Road Test : Ford Falcon G6E / G6E Turbo

Review by Tristan Tancredi - 29 February 2012

The Ford Falcon, a car that once dominated Australian roads more than any other car has slowly faded over the years.

In the year 2000, the Falcon made 60,460 sales. Fast forward 11 years to the year 2011 and Ford sold 18,741 Falcons. It's lowest in the new millenium and making it no surprise that Ford is looking offshore for longterm stability.

It's here that we introduce the Ford Falcon G6E. A G Series luxury sedan packing a 4.0 litre DOHC DI-VCT engine, aswell as a turbo variant.

The G6E is a step up from the G6 featuring a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift, aswell as a host of snazzy features.

So, how do the Australian designed and engineered G6E models stack up?

Drive: 4/5

Initially sitting behind the wheel of the Ford Falcon G6E, the words "heavy" and "sluggish" came to mind.

However after settling down behind the wheel and getting some k's behind us, the Falcon G6E and G6E turbo are far from heavy and sluggish. First impressions can often be misleading.

With a sports mode available, the ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift is gorgeous on both the G6E and its turbo namesake.

Planting the pedal to the metal and the gears buzz through seamlessly and ever so smoothly.

The engine noise is limited throughout the cabin creating an ambient, relaxing interior atmosphere. Cranking up the gears and more of an electric whirl transcends through the cabin rather than a meaty growl.

Front and Rear suspension hold the G6E firmly (but not overly so) to the ground making both cornering and highway driving a bliss.

Cruise Control is easy to switch on and off with a paddle switch on the sports steering wheel.

Engine: 4.5/5

A 4.0 litre DOHC DI-VCT I6 donk sits beneath the hood of the Falcon G6E I6. Hitting a maximum power of 196 kW at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 391 Nm at 3250 rpm. The Turbo model lifts up these figures substantially, recording a max power of 270 kW at 5250 rpm and a max torque of 533 Nm at 2000 - 4750 rpm.

The sequential multipoint electronic fuel injection limits the delay from the get-go, allowing for a seamless and flawless drive.

The G6E does the 100m sprint in a time of 7.3 seconds, whilst the turbo powered G6E knocks 2.2 seconds off this time getting home in 5.1 seconds. Both engine variants impress in the speed stakes.

The G6E drinks 9.9 litres every 100 kilometres, whilst the slightly thirstier G6E Turbo goes through 11.7 litres every 100 kilometres. Making the G6E Falcons not the most fuel effiecient vehicles on the market.

Exterior: 4/5

The G6E and G6E turbo stand at 4967mm in length, 1868mm in width and 1433mm tall.

The unique G Series front bumper with chrome grille combines luxury with sporty, class with fun. Depite looking like a moutful of pearly whites from a distance, the front grille meshes well with the sleek head and fog lights.

17" G6E 10-spoke alloy wheels sit below the G6E I6, whilst the turbo is suited with 18" G Series 7-spoke alloy wheels. Both of which match the package perfectly.

A sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper round out a sporty, classy G series vehicle.
 

Safety: 4/5

The Falcon currently holds a 5 Star ANCAP Safety rating with a score of 34.61 out of a possible 37. All in all, a pretty safe car.

Curtain airbags plus front seat side/thorax airbags and driver and front passenger airbags are fitted throughout the cabin. A crash severity sensor is installed in the event of any unfortunate accidents.

The intelligent safety system installed covers Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Distribution and ABS. Whilst a reversing camera and sensor offer great guidance backing out of tight spaces.

The only negative safety issue obvious to us, was the 7" Touch Screen. Numerous times the drivers eyes were diverted from the road ahead to pin-point an item on the touch screen.

Interior: 4/5

Fords Interior Command Centre 7" Screen dominates the centre console of the G6E range.

Featuring all of the expected electronical convenience in modern cars; Satellite Navigation system, AUX input, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, Ipod, MP3 and CD capability, to name a few.

The Interior Command Centre is an easy to use touch screen. The only problem with touch screen systems is the distraction it causes on road. Too often the driver is distracted as they press on screen buttons.

Flicking through the radio, entering GPS coordinates, or bluetoothing your phone is all accessed via the touch screen. It must be mentioned that the 4 speakers within the cabin are sub par. 

The Sports leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted switches enables drivers to alter the volume and change the entertainment modes on the command centre. Although the switches do take up a fair chunk of the steering wheel.

Sit back in the luxurious leather seats with adjustable lumbar support that really do offer tremendous back support and great comfort. The spacious seating is complimented by 535l of boot space (464l for the EcoLPi). 60/40 Split fold down rear back seat is available for that extra bit of space.

Dual Zone air conditioning, automatic headlights and alloy brake pedals round out a modern interior feel for the G6E.

Overall: 4 / 5

The Ford Falcon G6E is a vehicle with an amazing (and surprising) on road presence.

The 4 litre donk, especially in the turbo variant, makes for some ridiculously fun driving. It is safe, sporty and smart. A brilliant Aussie made product.

One of Australias leading motoring journalists Peter Robinson mentioned in the March 2012 edition of Wheels magazine, "Government funding will keep Falcon alive for another four years, but its demise is inevitable".

If this is true, it is a real shame, because the folk at the Ford Factory out in Broadmeadows have made a bloody good Falcon right here.

* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Ford dealer.