The second-generation Ford Figo has enjoyed much success locally in the sub-compact category, offering affordable motoring from an established brand. It's not only first-time owners and students who have enjoyed the Figo over the years, but others have also found the Figo to be an agreeable alternative to the larger offerings on the market.
Ford updated the Figo in 2018 and 2020 sees the range grow to include the new Ford Figo Freestyle, a Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) aimed squarely at the younger and young-at-heart buyer.
Related: Ford Figo Titanium – More car for not much more money.
We've seen similar exploits from the likes of Toyota and VW who have taken their sub-compact offerings and beefed them up to be better suited to the rugged nature of some of their buyers. The Etios Cross and Cross Polo spring to mind, vehicles with increased ride heights and additional cladding to protect the sheet metal from the inevitable abuse that takes place when owners start venturing off the tarmac.
With it's improved ground clearance, rocker and wheel arch cladding, the Figo Freestyle is for those that would love to climb into an SUV but really only need an economical hatchback. This of this as a Ford EcoSport Lite... a little smaller, a little cheaper, but still geared for the outdoors.
Styling
The new Ford Figo Freestyle is immediately recognisable thanks to the moulded panels along the lower rocker panels and surrounding the wheel arches. It's complemented by a skid-plate-style trim piece in the lower section of the front and rear bumpers. On Titanium models, these are coloured silver to offset the body colour and black trimmings while on the Trend models they remain a stealthy black colour.
The fog lamp surrounds feature a cheeky black housing, drawing attention to the headlights that feature automatic activation on Titanium spec derivatives.
Increased by 16 mm over the standard, road-going Figo, the Freestyle provides an increased amount of clearance, allowing one to explore areas that would ordinarily seem too severe for the regular Figo. This sees the Freestyle with a ground clearance of 190 mm total.
The new Figo Freestyle rides on a set of Freestyle-specific split spoke alloy wheels in a 15-inch size and roof rails allow for the fitment of assorted roof carrier and boxes if need be.
Interior
Contrasting stitching and a new fabric pattern adorn the seats in the new Ford Figo Freestyle and Ford has included rubber floor mats to prevent fouling of the interior carpet.
Trend models receive the Ford Device Dock which allows for smartphones to be securely mounted on the dashboard with connections for USB, Bluetooth, and AUX to allow for audio streaming and hands-free phone opperation. It's the upper-spec Titanium model the receives the Ford Sync3 infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The Titanium model further benefits from a soft touch multifunction steering wheel and gear lever, allowing for hands-free operation of audio and telephony controls. Push Button Start and automatic wipers are included in the premium on the Titanium model as is an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Climate control and a reverse camera also form part of the Titanium package.
Engine
The Figo Freestyle employs the tried and tested 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Ford Ti-VCT petrol engine that produces 91 kW and 150 Nm torque. This unit powers the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox and is claimed to return a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.5 l/100km.
The 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes a claimed 11.8-seconds while the top speed is listed as 175 km/h.
Safety
The Ford Figo Freestyle comes as standard with both driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, remote central locking with drive away lock as well as a perimeter anti0theft alarm system. The Titanium model builds on this, offering side and curtain airbags and Ford's MyKey profile system.
Price
The Ford Figo Freestyle is currently only available in Trend and Titanium specification, both with the 1.5-litre engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. All Freestyles are backed by a 4-year / 120 000 km warranty and a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.
| Figo 1.5 Ambiente Hatch 5MT | R202 100 |
| Figo 1.5 Trend Hatch 5MT | R 211 900 |
| Figo 1.5 Trend Hatch 6AT | R 235 900 |
| Figo 1.5 Titanium Hatch 5MT | R 235 700 |
| Figo 1.5 Ambiente Sedan 5MT | R 208 500 |
| Figo 1.5 Trend Sedan 5MT | R 217 300 |
| Figo Freestyle 1.5 Trend Hatch 5MT | R226 700 |
| Figo Freestyle 1.5 Titanium Hatch 5MT | R247 500 |
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