Road Test : Ford Falcon XT MKII (EcoLPi)

Review by Tristan Tancredi - 11 April 2012

The Falcon has graced Australian Ford Factories since 1960 and has been a cherished Aussie icon since.

One of the highest selling cars of the motoring industry, Ford has introduced Eco-LPi technology to its XT Falcon range. A technology offering less CO2 emissions, improved performance and less time frequenting the bowsers.

A 5-Star safety rating, a convincing drive delivering decent power and a comfortable interior cabin combine to create a reliable addition to the XT MkII range.

So it's safe, got a bit of power and comfy inside but how does the Eco-LPi stack up against the petrol engine when they are analysed side by side? Let's take a closer look.

Drive: 4/5

The XT Falcon is loaded with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.

Combined with the EcoLPi system the car certainly did surprise on performance. It's quite an achievement to manufacture a car whereby not only performance excels, but the car lasts longer on the road and produces significantly less emissions.

As the 16" alloys roll along the bitumen the ride is pleasant enough, it's smooth and the handling is very responsive across an array of terrain.

The EcoLPi doesn't limit the performance of the car, in fact it gives the car more of an edge.

The driver is adequately and comfortably positioned with fine access to all mirrors and the road ahead.

Engine: 4/5

The Falcon XT places a DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam Shaft which allows for a less restricted airflow at high engine speeds) DI-VCT I6 engine beneath the hood. We were lucky enough to land the EcoLPi engine for a week although a 4.0 litre petrol variant is also available.

The people at Ford are proud to announce that the Eco LPi technology was designed by their own engineers right here in Australia, so let's hope these great innovations continue amidst offshore concerns. 

EcoLPi is basically designed to keep the car on the road for longer, with less fuel stops. Add to this added engine performance and EcoLPi seems like the way forward.

Utilising Liquid Phase Injection (LPi) the Falcon XT EcoLPi can travel 100kms and burn through 12.5 litres of LPG. Compare that to the petrol variant which burns through 9.9l per 100kms of ULP and it's quite an advantage especially when you take into account the price disparity between LPG and ULP.

Importantly, the performance doesn't suffer due to the EcoLPi engine, in fact it thrives over its petrol sister. The EcoLPi claims power numbers of 198kW and 409Nm of torque.(Better figures than the G6E), whilst the 4.0l petrol shows figures of 195kW and 391Nm.

Exterior: 3.5/5

16" 10-spoke alloy wheels are the base of what is quite a big family sedan.

A person with a passing interest in cars will probably fail to notice changes to the design of the XT Falcon body over the years. There have been quite a few amendments, however it has held an underlying style for quite some time.

We say it's quite a big car as it measures in at 4955mm long, 1868mm wide and 1453mm tall. Clearly not the most compact sedan over the years, nor does it intend to be. Despite its size, the curves and lines on the exterior panel make it seem sleeker, smaller and more stylish.

The petrol and EcoLPI variants ultimately have the same shell, yet a different engine so look identical from the outside.

Safety: 5/5

The Ford Falcon holds a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

Curtain airbags plus front seat side/thorax airbags, Driver and front passenger airbags and Front seat side/thorax airbags line the cabin of the Falcon XT.

All the now-basic technology features are included with this cars Dynamic Stability Control, including: Traction Control and Emergency Brake Assist.  Anti-Lock Braking system and Electronic Brakeforce distribution are all standard.

The only query we have is the omission of a reversing camera which seem more and more common-place these days.

Interior: 3.5/5

Inside the XT and the first realisation is "meh". It's nothing spectacular. Plastics line the interior, as do dull colourings along the interior lining, dash and seating.

Nothing is overcomplicated or messy. Everything is well positioned and neat. The quality meets the bare requirements of what needs to be met in modern vehicles.

Considering most Aussies have journeyed in a Falcon throughout their lives, unless of course you have never caught a taxi, then the surroundings will be all too familiar. There haven't been too many drastic changes over the years.

The cloth-trim seating is comfortable and spacious and caters for five decently sized adults. The drivers seat offers terrific lumbar support and the backseat ticks all the boxes for sufficient leg room. A 60/40 split fold down is available with the rear back seat.

With a larger fuel tank, luggage space is decreased yet an offering of 464 litres is available (Compared to 535l on the petrol).

All the standard interfaces and displays are available conveying fuel consumption, journey distances and speed warning messages.

A 5.8" LCD display dominates the central dash and offers access to all auditory and navigational needs yet the 4-speakers struggle to deliver a decent sound.

Bluetooth, AUX, USB and iPod integration are all available.

Overall: 4/5

It's quite easy to be swayed toward the EcoLPi engine variant. It offers better performance, lower CO2 emissions and better fuel usage.

A large family car is decently styled and stays true to the trademark Falcon shape of yesteryear. Expect to see a few of these babies turn taxis in the near future thanks to the great LPG savings.

It's best to end with a quote from Bob Graziano in 2011, "Falcon EcoLPi offers customers the power, torque and overall engine performance they expect from a traditional Aussie six, coupled with all the space, comfort and towing capability of a family sedan, while at the same time delivering the fuel costs of a smaller car."

The Falcon XT EcoLPi starts from around $39,735, yet a host of optional extras are available at a cost.

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