Knockout exterior style; classy interior; great to drive; awesome XR8; sharp prices
Sporty XR8 and XR6 models need more supportive seats
“A moment worth reflecting on – this is the last time we’ll launch a Falcon or Territory,” was how Aussie Trevor Worthington, Ford’s Shanghai, China –based Vice President of Asia-Pacific Product Development introduced the Ford Falcon FG X and Territory SZ MkII. Nostalgia aside it soon became clear all members of the Ford team have come together to ensure its last local products are remembered as the best ever.
Cue the Pricing Department. Compared to the outgoing model, the Ford Falcon FG X comes to market boasting prices slashed between $1,335 to $9,685 (depending on the model), kicking-off at $35,590.
It’s a remarkable story really. One which shows the true grit for which Australians are renowned.
Ford could have gone out without a whimper. But no, the last Falcon and Territory are the best-looking, best-performing and best-equipped we’ll ever see.
And Ford enthusiasts are rallying for the brand. Some 800 answered the call to participate in video shoot with some gladly undertaking all-night drives from Sydney to Melbourne just so they (and their Falcons) could be part of it.
Ford becomes a full-line importer from 2016 with the Falcon likely to be replaced by the all-new Mondeo (due next year) and the Territory likely to be replaced by the Edge. And, as we know, there’s also the all-new Mustang and the all-new Everest SUV also joining in 2015.
Ford Falcon Overview
Ford has left no stone unturned to ensure the FG X Falcon is the best Falcon ever. The new styling is a standout, the new interiors include stylish Range-Rover-like tan leather for the seats which is contrasted by black carpet and trim and looks fabulous.
On the specification front, all Ford Falcon FG X models come with an integrated eight-inch colour touchscreen, SYNC2 with voice control, DAB+ audio, reversing camera and front/rear parking sensors.
Our favourite Falcon, the high-performance XR8 returns and picks-up the Boss 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine and suspension from the FPV GT RSPEC. Other model changes see the entry-level grade now just called ‘Falcon’ (previously ‘XT’) and the deletion of the G6 model.
But perhaps the best news of all is the price. All Ford Falcon FG X sedan models require considerably less coin that the outgoing FG MkII lineup (G6E Turbo automatic is down by $9,685!).
The Falcon FG X sedan range looks like this:
| Falcon (auto) | $35,900 |
| Falcon 2.0l EcoBoost | $35,900 |
| XR6 (manual) | $35,590 |
| XR6 (auto) | $37,790 |
| XR6 Turbo (manual) | $42,990 |
| XR6 Turbo (auto) | $45,190 |
| G6E (auto) | $40,110 |
| G6E 2.0l EcoBoost (auto) | $40,110 |
| G6E Turbo (auto) | $46,550 |
| XR8 (manual) | $52,490 |
| XR8 (auto) | $54,690 |
The Falcon FG X Ute range looks like this:
| Falcon Ute C/C | $29,390 |
| Falcon Ute SSB | $29,790 |
| XR6 C/C | $32,140 |
| XR6 SSB | $32,640 |
| XR6 Turbo SSB | $39,810 |
Ford Falcon Engine
Of course the biggest news under the hood for the Ford Falcon FG X is the return – for the first time since 2010 - of a V8. And not just any V8,we’re talking the stonking ‘Boss’ 5.0-litre supercharged all-aluminium V8 which was previously exclusive to FPV products and is now standard in the XR8 model.
Maximum power is 335kW at 5,750rpm and peak torque of 570Nm is delivered from 2,200-5,500rpm (that’s a massively wide torque curve by the way).
Otherwise the engine lineup carries-over:
- 4.0l DOHC DI I6 petrol (195kW/391Nm)
- 4.0l EcoLPI DOHC DI VCT I6 LPG (198kW/409Nm)
- 4.0l DOHC DI VCT Turbo I6 petrol (270kW/533Nm)
- 2.0l 16V TiVCT EcoBoost (176kW/340Nm)
But fuel consumption has improved (helped in part by improved aerodynamics and fitment of Michelin low rolling-resistance tyres for the Falcon model) with the Falcon six-cylinder petrol engine down by nine per-cent to 9.0l/100kms (combined-cycle) and the XR6 and G6E down by six per-cent to 9.5l/100kms.
All automatic transmission versions except the Ford Falcon FG X XR8 and XR6 drive the rear wheels via the new ZF 6HP21 six-speed automatic transmission which is lighter in weight and delivers driveability improvements over the 6HP26 (still used in XR8 and XR6).
Ford Falcon The Interior
Lots of changes inside combine to ensure the Ford Falcon FG X is the best ever.
For example, entry-grade Falcon and mid-grade G6E feature a much brighter look thanks to a new ‘limestone’ roof lining and pillar caps (Ford calls it the interior’s ‘upper environment’). G6E Turbo, XR6 and XR8 maintain a black ‘upper environment’ and don’t forget the excellent optional tan coloured leather seats (with matching contrast stitching for the leather-wrapped steering wheel).
Other new features include new front sports seats (XR8 and XR6).
All Ford Falcon FG X models score the colour eight-inch TFT screen centre dashboard which looks after SYNC2, satellite navigation, audio and climate control.
Ford Falcon Exterior & Styling
According to Todd Willing, Ford’s Design Director for Asia-Pacific (whose appointment ended a stint for him at Ford’s head-office in Dearborn, Michigan), instructions for the new look for the Falcon FG X were simply communicated. It had to have the new ‘face of Ford’, inspire ‘fun to drive’, be ‘visually premium’ and showcase ‘precision detailing’.
In terms of the ‘face of Ford’ some key elements are immediately noticeable in the form of the large trapezoidal grille (mesh insert for XR8) and slimline headlights which are model-specific in terms of looks and DRLs. For example the XR8 gets a superbly-styled four-headlights design and, like the ‘G’-badged models, the model letters are neatly included in the headlight lenses.
And G6E models score unique fog light bezels.
At the back things are equally stylish with a new rear fascia offering split tail-lights with DRL technology and a new bootlid with an integrated spoiler.
You’ also notice the powerful new bonnet design.
There’s also new 16-inch alloy wheels for Falcon, new 18-inch alloy wheels for G6E and new 19-inch alloy wheels for G6E Turbo.
Ford Falcon On The Road
Over two days we put lots of Ford Falcon FG-X models through their paces on the roads from Albury and through northern Victoria. Day one was Falcon and EcoBoost and day two was the sporty XR6 and XR8 models (including some time at Winton Raceway).
A smart move from Ford as the Falcons were right at home over the twists and curves of those traditional Aussie rural roads. And Ford’s engineers had seen plenty of these and other roads nationwide during the 852,000kms of development testing which preceded the launch of FG-X.
Suspension development for the Ford Falcon FG-X was intensive. In a nutshell, the Falcon uses the suspension system of the previous G6 model (and new 16-inch Michelin low-rolling-resistance tyres which required front geometry changes), the LPI inherits the set-up of the previous XR model and the EcoBoost takes the system last seen in the G6E.
For the Ford Falcon FG X XR8 the story is more complex. We’re talking retuned springs/dampers, a larger (19mm) rear anti-roll bar, stiffer front upper spring mounts, stiffer front upper control arm bushings and revised geometry to suit its new 275 rear tyres.
It didn’t take long to establish the Ford Falcon FG-X scores high marks in the ride and handling department. This is the best Falcon ever to drive – and that’s saying something as the previous generation was also mighty good in the twisty stuff.
The XR8 and XR6 models are of course the top of the totem pole – yes the Falcon is a large sedan but the FG-X is so sharp it feels like a European mid-sizer. And, naturally the extra firmness of the sport variant’s calibration makes a difference in terms of turn-in, roll control and steering precision.
Not that the regular Ford Falcon FG X models were overshadowed. While they didn’t have the grip of the XR duo’s extra rubber, outstandingly good suspension design and set-up meant they too delivered excellent dynamics.
And all showed the results of continual development and testing with excellent refinement at all speeds, excellent noise isolation over potholes and top-notch strut tuning for bump and rebound.
On the powertrain front, Aussie cars don’t come with anything better than Ford’s 335kW/570Nm Boss V8 (more power and torque than Holden’s SS-V and Clubsport) which is nicely mated to the ZF six-speed automatic. Stamp the throttle on the highway for rapid overtaking and the Ford Falcon XR8 erupts with instant response and an awesome exhaust note.
And the remarkable EcoBoost continues to impress. You would have though those climbing mountain roads out the back of Albury would have tested the four-cylinder – nope it was up to the task.
Ford Falcon Issues
The new sports seats for Ford falcon FG X XR8 and XR6 Turbo models look good and offer good side support but are a bit short in the base. Also no sign of Lane Departure Warning or Blind Sport Warning – two systems which are readily available from suppliers.
Ford Falcon The Competition
No surprises here.
Holden’s VF Commodore is priced from $34,990 to $55,490 and of course, unlike the Ford Falcon, also includes wagon models. Commodore looks good and is nicely equipped but the Ford Falcon FG X drives just as well (if not better) and is very sharply priced.
Toyota Aurion offers five models priced from $36,490 to $49,990. All are powered by Toyota’s silky-smooth 3.5-litre V6 engine. Nice to drive and keenly priced, the Aurion is worth look if nothing else because it’s different to the two American-influenced designs.
