Ford Freestyle BS6 variant was spotted doing test runs in Pune ahead of its fast-approaching launch timeline.
The Indian automotive industry is busy updating products to the new BS6 emission standards that come into effect from April 1, 2020. While many brands operating in different segments of the industry have already introduced 2020 BS6-compliant versions of their existing portfolio, or entirely-new products, in the past few months, certain others are still busy with the updation process.
One such example is the Ford Figo range — which comprises of the standard hatchback, Freestyle cross-hatch and Aspire compact-sedan. Now, automotive enthusiast Prem Kumar has spotted the new 2020 Ford Freestyle BS6 model doing test runs on the roads of Pune. The test mule carried a piece of sophisticated equipment at the back which would most likely be an emission testing device (with the main body inside the boot).
There are no obvious changes to the design of the BS6 Freestyle, except for the black alloy wheels (BS4 models get the four-spoke 15-inch wheels in a glossy grey finish). Still, the final product could sport some slight cosmetic enhancements to give justice to its ‘2020 MY’ title, alongside new features on the inside. Ford India has already launched the 2020 Ford EcoSport BS6 at a starting price of Rs 8.04 lakh ex-showroom.
Dubbed as a Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Ford Freestyle cannot be regarded as just a raised avatar of the Figo hatchback. In fact, the engineers at Ford India has tuned the suspension and other driving components of the Freestyle to create a different driving experience. Ford India has always mastered the art of making affordable cars fun-to-drive and the Freestyle is no exception.
In its current BS4 format, the Ford Freestyle is offered in both petrol and diesel formats. The 1.2-litre NA three-cylinder Dragon petrol engine makes around 95bhp and 120Nm of torque while the 1.5-litre four-cylinder TDCi diesel motor packs 99bhp and 215Nm of torque. Both engines come mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.
With the deadline to update to BS6 emission norms closing in fast, we expect Ford India to launch the revised Freestyle next month or sooner. The Ford Freestyle cross-hatch primarily rivals the likes of the Hyundai i20 Active and Toyota Etios Cross. Prices currently start at Rs 5.91 lakh ex-showroom (for the entry-level petrol variant) and it wouldn’t be surprising if the 2020 Ford Freestyle BS6 is slightly more expensive.
