Ford recently launched the all-new Freestyle hatchback-based crossover, in India. The Freestyle was launched considering the rising popularity of SUVs in the Indian market, and this entry-level hatchback-based crossover is likely to attract a lot of customers. Even though there is quite a price difference between the Freestyle and the EcoSport, many prospective customers are likely to take a look at both the vehicles in Ford showrooms while making a buying decision. If you’re one such customer facing a hard time deciding between the two, we try to simplify the decision making process for you, here.
Want a crossover on a tight budget?
Ford Freestyle
The Ford Freestyle’s competitive pricing came as a surprise to many. The base petrol version of the car is priced at Rs. 5.53 lakh on-road Delhi, which is about Rs. 1.1 lakh cheaper than the base variant of the EcoSport. However, the Freestyle is quite equipped in this price range too.
The Freestyle offers a ground clearance of 190 mm, which is only 10 mm lower than the EcoSport. Both vehicles also offer the same diesel engine, and the base variants of both the vehicles offer dual airbags with ABS and EBD. This makes the Freestyle quite well-equipped, and the new Ford car can turn heads even at a much lower price.
Want a city car?
Ford Freestyle petrol
If you are looking for a car that will be used strictly inside city limits, then the Ford Figo Freestyle petrol makes a lot more sense than the EcoSport. The Freestyle petrol comes with the all-new 1.2-litre Dragon engine that generates a maximum power of 95 Bhp and 120 Nm. It is the most powerful petrol car in the segment. The smaller dimensions of the Freestyle will be more suited for city driving. It gets a 5-speed manual transmission and it returns a maximum of 19 km/l as certified by ARAI. The Freestyle also gets good ground clearance and a pliant yet firm suspension, which is perfect for driving on bumpy city roads while still offering sharp handling.
Want a convenient car?
Ford EcoSport Automatic
Of the two, only the EcoSport offers an automatic transmission with the petrol engine option. The new EcoSport is powered by an all-new three-cylinder 1.5-litre Dragon series engine that generates a maximum power of 121 Bhp and 150 Nm. It gets a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The EcoSport is the only vehicle in the segment to get paddle shifters, and this makes it an enthusiast’s delight. As Ford cars have always been known for being a driver’s choice, paddle shifters give more control to the driver as there is no need to lift the hand from the steering wheel to shift the gears.
Want a highway-focused car?
Ford EcoSport diesel
While both cars get the similar 1.5-litre diesel engine that churns out similar 99 Bhp-215 Nm outputs, the EcoSport is slightly more suited for highways as it offers features like projector lamps, which are much better in the night, than the Freestyle’s halogen set-up. The EcoSport also offers a higher seating posture that gives a commanding view of the highway to the driver.
Want good rear seat comfort?
Ford EcoSport
While the Freestyle offers segment-leading rear space, it just cannot beat the space management of the EcoSport. With both vehicles measuring under 4-meter in length, it’s the EcoSport that offers better rear seat comfort and also allows the rear seat to recline for an even more comfortable journey. The EcoSport is the only vehicle to offer a rear seat recline in the segment. If you’re looking for expansive use of the rear seats, then you should go for the EcoSport.
Want a feature rich car?
Ford Freestyle and Ford EcoSport
When it comes to features, both the cars are evenly matched. The top end versions of both the models get the floating type SYNC3 infotainment system. The EcoSport gets an 8.0-inch system while the Freestyle gets a 6.5-inch screen but the functions remain the same and both support Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Emergency assistance. Also, both the cars offer a 6-airbag system, ABS + EBD and traction control. However, the Freestyle also gets Anti-Rollover-Prevention (ARP) which prevents the car from rolling over with up to 50 kg of load on the roof.
[“Source-cartoq”]
