Behold the Freestyle, a budget hatchback on stilts that Ford would like you to think of as a crossover
What is it?
A perfect rival to the way a Renault Sandero Stepway, so essentially it’s the company’s cheapest A segment hatch with a somewhat raised suspension and plastic trimmings and vinyl decals. Naturally, it will battle newcomers such as the Suzuki S-Presso and even the KUV 100 from Mahindra at this price point, but we reckon it has a fighting chance.
How does it go?
Well, well enough thanks to the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine. It’s a three-cylinder that produces 91kW and 150Nm, all sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. So performance is adequate at the coast, but I worry about it’s shuntability at the reef – then again, you don’t buy a Figo when quarter miles is life.
What about living with it?
All told, you’re going to want to dig deep and buy the Titanium model for R250k. With it you’ll get the 6.5-inch colour display with Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus voice activation. Titanium is further endowed with keyless start, auto climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and lastly rain-sensing wipers. Good car. Plus, it’s kinda cute.
Should you buy one?
Well, I haven’t driven one yet but I have spent a morning riding shotgun in one, and for a short amount of time found myself in the boot (don’t ask), and it certainly managed to tick all the right boxes.
2020 Ford Figo Price list
Figo 1.5 Ambiente Hatch 5MT R202 100
Figo 1.5 Trend Hatch 5MT R211 900
Figo 1.5 Trend Hatch 6AT R235 900
Figo 1.5 Titanium Hatch 5MT R235 700
Figo 1.5 Ambiente Sedan 5MT R208 500
Figo 1.5 Trend Sedan 5MT R217 300
Figo Freestyle 1.5 Trend Hatch 5MT R226 700
Figo Freestyle 1.5 Titanium Hatch 5MT R247 500
*All Figo and Figo Freestyle models come standard with Ford Protect; a four-year/60 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance, and four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.
