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The Ford Freestyle Flair is the brand new vary-topping variant within the Freestyle line-up.
Having braved the subcompact SUV developments with the EcoSport, Ford needed to innovate as new gamers entered the section. The Freestyle was a step in that course and we liked it after we drove it. So, Ford has made some updates to the automobile and there is a new Freestyle Flair version that it has launched just lately, which will get a number of adjustments relating to styling and naturally a bump up within the options division. We drive it to search out out extra.
Also Read: Ford Freestyle Flair Edition Launched In India
What’s Changed On The Outside?
The Freestyle Flair is Ford’s try and make the cross hatch a bit extra fashionable and modern too. So, all these pink accents on the skid plate, roof rails or these swanky decals you see above the plastic cladding and on the tailgate handle to make it look cool and snazzy.
But there are a number of misses and a set of projector beam headlamps would have added the ‘Flair’ (pardon the pub) to the Freestyle, on condition that that is the vary topping variant.
Also Read: Ford Freestyle Flair Vs Ford Freestyle: What’s Different?
What It’s Like On The Inside?
The pink accents are generously splashed on the within too. You see it on the door armrests, the pink stitching on the black and gray cloth seats and the Flair badging as properly. Other than that, it stays just about the identical however we have now to say, it appears to be like fairly good on the all black cabin. Moreover, it is spacious and the seats too provide respectable cushioning and bolstering.
There’s a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system however no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You do, nevertheless, get constructed-in navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and notably the Ford Pass linked app that receives over-the-air (OTA) updates. So, you’ll be able to remotely lock / unlock and begin-cease and even precool the cabin and that is simply the tip of the iceberg, so in a means it is a linked automobile. You do not get rear air-con vents that are a giant miss in our opinion. You additionally get only one USB port and a 12V charging socket, that too solely on the entrance.
Does It Get New Engines?
There isn’t any change within the engine line-up and the one we have now with us is the BS6 compliant 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that belts out 94 bhp at 6500 rpm and 112 Nm of peak torque at 4250 rpm. While you may be pleased with its efficiency for essentially the most half, the underside finish lag underneath 2000 rpm will hassle you. On highways you should plan overtaking and maintain the automobile past the 2200 rpm rev band in order that it provides you that push. The energy construct-up is linear and easy however you would need for higher refinement ranges as you do really feel the vibration on the steering wheel and pedals.
The Flair can be supplied with the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder BS6 diesel engine that churns out 98 bhp at 3750 rpm and 215 Nm of peak torque which is accessible from 1750 rpm. Both engines are mated to a 5-pace handbook transmission solely and the automated gearbox is sorely missed. The claimed gas economic system for the petrol motor is 18.5 kmpl whereas the diesel mill is sort of frugal delivering a powerful 23.eight kmpl.
How Is It To Drive?
The new-age Ford automobiles have by no means dissatisfied us relating to driving dynamics and the Freestyle isn’t any completely different. The steering weighs up properly while you pace-up and regardless of it having an electrical energy steering, to an extent you are feeling the join and that’s confidence inspiring, particularly when you find yourself cornering or making manoeuvres at larger speeds. It simply makes the work pleasant in addition to straightforward. Driving in metropolis visitors situations is easy as properly, due to the sunshine steering set-up at decrease speeds..
Then, you may begin appreciating the suspension set-up much more on highways because it has simply the correct quantity of firmness to take care of damaged tarmac, potholes or undulations nonchalantly at larger speeds. At decrease speeds passengers will bounce a bit, however nothing that can hassle a lot. It’s extra of a mushy roader and can prance over tough terrains letting the traction management and digital stability program (ESP) do their job successfully.
What About Safety Features
The Freestyle Flair actually scores excessive on construct high quality. The sense of durability that you just get when closing the door, is one thing that different hatchbacks do not have. It type of compensates for the shortcomings within the premium options division. Then, you even have the reassurance of six airbags which is now supplied on all fashionable Ford automobiles, not less than on the highest trims. Plus, you get anti-lock brakes together with brake-drive distribution, hill launch help, traction management and digital stability program as properly.
Verdict
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The Ford Freestyle is straightforward to reside with, is enjoyable to drive in comparison with different premium hatches or subcompact SUVs. And the Flair trim appears to be like sporty and distinctive as properly. So it does stand out in these phrases. That stated, the automobile must play catch up relating to options and premium enchantment. But in case you examine it with the vary-topping variants of the WR-V which is its closest rival, the Freestyle at ₹ 7.69 lakh is ₹ 2 lakh cheaper than the highest-finish WR-V VX petrol and ₹ 2.20 lakh extra inexpensive than the highest of the road WR-V VX diesel. So in case you get pleasure from spirited driving, it’s nonetheless one of many high picks within the sub ₹ 10 lakh value bracket.
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