Road Test: Ford Falcon XT

Review by Peter Maniatis - 7/November/2008

There has been a lot written about the new generation FG Ford Falcon, and most of it is very positive.

While the global economy has had healthier days, and has already started affecting new car sales, you can't get away from the fact that Ford Australia has built one of the best large cars this side of an Audi A8.

The recent 5-star safety rating is a big deal for family buyers and a great coup for an Australian-designed and built car, and it retains all the elements that attract buyers to the large car.

It's got a huge interior, lots of power, a super-large boot and because it's rear-wheel drive driving it is more satisfying than a front-wheel drive car.

There are a number of high tech models in the FG Falcon range, including the G6E Turbo which is an absolute weapon, but this is where it all starts - with the base model XT.

The thought that has gone into this new Ford has really impressed us at the Motoring Channel.

Most of the team has had the opportunity to experience a number of the new Falcon incarnations, and the praise has been uniform. 

We have been very impressed with many facets of Ford's new large car, from design, performance, handling, interior space and its multitude of features: things like the iPod integration and new 1km/h cruise control increments made a big difference to my journeys. 

What was really obvious when driving the base model XT Falcon is that it is not so basic after all.

Take the ride quality for example. It's smooth and compliant over most surfaces, and even on rutted dirt roads it doesn't travel too badly.

This is because the new FG Falcon uses a new type of shock absorber from German supplier Sachs, which make the ride smoother.

A newly designed front suspension is made from aluminium making the steering more direct and improving handling, and less obvious - but very welcome - things like the larger doors openings make getting in and out of the car easier.

The new Falcon has been designed with a top down approach that permeates all models, even the $36,490 XT Falcon. 

What I mean by the top down approach is that the design team and engineers had thought what will the car look like and how it will be designed when it is targeting the top end of the market with models like the G6E Turbo. 

Everything in the car from the new suspension, the interior design, the ergonomics, the electronics and the safety and all the other aspects have been designed to suit the luxury top end version, which then filter down to the base models - and not the other way around. 

Ford's XT Falcon is a great car to drive. All the things I've mentioned make it easy and enjoyable to drive and the seats are well designed too, but two of the best things are the gearbox and the engine.

New 5-speed automatic gearboxes are standard in the XT models and not only do they deliver improved fuel economy in tandem with the engines, but they're smoother to use.

The average fuel consumption for this vehicle is 10.5 litres of juice per 100 kilometres, which isn't particularly bad for a heavy car with 4.0-litre 6-cylinder engine.

There are LPG options for this engine (the 156kW E-Gas engine) which can reduce fuel costs, but the 195 kilowatts of power are very welcome and easily accessible with the tiptronic 'sportshift' mode on the excellent 5-speed automatic gearbox.

You can fill the Falcon XT with normal unleaded petrol (91 RON) as well, so you don't need to seek out the premium or high octane pumps when it comes time to refuel.

I'd also like to mention the 391Nm of torque that the ultra-smooth 6-cylinder engine which makes the Falcon, well, fly. 

Put the foot down and overtaking becomes a little too addictive as you fly by slower moving vehicles and little things like how you just have to nudge the indicator for three quick flashes (good for changing lanes) make the driving experience seamless.

While it's true that large family cars have experienced a drop in sales over the last year or so, petrol prices are dropping rapidly which should make them more appealing to buyers who want a full sized car with plenty of interior and lots of 6-cylinder grunt.

With four airbags and dynamic stability control as standard, the Falcon XT gets a 5-star safety rating but it would be better if the curtain airbags were standard features (they're a $300 option).

Some of the other features of the entry-level Falcon XT include automatic climate control and good steering wheels controls for the cruise control and stereo.

It also gets a nice CD stereo with a large LCD display screen and multi-function display in the instrument cluster (between the speedometer and rev counter) that provides various details on fuel usage, speed and other trip details.

I like the look of the $40k Falcon G6 more than this model, but the new design comes through nicely in the XT, especially its smooth, nuanced belt line. It has been criticised of being too similar to the previous model, but as more and more new FG Falcons hit the road, the more recognisable the new model becomes.

Overall: 4/5

Ford's entry-level XT Falcon is one of the most intelligently engineered cars I've driven. In terms of value for money there are few Australian cars out there that offer the space, power, and refinement of this model. In fact, there are few cars out there, imported or locally made, that can provide the level of refinement and space that this car offers and at this price.

If there is one thing I would do, it would be to add bigger alloy wheels, but that's a taste thing really. The way it drives and the way it makes you feel are the important things here, and it does well in both regards.

If you're looking for a reasonably priced, well equipped family car, the Ford XT is one of the best value-for-money vehicles in the large car sector.