The Ford Freda is a rebadged 8-seater Mazda Bongo MPV, introduced to the Japanese home market in 1995. It is styled, literally, like a box, purely for space efficiency and for conservative Japanese tastes.
While initially a Japanese domestic market vehicle, it is becoming increasingly popular in overseas markets for Japanese imports, particularly Great Britain, Ireland, Russia, and New Zealand.
Most examples of this vehicle are automatics (there are a few manual versions), and are available in 2WD (SGL3) and 4WD (SGL5) versions. 2.5 turbo diesels are common in Japan, although V6 petrol engines are starting to appear. Later (post 99) models are a different shape and have different engines. Air conditioning (often with climate control), and Electronic Blinds are fitted as standard.
Some Bongo Friendee / Fredas have Mazda factory-fitted kitchen units, but many others are imported and converted to camper vans in the UK. All have fold-down seats downstairs to make a double bed, and on many models there is also an elevating roof where you can sleep two more. Flat-top versions (or "Bongolows") are also available.
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