Pricing for All-New Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle Announced

Inside, an AM/FM/single-CD audio system also comes standard, while power door locks with remote keyless entry and door-mounted

Powered by a 203-hp 3.0-liter V6 mated to a CVT gearbox, the Freestyle should deliver reasonably athletic performance. Like the exterior styling, the interior is understated yet elegant. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

keyless entry key pad, power windows with driver's door one-touch up and down, and a 6-way power driver's seat with manual lumber adjustment are also included.

Like the Five Hundred, the Freestyle is available in three trim levels, SE, SEL and Limited. Again, as in the Five Hundred, the optional all-wheel drive can be had on all three trim levels for an extra $2,750.

While the new Chrysler 300 and Pacifica are obvious rivals to the two new Ford models, the Five Hundred and Freestyle are more conservatively drawn and therefore will attract a different set of customers. The Fords offer much less power than the Chrysler products as well, with a focus on fuel economy rather than out-and-out performance. Corresponding high fuel costs may mean that Ford hit the mark with regards to timing the launches of the new pair, which should be reasonably fuel efficient due to their smaller 3.0-liter engine and 6-speed automatic or CVT transmissions.

The Five Hundred manages 8.1 L/100 km on the highway and 11.2 in the city with the 6-speed auto in standard front-wheel drive guise, 8.7 L/100 km highway and 11.8 L/100 km city when mated to the CVT and 9.0 L/100 km highway and 12.4 L/100 km city with the CVT connects through to all-wheel drive. In comparison driving

While the Ford offerings aren't as powerful as their Chrysler rivals, better fuel efficiency will be a strong selling point considering current gas prices. (Photo: Ford Motors of Canada)

a Chrysler 300 will use up more fuel, at 8.4 L/100 km highway and 11.2 L/100 km city and 8.7 highway and 12.4 city for the 3.5-liter 300. Fuel economy figures for the AWD 300 run at 9.8 L/100 km on the highway and 13.1 in the city. The Five Hundred also bests the Toyota Camry V6, but the Honda Accord V6 is more fuel efficient in the city at least - the Five Hundred beats it on the highway though. Both Honda and Toyota will battle back soon with hybrid gas-electric powered Accords and Camrys, which are expected to boast better fuel economy than the Five Hundred and much more power. Nissan will also have an HEV Altima available shortly thereafter.