Ford Freestyle Premieres in India (Coverage: Pg.4)

[F4frewin]

Hi F4frewin , i'm looking to replace my FIGO which had crossed 155k Kilometer. I'm considering Freestyle , New Aspire and 2015 Ford Fiesta. Since you also own Global Fiesta ,i guess you can throw some light on my confused situation.I do long distance commute to office from my home and cover nearly 3000 kilometer per month. I'm looking for quite , plaint ride with minimal fuss which will take sting out of my daily commute. I travel between Gobi to Coimbatore on well laid roads.I had three test drives in Freestyle still not yet convinced mainly due to darker interior with hideous brown dashboard. Is it advisable to buy global Fiesta instead of Freestyle , saving some cash and enjoy benefits of global product or get the latest product and live with some shortcoming in terms of NVH and handling.I also own 2011 Fiesta SXI (not the global one) , which i found has the perfect balance between ride and handling for my needs. Please also give me your rating on NVH , Quality of audio and ride w.r.t to Freestyle and Global Fiesta

Hi! Both are different products. I would rate Global Fiesta much better than Freestyle on NVH, fit and finish, audio, steering, gear box and mist important ride and handling. It's head and shoulders above what was offered in indian market or currently offered. I would say spenf some time with a global fiesta first. You can find lots of used one's in Chennai. Take a good test drive and back to back drive of aspire/Figo S. Freestyle could be a bit bumpy. You can get added leg room on Figo or aspire and little more horse power. But, Global Fiesta is fantastic. Just go for it.
Only problem is lack of body parts for accidental repair. So far no issues. As engine is shared, you will get components easily.

 

[max_mirini]

Hi! Both are different products. I would rate Global Fiesta much better than Freestyle on NVH, fit and finish, audio, steering, gear box and mist important ride and handling. It's head and shoulders above what was offered in indian market or currently offered. I would say spenf some time with a global fiesta first. You can find lots of used one's in Chennai. Take a good test drive and back to back drive of aspire/Figo S. Freestyle could be a bit bumpy. You can get added leg room on Figo or aspire and little more horse power. But, Global Fiesta is fantastic. Just go for it.
Only problem is lack of body parts for accidental repair. So far no issues. As engine is shared, you will get components easily.

Thanks F4frewin , will check out Fiesta and see whether it suits my need. I guess Fiesta was one of the most underrated product in India.

 

[F4frewin]

Another update was carried out to my Freestyle! I have changed the engine insulator(top engine mount). The reason for change is the loss of torque to wheels when you lift the foot of the throttle and apply throttle again. The rubber mounts used on Figo/ Aspire/Freestyle move up and down and sideways, they absorb vibrations in all 4 directions and cause significant loss of torque by allowing more movement on the engine. The idea to change to hydraulic engine mount is to restrict the movement to just up and down and sideways movements are curtailed to a large extent. This also helps in controlling vibrations and violent shake-up of the engine when started and killed. Also, the biggest advantage is observed when shifting through gears, the power is seamless across gear range and vibrations are less on the steering wheel. The hydraulic engine mount is sourced from the global Fiesta and it costs Rs.10162. Earlier when Global Fiesta was made in India, this part was made locally and costed Rs.5000 all. Now that the production has stopped its imported from Spain and its shared with Focus.

I tried fitting Engine mount from Ecosport but it's quite short and it holds engine down by 4 cms on the mount side and I didn't want to run the engine slant. Hence, I decided to go with top engine mount of Global Fiesta. The cost of Ecosport engine mount is Rs.4419. Ford chose rubber mounts for Figo range to save costs at the expense of refinement.

 

[1989rs500]

Another update was carried out to my Freestyle! I have changed the engine insulator(top engine mount). The reason for change is the loss of torque to wheels when you lift the foot of the throttle and apply throttle again. The rubber mounts used on Figo/ Aspire/Freestyle move up and down and sideways, they absorb vibrations in all 4 directions and cause significant loss of torque by allowing more movement on the engine. The idea to change to hydraulic engine mount is to restrict the movement to just up and down and sideways movements are curtailed to a large extent. This also helps in controlling vibrations and violent shake-up of the engine when started and killed. Also, the biggest advantage is observed when shifting through gears, the power is seamless across gear range and vibrations are less on the steering wheel. The hydraulic engine mount is sourced from the global Fiesta and it costs Rs.10162. Earlier when Global Fiesta was made in India, this part was made locally and costed Rs.5000 all. Now that the production has stopped its imported from Spain and its shared with Focus.

I tried fitting Engine mount from Ecosport but it's quite short and it holds engine down by 4 cms on the mount side and I didn't want to run the engine slant. Hence, I decided to go with top engine mount of Global Fiesta. The cost of Ecosport engine mount is Rs.4419. Ford chose rubber mounts for Figo range to save costs at the expense of refinement.

Thats a smart engineering upgrade rather than unwanted sticker jobs, I have tried lot of mechanics here in Trivandrum and none were well versed in working under the hood of a Ford, I have small issues with my Figo MK I front left wheel drive shaft, its making small noises when taking U turns etc, drive shafts locally made for Figo/new Figo is of lesser quality, the old gen Fiesta drive shafts are not available in retail outlets let alone try to get them from salvaged cars , I would love to add better drive shafts and a global Fiesta engine mount to my Figo as well, but finding a mechanic is the difficult part.

 

[F4frewin]

Thats a smart engineering upgrade rather than unwanted sticker jobs, I have tried lot of mechanics here in Trivandrum and none were well versed in working under the hood of a Ford, I have small issues with my Figo MK I front left wheel drive shaft, its making small noises when taking U turns etc, drive shafts locally made for Figo/new Figo is of lesser quality, the old gen Fiesta drive shafts are not available in retail outlets let alone try to get them from salvaged cars , I would love to add better drive shafts and a global Fiesta engine mount to my Figo as well, but finding a mechanic is the difficult part.

Yes, this is one upgrade I really wanted from day one. I prefer smooth cruising while lifting off and engaging throttle. The rubber mounts cause significant torque loss, it allows movement of the engine more than 2 cms sideways. Though it worked expensive compared to engine mount of Ecosport, it is now an imported part for Global Fiesta that is sourced from Focus TDCi. I'm not sure if the engine insulator is same for Global Fiesta and Figo MK-I. Moreover, mounts would be different for petrol and diesel. I'll check with my FNG and revert.
I know sourcing driveshafts is a problem for Figo recently. Ford stopped driveshafts temporarily due to pricing. The drive shaft is same for old Figo and Fiesta but Ford priced drive shaft assembly of Figo Rs.6000 less than that of Fiesta. Most FNG started ordering drive shaft of Fiesta by using Figo VIN, after realising this Ford stopped supply for both to revise pricing. The drive shaft of Global Fiesta may not fit Figo due to different track width, I'll check on this.
Are you sure your drive shaft is making noise? Figo is notorious to have failed CV joints that may also cause this issue or the issue could be Power steering pump.
After changing of suspension to that of Figo S. I find the camber readings increase by 1 degree. This could cause uneven tire wear. I've ordered 12mm Camber adjustment bolts for the top suspension bolt. This is from Eibach and I hope to receive the part by end December. This would help me align the camber.
I never spend a single ruppee on non-performance or look enhancing jobs, my money goes into enhanching the car mechanically and on preventive maintenance. The ODO will cross 20000 kms this week, I'm happy with the car.

 

[1989rs500]

Yes, this is one upgrade I really wanted from day one. I prefer smooth cruising while lifting off and engaging throttle. The rubber mounts cause significant torque loss, it allows movement of the engine more than 2 cms sideways. Though it worked expensive compared to engine mount of Ecosport, it is now an imported part for Global Fiesta that is sourced from Focus TDCi. I'm not sure if the engine insulator is same for Global Fiesta and Figo MK-I. Moreover, mounts would be different for petrol and diesel. I'll check with my FNG and revert.
I know sourcing driveshafts is a problem for Figo recently. Ford stopped driveshafts temporarily due to pricing. The drive shaft is same for old Figo and Fiesta but Ford priced drive shaft assembly of Figo Rs.6000 less than that of Fiesta. Most FNG started ordering drive shaft of Fiesta by using Figo VIN, after realising this Ford stopped supply for both to revise pricing. The drive shaft of Global Fiesta may not fit Figo due to different track width, I'll check on this.
Are you sure your drive shaft is making noise? Figo is notorious to have failed CV joints that may also cause this issue or the issue could be Power steering pump.
After changing of suspension to that of Figo S. I find the camber readings increase by 1 degree. This could cause uneven tire wear. I've ordered 12mm Camber adjustment bolts for the top suspension bolt. This is from Eibach and I hope to receive the part by end December. This would help me align the camber.
I never spend a single ruppee on non-performance or look enhancing jobs, my money goes into enhanching the car mechanically and on preventive maintenance. The ODO will cross 20000 kms this week, I'm happy with the car.

As you have said , it could be both a CV joint failure or a drive shaft issue, but difficult to diagnose as it isnt pronounced, but definitely noticeable when outside noises are minimal, the FASS say it could be a faulty drive shaft in the making, and no need for worry as of now, but to wait till its pronounced and then solutions can be charted , but I feel FASS is just as informative as I am and they too are not sure of what it is.

 

[F4frewin]

I have seen this with Ford ASS, they tend to blame on multiple causes and scare the customer. I have spoken to my FNG, they said the right side OE drive shaft costs 16.5k and left 11.5k. But, they do re- condition drive shaft for 3.5 k each and give warranty 1.5 years. They assure me that the reconditioned shafts are done with OE baby parts and they work fine. Failing drive shafts, will send vibrations through. It could also be the link rod, which fails first on Ford. For your mileage, drive shaft or CV joints won't be the issue at all. Just check the link rod, it is easy to diagnose.
In one of my friends car, Chennai Ford blamed on drive shaft and bearing just after a short test drive and without proper inspection of parts, but when inspected at our FNG it was the link rod that was making noise on his 1.6S. We replaced it here and it is running fine ever since.
The part I mentioned for variable pricing in earlier post between fiesta and Figo is the crankshaft and not drive shaft. OE drive shafts are available on order.

 

[chansek]

Oh. The car is programmed to let more fuel and air to prevent the engine from stalling when driven in half clutch than the driver is giving input on the throttle. This clutch position is relayed to the ecu in the form of electronic signal that activates when depressing the clutch. There will be two switches on Titanium and titanium plus. One for the ignition, when fully depressed, it sends current to the ignition switch to start the car and the other for half position of clutch for ecu to increase the throttle when driven in half clutch. In my car, when I try move with half clutch, the engine will fluctuate rpm to prevent it from stalling. I have the habit of slowly lifting the clutch before any throttle input and I'm used to it. A wild fluctuation is caused by incorrect signal sent from clutch switch, at times the problem could even be a loose switch! A simple remove and refit could also be a fix.
I faced a similar problem in our previous all new Fiesta the one we had before Global Fiesta. When I tried move the car from stationed, that car would jerk and vibrate until 2000 rpm however careful i was in releasing the clutch and once beyond there will be no issues. I took to Ford ASS 3 times and they couldn't fix it. We even changed the clutch and no help. Later, we just changed the clutch switch at our FNG and the car ran fine. My problem with Ford ASS is their inability to diagnose a problem that keeps me away from trusting them even with a new car. I'll rather forego my warranty than to invite unwanted hassles with them.

My wife has been driving the car in my absence; she was irritated by the vibration.... The car was picked up FASS guys and they used the scanning tool and informed that there was NO issue. She insisted to check the clutch switch and it was indeed *loose* and it was fixed back. The problem disappeared as of now; I am yet to drive the car. The FASS guys seem to use the scan tool for any problem; no test drives or inspection whatsoever which is extremely annoying.. Thanks to F4frewin for the suggestion.

 

[1989rs500]

I have seen this with Ford ASS, they tend to blame on multiple causes and scare the customer. I have spoken to my FNG, they said the right side OE drive shaft costs 16.5k and left 11.5k. But, they do re- condition drive shaft for 3.5 k each and give warranty 1.5 years. They assure me that the reconditioned shafts are done with OE baby parts and they work fine. Failing drive shafts, will send vibrations through. It could also be the link rod, which fails first on Ford. For your mileage, drive shaft or CV joints won't be the issue at all. Just check the link rod, it is easy to diagnose.
In one of my friends car, Chennai Ford blamed on drive shaft and bearing just after a short test drive and without proper inspection of parts, but when inspected at our FNG it was the link rod that was making noise on his 1.6S. We replaced it here and it is running fine ever since.
The part I mentioned for variable pricing in earlier post between fiesta and Figo is the crankshaft and not drive shaft. OE drive shafts are available on order.

I have asked them to check Link Rod/Tie Rod and they said its fine, and they say it "might" be drive shaft, and they test drove it for replicating noise and they too observed it , and said the full drive shaft replacement for front left will cost around 14k Rs including labour , but its not necessary unless it becomes a major issue, but I for one dosent like to drive knowing it has an ailing part, so usually does the required work pro actively, thats why I am thinking of replacing with an OE part sourced from Ford official parts store

 

[F4frewin]

My wife has been driving the car in my absence; she was irritated by the vibration.... The car was picked up FASS guys and they used the scanning tool and informed that there was NO issue. She insisted to check the clutch switch and it was indeed *loose* and it was fixed back. The problem disappeared as of now; I am yet to drive the car. The FASS guys seem to use the scan tool for any problem; no test drives or inspection whatsoever which is extremely annoying.. Thanks to F4frewin for the suggestion.

Thank goodness you have your car sorted out. I really hope that you have trouble free miles ahead!

I have asked them to check Link Rod/Tie Rod and they said its fine, and they say it "might" be drive shaft, and they test drove it for replicating noise and they too observed it , and said the full drive shaft replacement for front left will cost around 14k Rs including labour , but its not necessary unless it becomes a major issue, but I for one doesn't like to drive knowing it has an ailing part, so usually does the required work pro actively, thats why I am thinking of replacing with an OE part sourced from Ford official parts store

As I said, drive shaft is available on order and you will be able to get it from any authorized Ford spares distributor. But, I would recommend to get it reconditioned by changing new u-joints and bearings and your car will be fit to run for a long time. Its a simple job. Just send the drive shaft to Erode and I'll get it reconditioned and ship back within 2 days. There's a huge cost saving and it will work fine.

 

[1989rs500]

Thank goodness you have your car sorted out. I really hope that you have trouble free miles ahead!



As I said, drive shaft is available on order and you will be able to get it from any authorized Ford spares distributor. But, I would recommend to get it reconditioned by changing new u-joints and bearings and your car will be fit to run for a long time. Its a simple job. Just send the drive shaft to Erode and I'll get it reconditioned and ship back within 2 days. There's a huge cost saving and it will work fine.

Will try to do that, but someone should loose and take off these parts from my machine right, I dont know someone reliable enough to do this job, Ford ASS guys are bent on replacing the whole assembly as its more economically viable for them

 

[chansek]

Just reviving the thread. Our freestyle petrol crossed 8600 kms till date; I went to Erode last month and the car was serviced at 6700 kms in the FNG referred by F4frewin
I switched to Valvoline all-climate advanced 5w30 with ACEA A5/B5 spec and decided to forgo warranty and get my car serviced from there going forward since Ford dealer service is pathetic in Bangalore. Mileage improved drastically post oil change; getting around 16-17 kmpl in the city and 20-21 kmpl in highways(100-120 speeds) with a/c on mostly. Now the car could touch 160+ speeds(still gives around 14-15 kmpl) easily. Only difference is that new oil takes a while to settle in rather needs a warm up and the engine starts going crazy after that. The stock oil is peppy right from the engine crank but performance tapers with sustained driving based on observation. BTW I had a great time with F4frewin's Fiesta inspired Freestyle diesel; it was mind blowing to drive. Thanks a lot to F4frewin!!!

 

[1989rs500]

Just reviving the thread. Our freestyle petrol crossed 8600 kms till date; I went to Erode last month and the car was serviced at 6700 kms in the FNG referred by F4frewin
I switched to Valvoline all-climate advanced 5w30 with ACEA A5/B5 spec and decided to forgo warranty and get my car serviced from there going forward since Ford dealer service is pathetic in Bangalore. Mileage improved drastically post oil change; getting around 16-17 kmpl in the city and 20-21 kmpl in highways(100-120 speeds) with a/c on mostly. Now the car could touch 160+ speeds(still gives around 14-15 kmpl) easily. Only difference is that new oil takes a while to settle in rather needs a warm up and the engine starts going crazy after that. The stock oil is peppy right from the engine crank but performance tapers with sustained driving based on observation. BTW I had a great time with F4frewin's Fiesta inspired Freestyle diesel; it was mind blowing to drive. Thanks a lot to F4frewin!!!

Thats superb news @chansek , I was told by a Ford service personal that, Ford is not using higher grade oil or not recommending higher octane fuel for its cars just to project a lower cost of ownership , the biggest user feedback Ford got from surveys between 2012-2015 was the service cost and cost of ownership over a span of 7-10 years, so to project it as low as possible they resorted to this move, and he personally admitted that , the Ford Figo 2011 TDCi he uses too drinks Semi Synthetic instead of Mineral Oil suggested by Ford and still runs smooth and better than regular ones .
But 16-17 kmpl in city in Banglore is too good, I ve a friend who owns Freestyle Titanium Petrol and does around 13.5-14.5 kmpl consistently within city with 100% AC , But still thinks his Freestyle isnt efficient enough as some Dzire petrol owners were getting around 15-16 kmpl in same loop ,the only thing he hates in Freestyle is the long travel clutch, his previous car had a short travel clutch so got too much used to that system, other than that the car is superb, can tackle almost any kind of bad roads, great NVH, good mileage , good power, he too is nearing his first service within next 3 months, post which he might join TAI for sharing his user experience.

 

[bbarve]

Would like to see an ownership review thread for Freestyle.

 

[F4frewin]

I received a recorded call, a SMS and an e-mail from Ford India about a potential safety threat for which I may need to contact my local dealer. I didn't respond initially due to work commitments. After a few repeated calls and messages, I decided to get in touch with Sri Golden Ford and they informed me about a possible wiring harness bracket fitting for the main engine room wiring.
FORD identified that the fixing of engine room wiring harness may be brushing against some parts that may heat up during engine operation and they wanted to use a bracket to fix it. I got the car fixed today. I'm not aware of what they did as I sent through a driver.
Had anyone else in forum aware of such issue on their FREESTYLE?