Another aspect of the Freestyle's performance surprised me too, acceleration. After all, it's got the smallest
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| How does the Freestyle's 203 horsepower 3.0-liter Duratec 30 DOHC V6 omanage to speed away from a 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 powered Pacifica? A combination of less weight and the an efficient CVT transmission do the trick. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
displacement, least powerful engine in the mix but somehow manages to chop an entire second off of a sprint to 100 km/h over the previously quickest Pacifica. How does a 203 horsepower 3.0-liter Duratec 30 DOHC V6 manage to speed away from a 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V6? In addition to the Freestyle's lighter weight, it's all about the Ford's sophisticated continuously variable transmission (CVT). It's really one of the simplest gearboxes in the business, in theory anyway, as it only features a single "gear" that expands and contracts to push a belt up or down creating a larger or smaller ratio. When larger, it works better for scaling hills at low speed, and when smaller it can maintain highway velocities. The best part is it's the most efficient type of transmission in the industry while delivering top-tier acceleration. Inside the Freestyle offers an attractive dash layout, excellent ergonomics, good fit and finish and decent plastics quality, especially on the dash and upper door trim. If you're used to Volkswagen or BMW perceived quality, though, you might be disappointed as the new Ford exposes a little more plastic than
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| The Freestyle offers an attractive dash layout, excellent ergonomics, good fit and finish and decent plastics quality for its price point. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
average. The Pacifica delivers nicer tactile quality as well, but for a great deal more money. And that's really the most important part of the Freestyle story. It's really inexpensive considering all it brings to the table. Starting at $33,295, a front-wheel drive SE delivers 7-occupant seating. Comparatively to the equivalent 7-occupant front-wheel drive Chrysler Pacifica, the Freestyle SE is more than $5,000 cheaper. All-wheel drive Freestyles start at $36,045, again less expensive than the Pacifica with AWD and the Buick Rainier.
