Beware. Hatchbacks crossing

FORD FIGO FREESTYLE 1,5 TITANIUM MT vs. RENAULT SANDERO 66 KW TURBO STEPWAY TECHROAD MT

Tested in a comparative back to back in our August 2017 issue, the Sandero Stepway (in top-spec Plus guise), fell short against its Volkswagen Cross Up! and Suzuki Ignis rivals. Much has changed since. The Sandero Stepway has received some welcome interior and exterior updates, while the Plus moniker was ditched in favour of the catchier Techroad label. In 2018, Ford joined the growing compact crossover fray, revealing its Freestyle-badged Figo. While it did take two years to arrive on local shores, the range-topping 1,5 Titanium is a fitting rival to an established favourite in the Sandero Stepway Techroad. So, beware; these hatchbacks are crossing.

SUV-LIKE STYLING

Dressed in (optional) Canyon Ridge paintwork, replete with a set of dark grey alloy wheels, the top-spec Figo Freestyle’s exterior hue contrasts pleasantly with the Sandero Stepway Techroad’s blue paintwork and silver alloys at our shoot location. For a couple of cars in the R250 000 price bracket, both look excellent. To enhance their SUV-like styling, they are fitted with faux