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| The Freestar, that now incorporates a tumble under third row seat and tumble forward middle captain's chairs, will be manufactured at Ford's Oakville, Ontario Assembly Plant. (Photo: Ford Motor) |
So why should Ford feel confident in its new offering? Here are a few good reasons. Its third row seat will now tumble into the floor providing a flat cargo floor, something the class leading Chrysler doesn't do. Improving things further there's no need to remove the head restraints to do so, besting some imported competitors. The new Freestar will also boast the largest engine in the field as standard equipment, a 4.2-L V6 with 201-hp and best in class torque at 265 lb-ft. While only a 4-speed automatic, some of its competitors including the Kia include a 5-speed gearbox, the transmission includes what Ford calls 'fast-acting hydraulics' which the company states produces "seamless shift quality and improved downshift response". Ford will also sport a power liftgate later in the model year, a real bonus when trying to access the cargo area with full hands and arms.
Safety is always a big issue in the minivan category with Ford right at the top. The current Windstar achieved the U.S. government's highest frontal crash test rating seven years in a row. Ford engineers redesigned the Freestyle's front structure to continue this legacy, making it prospectively one of the best performers in offset crash tests. Ford has also stepped up with a segment-exclusive Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag system, protecting occupants of all three rows in case of a side impact collisions and rollovers. Active safety features include larger 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Panic Brake Assist on models equipped with the optional AdvanceTrac stability enhancement system.