Still, it’s a vehicle that us Australians could probably use. With the rapidly escalating price of fuel, it no longer makes sense for urban families to taxi their children around in thirsty SUVs. With the ability to seat 6 small people in the back, the Freed would make an excellent load-lugger for parents who live in or close to city centers, and with its 1.5-litre inline-four engine and CVT gearbox it would sip petrol, rather than chug it down. Not only that, but its relatively small size, one-box shape and 5.2m turning circle would make the Freed a cinch to park, which would no doubt be a boon in shopping centre carparks and retail strips. You don’t have to cram 8 people in it either, with a seven seat version boasting comfy-looking second-row captains chairs and a five seat version offering an expansive (and flat) cargo area. All of them have dual rear sliding doors too, so there’ll be no more door dings inflicted on adjacent cars by your pesky offspring.
It’s not fast, it’s not pretty, but it doesn’t have to be. The Freed is practical, and the way in which it combines an admirably large cabin with low fuel consumption means the Freed gets my vote for being the ultimate urban transport. After all, what other small car could fit not one, but two fully-assembled bicycles without great difficulty?
