Ford Falcon FG updated

The Melbourne-based car maker has updated the FG Falcon's features list and improved its fuel economy in the process.  The Falcon range now complies with Euro IV emissions regulations thanks to the inclusion of the ZF six-speed auto across the petrol sedan range, as well as a number of other changes.

Also on the list of improvements is a new catalytic converter, software changes - including "Enhanced Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off (DFSO)" for better metropolitan fuel economy.  The Tremec six-speed manual remains the standard gearbox on XR sedans and all utes (the ZF is an extra $1000 on the XR6 and a $2000 option on the XR6 Turbo), with the latter now getting only the six-speed auto as a $1000 option with the demise of the five-speed automatic.

Ford says it has a new six-speed column shift mechanism for the entry-level workhorse ute, so customers can still have the extra passenger in the three-across seating set-up.  Other changes includes the inclusion of side airbags on the XR6 ute range and the Bluetooth phone link and full iPod integration - previously on the options list for all models bar the G6E Turbo - as standard across the Falcon line-up.

The changes have dropped the Falcon petrol six-speed auto sedans to an ADR fuel use figure of 9.9 litres per 100km, an improvement of between 2 and 5 per cent, depending on the model.  The utes consumption has improved by 8.5 per cent to 10.7l/100km Fans of the V8 performance models will have to wait until Ford announces its plans for the XR8 range, which the company says will be "revealed at a later date."

Ford Australia president Marin Burela says the factory has lifted its build rates and the company is confident about 2010.  "We have a strong order bank coming back in the second quarter.

"Our product pipeline is on stream ... I think you're going to see a very different share performance as we start to deliver over future months," Mr Burela says.  "We are bullish what the 2010 industry will look like for the industry and for Ford.  "The daily build rate is up from 258 to more than 270 cars a day.

"In 2010 Broadmeadows throughput will increase by between 15 and 20 per cent compared to 2009," he says.  The upgrades come with a price rise but Ford says the increases are more than offset by equipment upgrade.

FG Falcon range represents even greater value for money for large car customers, with the additional standard safety and technology features more than offsetting the slight increases to the Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) on most models.  The G6 sedan, for example, increases by $500, but Ford says it is getting almost $2500 worth of extra gear - the six-speed auto, Bluetooth phone link and iPod integration as standard.

Fuel consumption:

FG Falcon sedan
XT   five-speed auto  10.5     six-speed auto  9.9   5.7%
G6   five-speed auto  10.5     six-speed auto  9.9   5.7%
G6E   six-speed auto  10.1     six-speed auto  9.9   2.0%
G6E Turbo   six-speed auto  11.7     six-speed auto  11.7   -
XR6   five-speed auto  10.5     six-speed auto  9.9   5.7%
XR6 Turbo   six-speed auto  11.7     six-speed auto  11.7   -

FG Falcon Ute
Base   five-speed auto  11.7     six-speed auto  10.7   8.5%
R6   five-speed auto  11.7     six-speed auto  10.7   8.5%
XR6   five-speed auto  11.7     six-speed auto  10.7   8.5%
XR6 Turbo   six-speed auto  12.5     six-speed auto  12.5   -

Pricing:

FG Falcon sedan
XT   $40,290   +$600
G6   $43,490   +$500
G6E  $50,390  +$500
G6E Turbo   $58,990 (not including LCT)    +$1100
XR6   $42,990   +$100
XR6 Turbo   $48,990   +$600

FG Falcon Ute
Base (CC)   $31,095   +$600
Base (SSB)   $31,395   +$500
R6 (CC)   $33,095   +$600
R6 (SSB)   $33,395   +$500
XR6 (CC)   $37,890  +$600
XR6 (SSB)   $38,190  +$500
XR6 Turbo (SSB)   $42,190   +$500