Ford Figo Freestyle introduced locally

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) introduced the new Ford Figo Freestyle as a new competitor in the sub-B, compact utility vehicle or CUV segment. The new vehicle will form part of Ford’s active lifestyle-oriented models which is comprised of the EcoSport, Kuga and the seven-seater Everest. Based on the Figo hatchback offering, the Figo Freestyle incorporates SUV like attributes with its compact form to result in its CUV appearance and utility.

Upfront customers will note a black-painted grille sitting above the newly designed front bumper which features integrated a skid plate. Viewed from the side one will notice the Freestyle variant’s raised ride height, now 190mm, 16mm taller than the model it is based on. Furthermore, there are 15-inch alloy wheels in a distinctive double-spoke design, unique to the Freestyle variant, framed by black wheel-arch mouldings to complement the adventurous theme.

Further conveying the theme is special decals applied to the lower sections of the doors and uniquely styled black foglamp housing accents. The rear of the vehicle features the Freestyle moniker and similar to the front bumper an integrated a skid plate. Bolstering the offering’s versatility is roof rails which allows for easy fitment of dedicated roof racks. The Figo Freestyle is available in two solid paint colours namely Canyon Ridge and Diamond White, and four metallic finishes named Smoke Grey, Moondust Silver, Ruby Red and White Gold.

Similarly, the interior also sees the styling updated to compliment the dashboard and door accents.  Bolstering the premium feel on the interior is a new seat trim design incorporating distinctive striped elements and contrast stitching, offset by black trim panels. The Titanium model features a multi-function steering wheel which is complemented by a soft-touch gear shift knob. Bringing the outside into the interior on the Titanium variant is a reverse camera which feeds its footage the 6.5-inch colour display and reverse-parking sensors comes standard on both specification levels.

The display also features the SYNC 3 system which allows audio functions such as the Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity which forms part of the Ford’s Device Dock to be controlled via voice commands. The system further allows Apple CarPlay or Android Auto which enables owners to use their preferred navigation app on their smartphones. Further setting the Titanium derivative apart from the Trend variant is the inclusion of keyless push-start button, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlamp activation and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Under its proverbial skin features a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine developing 91 kW and 150 N.m of torque. The motor powers the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. While the Trend derivative comes fitted with driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes, remote central locking with drive-away locking function, electric windows all round, as well as a perimeter anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer the Titanium offering is further bolstered with side and curtain airbags the Ford MyKey. The MyKey function enables owners to programme functions into the key which include the blocking incoming phone calls, restrict top speed, reduce audio system maximum volume and disable the audio system altogether if occupants are not using safety belts.

Warranty and Service

Figo Freestyle models come standard with a four-year/60 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance and four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty as part of the Ford Protect plan. This is complemented by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre corrosion warranty.

Pricing

Figo Freestyle 1.5 Trend Hatch 5MT – R226 700

Figo Freestyle 1.5 Titanium Hatch 5MT – R247 500

 To watch the Figo Freestyle launch video, please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/h2fuhrQQAmQ