Ford Falcon XR ute 1993 review

According to Ford's public relations person, it's the Falcon XR ute and, after driving one at high speed around Ford's proving ground test track, there was only one conclusion.

The humble workhorse has been transformed by Ford's joint-venture partner Tickford into a feisty racehorse. It is distinguished from Ford's Longreach utes by Tickford's four round headlights, body-colored bumpers, and sports seats. Power comes from Ford's 4.0-litre, six-cylinder engine, but with Tickford's tweaks which have lifted power to 161kW - almost the same as Ford's standard V8.

The four 15-inch alloy wheels have disc brakes with high-performance pads for great stopping power. Tickford has lowered the ute 34mm at the front and 16mm at the rear and fitted stiffer springs at the front and slightly softer springs at the rear.

Zipping around the test track in the XR6 Ute was certainly exciting, especially over its renowned crest where the road dives away to the left. Hitting the crest at more than 120kmh provided some exciting moments, especially at the rear which became extremely light. Elsewhere around the track the ute handled better than expected, and is sure to be appreciated by any farmer that wants something totally different in a ute.

Explore the 1993 Ford Falcon Range

Ford Falcon XR ute 1993 review

The manual sells for $29,131 and the auto is only $646 dearer - a $5000 premium over the S-ute prices. Air-conditioning will add $1919, prestige paint $197, a Momo steering wheel $512 and a tow pack $187 for the manul and $374 for the auto.