Ford Freestyle vs Honda WR-V vs Hyundai i20 Active
The CUV space has ignited the imagination of car makers and as a result, we have another segment to choose from. Taking a cue from the trend, we test three such CUVs. Read on for results
In the run up for grabbing every inch of space in the Indian automobile market, car manufacturers are consciously taking the innovative route. So from traditional SUVs, a niche of its own has been created to match the needs of the customer. One such niche is the Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Both Indian and international car makers have understood the need of the Indian customer, which largely revolves around a family car that has the capacity and space that matches that of an SUV but of course is based on a smaller platform and affordable price. To fulfil this need, the CUVs were born. Though Honda has had the WR-V and Hyundai the i20 Active, Ford’s recently launched Freestyle is vying to fill in the gaps. With the recent launch of the Volvo’s XC40, it’s evident that even the luxury CUV space is slowly but surely recognising the potential of this void. Gone are the days when car makers could slap on some plastic bits and call their rather humble hatchback a mean crossover. Today things have progressed beyond those lines with CUVs built and sold for a purpose. It is for this reason that we decided to pit three such CUVs against one another. So which one is best? We find out in this test.
EXTERIORS
Let’s begin with the newest kid on the block, the Freestyle. The Freestyle comes as an offshoot of the Figo hatchback. However, Ford has decided to do away with the ‘Figo’ tag when it came to this vehicle. Ford designers in the mean time have spruced up the looks by adding scuff plates both up front and rear. The bumpers are new and so is the cladding which is easily visible in profile. The plus point with the Freestyle is that, it’s not overdone and the additions remain subtle. While the head lamps get a smoked treatment, Ford has missed out on adding daytime running lamps. On the roof, one can spot roof
rails that are usable units; perfectly handy to mount a roof box or even bicycles on them. The rear bumper of the Freestyle also seems to be larger but we particularly liked was the boot accessibility due to the low loading height. Adding to the overall stance of the Freestyle is the raised ride height. This also means that the Freestyle offers a substantial ground clearance at 190mm.
The WR-V on the other hand is born from the Jazz gene pool. However exterior changes to the WR-V are far more serious than its Hyundai counterpart. The entire front end is new and this means the WR-V
WR-V IS BORN FROM THE JAZZ GENE POOL. THE EXTERIOR CHANGES ARE FAR MORE SERIOUS
THAN THE I20
gets head lamps, bumper, bonnet and fenders which are unique. In profile though the Jazz bloodline is visible. The rear end is also smart and offers a large tail lamp panel which, we think looks good. The WR-V though based on the Jazz/City platform has a wheelbase that has been extended by 25mm and all other dimensions of the car are slightly higher than that of the Jazz—it is longer but just fits under 4 metres mark at 3,999mm.
As for the i20 Active, it sports a more rugged looking front bumper, additional plastic claddings and roof rails. There is also a pseudo bull bar, skid plates and huge fog lamps. All this adds a sense of purpose as compared to the standard hatch. Not just that, Hyundai has upped the practicality quotient by raising its ground clearance to 190mm.
INTERIORS
Inside the Freestyle uses the same dashboard
as found in the Figo. Where Ford has differentiated is, in the infotainment system, which is new. The unit features Fords Sync 3 system and is Apple and Android ready. The touchscreen unit is extremely easy to use and the display is bright. We can clearly say that this system is currently one of the best in business as far as features and usability goes. The Freestyle also gets automatic climate control, Fords
MyKey feature along with automatic lights and wipers. Space too is found aplenty within the Freestyle. Be it up front or at the back, the passengers will find it comfortable.
We were also pleasantly surprised with the overall quality of the material used, which is better than before. The WR-V too treads on the same path as the Freestyle and borrows its dash from the Jazz. It also gets a rather loaded infotainment system in form of the new Digipad. Apart from various plug in options, it also comes with an HDMI input. The Piano Black treatment on the climate control system looks good and we like the fact that Honda has taken care of quality as well. Space is where the WR-V shines and will largely remain unbeatable. Be it up front or at the back, there is no challenging this CUV in this department. The boot too is big and can accommodate plenty of luggage. The i20 Active gets colour coded bids on its dash and various other panels as compared to the standard hatch. Overall levels of quality are good and space found is enough to accommodate a family.
UNDER THE HOOD
Freestyle uses a 1.5-litre common rail diesel engine which churns out 100bhp and 215Nm of torque. The five-speed manual box transfers all this to the front wheels only. The Ford diesel engine feels pretty re-
SPACE IS WHERE THE WR-V SHINES AND WILL LARGELY REMAIN UNBEATABLE. BE IT UP FRONT OR AT THE BACK, THERE IS NO CHALLENGING THIS CUV IN THIS DEPARTMENT
sponsive and the Freestyle does well off the line. On the move, NVH levels are praise worthy and the driver is cocooned in the cabin and remains comfortable. But the best thing is the gearbox which is slick and shifts through with ease. Moving to the WR-V, it too comes with a 1.5-litre diesel and offers 100bhp and 200Nm of torque, though it does not reflect as a pocket rocket as the motor offers power in a sort of linear fashion. It climbs steadily but not rapidly. This trait is perhaps better when it comes to fuel efficiency. The gearbox in this case is a 6-speed manual with slick shifts. The i20 Active gets the smallest 1.4-litre engine. The motor is smooth and quieter than both the other two here. It also offers plenty of torque and this ensures smooth drivability. The gearbox though is not as slick as the other two.
OVERALL RIDE
One of the aspects that truly impressed us in the Freestyle is the ride quality. That’s because it takes to Indian conditions with ease and as result passengers remain comfortable. The high ground clearance makes it easier for this CUV, not only to hold a commanding position of the road but it also takes on
potholes and broken roads without being hassled or rattled.
We’d be evading our duty if we didn’t give a special mention to Ford’s Active Rollover Prevention technology. The Freestyle also handles superbly. This is an inherent trait found in Ford cars and the Freestyle carries it forward. The steering too offers decent feedback which makes it a fun to drive car. As for the WR-V, steering also feels light and agile, though the ride comes is a tad stiff. However, this results in good handling too. Lastly, the i20 Active features a rather soft suspension which does a splendid job in city conditions. We like the way the system absorbs bumps and ruts. But it does not handle as well as the Freestyle. We would have also like a little more feedback from the steering.