The all-Aussie Falcon may be heading for extinction but Ford Australia will certainly continue. The Blue Oval Down Under is going to remain as the Asia Pacific product development hub for the global automobile giant. Nearly three thousand engineers, designers and support staff are already providing major input to the upcoming Everest SUV, as well as many other models.
With more than 3.5 million Falcons sold since its debut in 1960, the final generation of the large sedan pays homage to its forebears with the ‘FG X’ relating to the long running Fairmont and Ghia nameplates and popular Falcon models beginning with ‘X’. These began with the XK in 1960 and, with a lot of non-chronological hopping around within the alphabet, ran to XY – though the last X sedan was actually the XF.
As one of the country’s most recognised nameplates, Ford wanted to make sure this celebration Falcon was worthy of the FG X name yet provides a strong visual link to our future, Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano says “Our Falcon customers know our story, so it is appropriate we acknowledge for them, enthusiasts and all Australians that Falcon is a significant part of the fabric of the Australian cultural landscape. The FG X carries this on and will be recognised as one of the best Falcons ever.”
Front and centre is Ford’s global design DNA with a signature trapezoidal grille, chiseled headlight treatment and smoother, wraparound tail-lamps with LED technology on high-end models. Daytime running lights change with model designation.
Tried and tested drivetrains give buyers the choice of four, six and V8 motors, as well as EcoLPi LPG and turbo versions.
There are price cuts across the board, with the entry-level FG X 4.0-litre petrol automatic coming in at $35,900, plus on-road costs, down $1335 on the FG MkII sedan, while the range topping FG X G6E Turbo 4.0-litre petrol auto, at $46,550, is down a massive $9685 on its predecessor.
Ford’s lauded, yet sadly largely ignored, EcoBoost engine is a no-cost option on the Falcon and Falcon G6E sedan, mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sequential overrides.
The EcoLPi engine is available on Falcon sedan, Falcon XR6 sedan, adding $2500 over the normally aspirated 4-litre petrol engine, while the six-speed ZF sequential automatic in the sporty XR6 and XR6 Turbo adds $2200.
Ford has returned a V8 engine – the 5.0-litre supercharged Boss unit – to the Falcon XR Series line-up, with the FG X XR8 six-speed manual selling for $52,490, plus on-roads, and six-speed automatic $54,690.
The Boss 5.0-litre, supercharged 32-valve V8 features maximum power of 335 kW at 5750 rpm and maximum torque of 570 Nm between 2200 and 5500 revs. Ford has the ultimate FPV GT RSpec suspension on the Falcon XR8.
Compared to the last FG Falcon XR8, Ford claims the FG X XR8 has better turn-in, more rear grip, less body roll and an increased sense of control from behind the wheel.
To match the performance of the sporty sedan, the FG X XR8 features front Brembo four-piston calliper brakes and rear single-piston calliper brakes, high-spec cooling fan, limited-slip differential, heavy duty battery and sports steering gear.
On the outside the FG X XR8 has strong visual differences over other XR Series models, with a bonnet ‘power’ bulge, quad-tipped exhaust system, power side exterior repeater mirrors and unique shadow-line five-spoke 19×8.0 (front) / 19×9.0 (rear) alloy wheels.
Front and rear parking sensors are also standard.
The FG X XR8 was committed to road and trackwork at the Falcon FG X launch, the latter in a Winton Raceway ‘ring’ with the driver, like a lion tamer with a whip and chair, guiding the animalistic sedan around a slalom set-up, its characteristic 335 kW V8 growl ringing out at any power-packed manoeuvre.
Other FG X family members driven over two days were taken on a series of outings on public roads in the Victorian countryside. Stand-out features included the quiet efficiency of the EcoLpi and the surprisingly zippy performance wrapped in a premium package of the G6E Turbo.
Fuel consumption was another positive, with the XR8 having the official figure of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway.
The new Falcon is replete with smart technology led by Ford’s SYNC2 connectivity system with Emergency Assistance standard across the range. Microsoft-based SYNC2 enables occupants to use voice commands to control phone, music, radio, air-con, and navigation with single-shot GPS for destination entry, where fitted.
A high-resolution 8-inch colour touch screen with four colour-coded quadrants enables easy access to features.
Emergency Assistance comes into play in the event of the vehicle being involved in an accident in which airbags deploy or the emergency fuel pump shutoff is activated. SYNC2 uses its hands-free phone capabilities to attempt to connect the driver directly with a 000 operator through the paired phone.
As well, customers gain a digital radio and twin antennas for improved audio quality, front parking sensors and a rear camera on sedans with static overlays as standard.
The company’s myFord Capped Price Servicing program has now been extended up to seven years and 135,000 km, whichever comes first, up from six years and 105,000 km. The service also is extended to include brake pad replacements albeit up to a maximum amount.
With the arrival of the refreshed Falcon, Ford says it will continue its product onslaught next year. The big guns will be the Mustang coupe and convertible and the Everest SUV. Also coming are an updated Focus and Focus ST, and an all-new Mondeo.
AT A GLANCE
Falcon FG X 4.0-litre petrol: $35,900 (automatic)
Falcon FG X XR6 4.0-litre petrol: $35,590 (manual), $37,790 (automatic)
Falcon FG X XR6 4.0-litre turbo-petrol: $42,990 (manual), $45,190 (automatic)
Falcon FG X G6E 4.0-litre petrol: $40,110 (automatic)
Falcon FG X G6E Turbo 4.0-litre petrol: $46,550 (automatic)
Falcon FG X XR8 5.0-litre supercharged petrol: $52,490 (manual), $54,690 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.
