Ford SA adds Figo Freestyle to local line-up

Ford SA is adding a new compact utility vehicle to its local line-up, called the Figo Freestyle.

“The All-New Figo Freestyle builds on Ford’s reputation as one of the pioneers of the utility vehicle segment,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at FMCSA. “With its SUV-derived design cues, robust stance with increased ground clearance and commanding seating position, it has the credentials of an SUV in a compact package that is ideally suited to city driving during the week and escaping to the countryside on weekends.

“It fulfils the growing demand from younger buyers for a vehicle that is more compact and affordable than the compact SUV offerings, but is equally capable and designed for adventurous, active and free-spirited individuals,” Mashinini adds. “With bigger wheels, increased ride height and integrated skid plates that enhance its capabilities on less-than-perfect roads, the Figo Freestyle is designed to meet the aspirations of these young and dynamic customers. It is a cool, connected and very capable package.”

Two models are available in the Figo Freestyle line-up, starting off with the Trend and headlined by the comprehensively appointed Titanium series. Both models are powered by Ford’s eager 1.5-litre three-cylinder Ti-VCT engine used in the rest of the Figo range. It boasts impressive outputs for its class, with 91kW of power and 150Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

A key element of the Figo Freestyle’s design is the raised ride height of 190mm, which is 16mm higher than the standard Figo. This enhances the Figo Freestyle’s all-round capabilities for active, outdoors-oriented customers, while integrated front and rear skid plates provide an enhanced level of underbody protection when driving on rougher road surfaces. Roof rails are fitted as standard. They are immensely practical too, allowing the easy fitment of a roof rack to carry bicycles, canoes or other equipment to suit the owner’s sporting and lifestyle endeavours.

Figo Freestyle is available in six colour choices, including the striking new ‘Canyon Ridge’ that is unique to this model, along with Diamond white – both of which are solid paint finishes. Metallic paint options comprise Smoke Grey, Moondust Silver, Ruby Red and White Gold.

The neatly laid out dashboard and door accents create an exclusive and sophisticated ambience. This is matched to an attractive blended seat trim design with distinctive striped elements in the centre which are offset against black trim panels on the sides. Contrasting stitching adds further visual appeal.

A soft-touch gear shift knob complements the Titanium model’s sporty steering wheel with remote audio controls, while practical touches on both derivatives include door scuff plates and durable all-weather floor mats.

Driving convenience is provided with the standard fitment of reverse parking sensors. The Trend is equipped with Ford’s clever Device Dock which includes Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity and a handy receptacle to hold a smartphone.

The Titanium series adds a reverse camera linked to the floating 6.5-inch colour display for the SYNC3 system, which incorporates Bluetooth and voice activation that enables phone and audio functions to be controlled through intuitive, conversational voice commands. Owners can use their smartphone’s navigation functions and a variety of other apps in conjunction with SYNC3 when seamlessly paired to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Other features unique to the Titanium derivative include keyless push-start button, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlamp activation and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Model Range and Recommended Retail Prices:

Figo Freestyle 1.5 Trend Hatch 5MT          R226 700

Figo Freestyle 1.5 Titanium Hatch 5MT     R247 500

All Figo and Figo Freestyle models come standard with Ford Protect which includes a service plan covering four-years/60 000km, three-year unlimited distance roadside assistance and four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty. This is complemented by a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.