Ride: Ford Freda

The Ford Freda is a rebranded eight-seater Mazda Bongo MPV, introduced to the Japanese 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 Britain, Ireland, Russia, and New Zealand.

Most makes of this vehicle are automatics (there are a few manual versions), and are available in 2WD and 4WD versions. 2.5 turbo diesels are common in Japan, although V6 petrol engines are manufactured mainly for the European markets. Air conditioning and Electronic Blinds are fitted as standard.

Some 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 are also available.