Safety and Fuel Economy Set the Freestyle Apart
Ford doesn't always get the credit it deserves, at least when translated
into sales. Sure it sells more full-size pickup trucks than any other brand, and its Explorer has long been a favourite among soccer moms, but its starting to build some impressive new cars and, despite efforts to combine fuel efficient drivetrains with performance-oriented handling, what sounds like a winning formula, it comes up short.
Its new Freestyle crossover might just be the most obvious case in point. Hailed by many in the automotive press for its sophisticated Haldex all-wheel drive system, the same as used by Volvo, and riding on a version of that Swedish automaker's S80/XC90 chassis architecture, resulting in impressive handling and safe, impact resistant rigidity, it's a pretty sophisticated piece of engineering. Added to these features is a velvety smooth continuously variable transmission, that makes the best use of its
fuel-efficient 3.0-litre V6 possible, resulting in reasonably quick acceleration, at least compared to other, more powerful vehicles in its class.
What is even more impressive is the Freestyle's interior space optimization. While it doesn't appear large from the outside, it's cavernous inside, seating full-size six-foot-plus adults in its third row seat, with room to spare.
It's even good looking, in an understated, almost nondescript way; the latter point likely the most critical complaint given by some automotive pundits.
Ford doesn't always get the credit it deserves, at least when translated
 |
| Ford doesn't always get the credit it deserves, at least when translated into sales. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Its new Freestyle crossover might just be the most obvious case in point. Hailed by many in the automotive press for its sophisticated Haldex all-wheel drive system, the same as used by Volvo, and riding on a version of that Swedish automaker's S80/XC90 chassis architecture, resulting in impressive handling and safe, impact resistant rigidity, it's a pretty sophisticated piece of engineering. Added to these features is a velvety smooth continuously variable transmission, that makes the best use of its
 |
| What is even more impressive is the Freestyle's interior space optimization. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
What is even more impressive is the Freestyle's interior space optimization. While it doesn't appear large from the outside, it's cavernous inside, seating full-size six-foot-plus adults in its third row seat, with room to spare.
It's even good looking, in an understated, almost nondescript way; the latter point likely the most critical complaint given by some automotive pundits.