Just like the Freestar minivan, the Freestyle also features a "conversation mirror and sunglass bin in the overhead console," Marentic said. "I can flip down that conversation mirror and see my kids in the third row seat because they are sitting higher and I know exactly what they're doing... this gives me eyes in the back of my head which is very powerful as a parent."
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| The Freestyle has been designed at a natural height, making getting in and out a comfortable task, unlike some large SUVs. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The crossover was designed for a natural, upright seating position, said Chris Civiero, Freestyle program ergonomics engineer. By taking into account the "H-point," the position of an average-size adult's hip in relationship to the ground and the vehicle floor, passengers don't have to climb into the vehicle; they can simply sit at a natural height and close the door.
Other interior features include recessed storage bin in the instrument panel, a total of 12 cup and bottle holders, some found in the door pockets, others in the center console, and an optional overhead console, which can come with the conversation mirror, sunglass holder, DVD player and screen.
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| When the third row seat is folded flat, the Freestyle has 4,361 L (154 cubic feet) of storage space, and an additional 1,416 L (50 cubic feet) when the second row is folded flat as well. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
The Freestyle "was developed by Ford and Volvo engineers and will be one of safest vehicles that will be on the road," said Jan Vulcan, Chief Nameplate Engineer for Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.
The Freestyle features standard three-point seat belts for all three rows of seats, with pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seats which activate when sensors detect a crash occurring and pull the seat occupants into a better position for the airbags to deploy.
