Road test: Ford Fairlane G220

By Feann Torr

Luxury cars are all about extravagance, being pampered and having everything available right at your fingertips. While there will always be a demographic keen for this type of vehicle -- often those in retirement or perhaps red-blooded blokes/blokettes who've outlived their rubber-burning performance car days -- Ford's latest luxo-barge daringly attempts to marry luxury and sportiness.

Can such a thing exist?

It's all about compromise, and it's inevitable that some will be left grinning maniacally after a test-drive, believing the car was tailor built for them, while others won't be so impressed.

Interestingly, however, Holden has gone down exactly the same path, its new Caprice sitting lower, with bigger wheels, more power and a sporting intent that belies its massive girth.

And, like the new Holden, which we'll review soon, Ford's G220 is a compelling proposition, and herein we'll find out how she travels on Aussie roads.

Make: Ford
Model: Fairlane G220
Price: $62,270
Transmission: 4 speed auto/sports-shift
Engine: 5.4-litre, Vee-eight cylinder, electronically fuel injected
Fuel Consumption: Highway cycle - 9.0-litres/100km, City cycle- 15.0-litres/100km
Seats: 5
Safety: Driver and passenger front and side (thorax) SRS airbags, ABS, traction control

Drive

2003 BA Ford Fairlane G220

Ease into the soft, supple and sporty seats of the G220, pop the key in the ignition and turn.

When the engine fires, the entire car rocks momentarily as the torque-ridden powerplant squirms in its supports, and right from the get-go you know that this isn't Grandpa's weekend cruiser.

Oh no, Ford's 5.4-litre mill concealed under the long bonnet of the Fairlane is quite an enthusiastic and more-than-willing chunk of engineering and, even in its most basic level of tune - seen here with 220kW - it roused quite a few primal emotions in this writer, make no mistake.

When Ford said it wanted to build something that would attract a younger audience than its traditionally more mature Fairlane Ghia and LTD models did, the G220 emerged, and just in time too - Holden's new Caprice isn't going to quietly sit by and watch its arch-nemesis poach valuable market share.

All new Fairlane models are automatics - luxury buyers don't need manuals, apparently. And this would otherwise be a right-royal pain in the behind if Ford's sophisticated automatic wasn't so usable. Sure, you can leave in 'D' and let the shifting software drop two gears as you bury your foot - jolting everyone out of their leather-wrapped serenity - or you could slide the j-gate shifter low and left to initiate a higher-revving, later-changing 'sports' mode.

But, for those who enjoy a good blast through the forest on a quiet Sunday morning, it's all about the tip-tronic "+/-" mode, which helps you squeeze every last Newton meter out of the big 5.4-litre mill. The tip-tronic sports-shift mode has such a harmonious synergy with the engine, it makes the driving experience that much more endearing than your garden-variety column shifter. It really is a tasty chunk of technology.

From standstill, the 1835kg G220 Fairlane will hit 100km/h in about 7.6 seconds, give or take a few just-fed passengers, yet in reality it feels much quicker, which could have something to do with the lovely exhaust note.

Ford want's younger buyers, and 17-inch alloy wheels and a rorty, burbling V8 exhaust note is a great place to start. Our test vehicle also looked pretty agro with an obsidian-black paintjob, and the the bold look really came together well, giving the LWB vehicle quite a bit of sporty intent.

Getting used to the way the G220 handles took very little time as there's good levels of grip thanks to the 225/50 ZR17 tyres. Combine these above average levels of grip with some fairly chatty chassis dynamics and the class-leading IRS rig, and what you're left with is a very steerable vehicle, relatively speaking (remember it's a fat and heavy car).

It's generous dimensions haven't diluted the driving experience

The steering is unexpectedly sensitive, but this works in the cars favour, particularly around town. It makes switching lanes and finicky manoeuvres a lot less scary than you'd think for a car measuring more than 5.1 metres in length.

Rearward vision is good for a car of this size, and the C-pillars aren't grossly oversized, reducing the blind spots.

While the long wheel-based Ford can be painful to park, especially when trying to squeeze into tight spaces (and despite a useful 11.4 metre turning circle), the rear-parking sensors are a godsend for such lengthy vehicles.

The sporty Fairlane offers a deceptively rewarding drive, when handling and power characteristics combine. Approaching corners at speed and the G220 will respond fairly quickly to steering input, without burying its nose deeply or getting nervous.

Before the launch of the new BA Fairlane range, Market and Sales Vice President at Ford, Bruce McDonald, talked up the new G220's character: "This is the luxury car that lifts you out of the back seat and puts you firmly behind the driver's wheel. The BA Falcon has redefined its market in terms of performance and handling, and the Fairlane will do the same in its segment."

"Our engineers are talking about the handling of the prototype vehicles as cars that defy their generous dimensions."

And Bruce wasn't half wrong at the time - these big bruisers contradict both their heavy weight and extended proportions by remaining quite composed in the twisties, with just a hint of body roll, and the steering crispens as you apply throttle mid-corner, the rear wheel drive layout offering a nicely subdued oversteer characteristic.

While it will lean on its outside front wheel if you go in too hot, understeer isn't really an issue in the big Ford, so long as you don't try to keep up with the imported R34 Skyline that just passed you...

The only shortcoming to the G220's on-road character is its heavy weight, which won't affect your line through a corner one iota, but makes quick changes of direction - for instance when powering through esses or flip-flops - rather unresponsive. The car takes a second or two to regain its balance after weight is rapidly transferred from one side of the car to the other.

The 470Nm Ford will 100km/h from rest in under 8.0 seconds in sports shift mode

The longer wheelbase (when compared with its Falcon cousins) doesn't help turn in, but it does make for a more compliant ride, cruising over nasty potholes and lumps without upsetting your passengers.

In the same situation, an XR6 would transmit road imperfections more audibly into the cabin, but at the same token the G220 doesn't quite offer the levels of feedback of the go-fast Falcons.

Still, this level of ride quality is quite impressive and very befitting of the big bruiser, particularly considering that the G220's suspension has been tuned for a more responsive attitude than the Ghia and LTD Fairlanes.

It really doesn't feel like a 1.8-tonne behemoth when you're punting hard along twisty B-roads, which is testament to the solid tuning job Ford's engineers have applied to the damping, spring and rebound compression rates and overall suspension setup on the whole.

The G220 will cruise along the highway at 100 kays just as easily at will carve its way along gloriously curvy coastal roads, and the brakes do an amazing job of stopping the G220's lardy body and were very impressive, showing little signs of heat fade.

The only quibble I had with the oversized Ford was the fuel consumption; a city cycle of 15-litres of petrol for every 100 kilometres travelled is not what you'd term frugal, though the highway figures are better at 9-litres/100km.

Engine

The G220 comes equipped with Ford's new 5.4-litre V8, but unlike the XR8's more powerful 32-valve donk, the Fairlane gets 3-valves per cylinder and single overhead camshafts per cylinder bank.

Vital statistics for Ford's low-tune, though by no-means wussy V8 are as follows: Max power is 220kW @ 4750rpm
and peak torque is 470Nm @ 3250rpm. This all comes about thanks to chain-driven SOHC per bank, 3-valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, a cast-iron block and aluminium alloy head.

Exact capacity is 5408cc, fuel delivery is via programmed electronic fuel injection and with a compression ratio of 9.7:1, the G220 will happily sip low-grade 91 RON petroleum, which should help offset part of the vehicle's substantial thirst. The fuel tank has a 68-litre capacity.

It steers well, brakes confidently and has plenty of low-end urge for overtaking

Despite an 8-valve shortfall when compared to more highly tuned 8-cylinder Ford-built engines, the 470Nm of torque that the 5.4-litre engine pumps out is extremely usable.

Overall engine refinement is well above par, taking the "work smarter, not harder" route, particularly when compared with Holden's high-revving Gen III mill.

Indeed, the small-block V8 powerplant found in Ford's G220 has less power than its more expensive, but similarly-marketed rival, the Holden Caprice (Ford's 220kW versus Holden's 245kW).

Then again, the Ford mill has a five Newton metre torque advantage, and one that hits lower in the rev range, so it's a very close-run race.

The Ford engine is more eager than the Chevy motor, and sounds a little crisper, exhibiting a steadily rising (though cultured) growl that really excites the senses, where the Caprice is more about induction roar and low-range lumpiness.

Interior

Though the G220 isn't the range-topping model in the Fairlane genus, it still packs a fairly hefty technological punch. Standard features include automatic dual-zone climate control and rear compartment vents, auto-off headlights, no less than 11 speakers (including a subwoofer and tweeters) for the six-stacker CD stereo, electric windows, mirrors, seats and power steering with tilt and reach adjust, plus central locking, immobiliser, alarm and rear parking proximity sensors.

The front seats are supremely comfy with lots of support, both in terms of lower back (lumbar) and under thigh. Upholstered with a very plush and softer-than-usual cowhide (also lining the doors), and looking rather sporty coloured red and black, the front seats get six-way electric adjustment (with three programmable settings for the driver), which makes finding a comfortable driving position easy, and you won't get RSI either, as the intuitive controls are within easy reach.

Soft, supple, and supportive front seats are complemented by vast rear compartment

Moreover, your rear seat passengers will be smiling contentedly, not only thanks to the increased leg room, but also thanks to the cushy rear bench, which is a very nice place to spend ones time.

I really liked the way the cushions curved all the way round to doors' edge, creating a more intimate and cosy atmosphere.

While the range-topping LTD model rolls off the production line with gold-plated bells and diamond-encrusted whistles as standard, items such as satellite navigation and REX (rear-seat DVD entertainment system) are cost options in the G220.

To start with, I found the sat-nav ($4,418) eminently useful, though the interface could use a little simplification.

Still, the voice overs and bold directional prompts, indicating the "in 200 metres, turn right," make navigating unfamiliar cities and tight-knit suburbs a breeze. The GPS tracking is also very accurate, and punching in a suburb or street address, then letting the navigational software calculate the fastest route, certainly beats scouring the street directory.

The rear seat tilt-adjustable DVD screen ($3,285), mounted in the ceiling (and so that only rear seat passengers can view it) offers impressive visual quality and plenty of features, such as picture zoom, quick-smart navigation and two pairs of infra-red headphones offering remarkable audio quality.

Like the entire BA Falcon range, the cruise control system is very effective and works diligently with minimal inputs. At the same token, the dashboard and centre console does borrow much of the Falcon's layout and while this is no bad thing - the rubber buttons are great - a unique dash would have added a touch more exclusivity. Perhaps when BA Series II arrives?

Exterior

According to the Ford design gurus, one of the biggest complaints with the AU Fairlane was its rear end, and the new-look, BA-inspired brake light cluster and clean lines go a long way to addressing this.

Ford's new Fairlane much better equipped to deal with Holden's new model onslaught

The G220, being the sports model, gets a few bits and bobs to make it stand out in the Fairlane crowd, including red "G220" lettering (which looks great on navy-blue/black coloured models), 15-spoke and 17-inch alloy wheels.

But I wonder why Ford went for the more discreet exhaust option for the G220, where it's well hidden behind the rear bumper assembly.

The Caprice with its twin rectagonal exhaust pipe outlets, for instance, give the car more purpose.

Even so, the overall look of the new Fairlane range is much improved over the superceded model, with a more modern appearance, if you like.

Though the extended wheelbase gives it a more regal air, there's nothing that really jumps out and grabs you and makes you go "Cor Blimey," but, at the end of the day, the Fairlane's job is not to intimidate like the FPV GT with all it's bulges and burgeoning bodykit extras.

The Fairlane is about sophistication and luxury, proudly sitting atop Ford's large car range, and it conveys these ideals effectively with subtle styling cues, such as the brushed aluminium grille with horizontal bars and polished metal window fringes, whilst its 17-inch alloy wheels politely hint at the vehicle's athletic side.

Overall: 3.5/5

Benefiting from Ford's new 5.4-litre V8 engine and a cleverly tuned suspension rig, the Fairlane G220 succeeds on a number of levels.

First and foremost, it offers the kind of responsiveness and performance you'd expect from a much shorter (and lighter) vehicle, yet is still well-equipped to deal with the worst Australian roads, soaking up all but the deepest of pot holes and roadside craters, just like a prestige sedan should.

Secondly, the extended wheel-base offers more room for all occupants, and with lashings of leather on seats and doors, and creature comforts for everyone involved, there's a lot to like.

Fuel consumption is a concern, and part of this can be blamed on the cars daunting bulk, but with such an incisive point-to-point character, it's almost forgivable. Some of the plastics used in the cockpit are in contrast to the car's luxury nameplate and the dash and centre console borrows heavily from its poorer cousin.

When everything is said and done, luxury and athleticism can co-exist in an Aussie-built car, and the G220 proves this without making too many glaring compromises.

Ford's investment in the new Fairlane is more than justified and, if you fancy something that drives well, looks good and offers acres of leather-ridden interior space, you could do a lot worse than the Fairlane G220.