiente, Trend, Titanium, and Titanium+ — each offering a different mix of features and value.
It was also available in nine color options, adding to its youthful appeal.
Why It Was Discontinued
Despite its strengths, the Freestyle struggled to maintain sales momentum in a market increasingly dominated by compact SUVs and newer hatchbacks. Ford’s decision to exit the Indian market in 2021 led to the discontinuation of several models, including the Freestyle.
However, the car continues to enjoy a strong presence in the used car market, with prices starting as low as ₹2.70 lakh. Its durability, safety features, and driving dynamics make it a smart buy for those seeking a reliable pre-owned vehicle.
Final Thoughts: A Cult Favorite
The Ford Freestyle may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on. It was a car that dared to be different — combining the practicality of a hatchback with the ruggedness of an SUV, all while delivering solid performance and safety.
For those who own one or are considering a used model, the Freestyle remains a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess and its ability to create vehicles that are both functional and fun.
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