2005 FORD FREESTYLE LTD AWD Ford used a Ford-owned Volvo platform as the starting point for two new vehicles, the Five Hundred sedan and the Freestyle crossover. The latter could be described as the station wagon version of the Five Hundred. The Freestyle is bigger all around that the Explorer except in height. The newcomer is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 coupled to a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all- wheel drive is standard in Limited trim and optional in the other versions. Interior and trunk The front seats are easily accessible and very comfortable. The driving position would be better with a telescopic steering column. As it is now, with the seat adjusted properly for pedal distance, you’re too far away from the wheel. Space is rather tight for your left foot, too. In Limited trim, the electric pedal adjustment can be used when the vehicle is moving, which is unsafe. The sunroof limits headroom for tall individuals. The first rear bench seat is easy to enter and exit, but not the second. The first seats two adults but comfort is just average for tall people because of the low backrest (and ceiling). The bench is split 60/40 and both sides fold flat into the floor. Folding down the backrest opens up a fairly large cavity behind the front seats into which a dog, for example, could fall and be injured. The second bench has a very low backrest; expect to use it in a pinch, and only for children. The back, 50/50-split bench is easy to flip flat into the floor to free lots of room for cargo. When the seat is up, the fairly deep compartment serves as a cargo well. The rear hatch opens high. Convenience and safety The cabin is well finished throughout in good quality materials. Road noise and engine noise in mid-range to hard acceleration could be better muffled. There are lots of storage compartments, including a roomy centre console. The glove compartment isn’t lit, which is odd in this price range. Photos: Ford Controls and instruments are well laid out. The heating system is a bit slow but it eventually provides adequate heat. The seat heaters, too, take longer than usual to warm up. The rear heating system can be controlled in front and in back and it works efficiently. Safety features include front air bags, big outside mirrors, and head restraints at all seating positions. The restraints in the last rows do not adjust high enough for tall people. However, we liked the fact that the head restraints on the first row of back seats slide down into the backrest and don’t block the view to the rear. Visibility is very good on all sides, the windshield wipers are faster than average, but the headlights are weak. Engine and transmission The 3.0-litre V6 Duratec engine growls noticeably. It pumps out 203 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, providing average acceleration and pickup. However, to obtain adequate performance requires a firm foot on the accelerator, and fuel economy suffers as a result. Fortunately, the engine still meets LEV II “Low-Emissions Vehicle II” standards. The continuously variable transmission works like a snowmobile transmission: there are no gear changes. At times, you can detect a slight vibration caused by what can feel like a hesitation. Otherwise, the transmission is extremely smooth and progressive. Of course, you have to get used to the engine, which climbs without a pause through the rev range. Always having the engine in the right gear, with no apparent gear changes and no engine downshifting makes for pleasant driving. The all-wheel-drive system directs torque to the rear wheels when it detects slippage from the front. The system is supposed to react within 50 milliseconds or less, but if you’re accelerating fairly hard with all-season tires on snow, it takes a lot longer than that. Winter tires are a must. On the road The fully independent suspension is turned for a well controlled, nicely firm ride that is very smooth on all types of pavement. There are no harsh reactions. Road holding is more than adequate for such a big vehicle, and body lean is normal. Overall, the suspension feels very sturdy. The power steering is rather heavy at low speed and does not re-centre on its own in very slow driving. It is better weighted when speed picks up, becoming stable, precise and fairly quick. The turning circle is normal, and the steering provides a bit of road feel. Braking is powerful and fade resistant. In our test vehicle the brakes were not immediately responsive in emergency stops. Photos: Ford On the lift at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, the Freestyle proved to be sturdily built, but we also noticed that there is no rustproofing. The transmission support looks weak, and the hoses to the rear heater are exposed and unprotected. Conclusion The Freestyle has a lot going for it, including a roomy cabin, good handling, a continuously variable transmission and a solid platform. By trying to be a car, a minivan and a sport-utility vehicle all at once, the Freestyle may find it hard to establish its identity and find buyers. However, the Freestyle is a good natured vehicle, and the best sales argument is a road test. Strong points: spaciousness, front-seat comfort, handling, transmission, visibility, storage Weak points: perfectible soundproofing, fuel economy, heavy low-speed steering, weak headlights, rear-bench room and access, unprotected heating hoses 2005 FORD FREESTYLE Engine: 24-valve, 3.0-litre V6 Horsepower: 203 hp à 5,750 rpm Torque: 207 lb-ft à 4,500 rpm Transmission: continuously variable Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 507.5 cm Width: 190.5 cm Height: 164.9 cm Wheelbase: 286.7 Weight: 1,796 to 1,865 kg Tires: P215/64R17; P225/60R18 Towing capacity: 907 kg Air bags: Standard front. Side air bags and inflatable curtains optional on SEL and standard on Limited Fuel consumption with AWD: − Transport Canada rating: city: 12.5 L/100 km (23 mpg); highway: 8.9 L/100 km (32 mpg) − Test result: 15.3 L/100 (18.5 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 72 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 8.7 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6 seconds Photos: Ford Competition: Buick Rendezvous, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km − Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $1,111 Front brake disk: $103 Brake pads: $118 Muffler: $754 Front fender: $395 (left); $181 (right) Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $916 to $1,364 Price according to trim line: SE: $33,295 SEL: $34,795 Limited: $43,195 Main options: AWD: $2,750 (except Limited) Audiovisual system: $1,200 Comfort package: $1,295 (SEL) Convenience package: $1,195 (SE) Price as tested: $43,195 Freight and preparation: $1,085 Dealers: Quebec: 127: Canada: 600 CAA-Quebec, December 2004. Photos: Ford .