Falcon EcoBoost: smaller not cheaper

Ford's long-awaited EcoBoost Falcon is highly unlikely to hit the market as the company's cheapest large car. Little wonder then, Ford is studiously avoiding any pricing discussions ahead of the ground-breaking local car's March launch.

The EcoBoost is powered by a high-tech, imported direct-injected turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. At a sneak peek press drive last Thursday Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano reiterated the company sees the car as a technology play and not a way to build cheaper large cars.

Graziano described EcoBoost as "a high-tech story".

"It's obviously a big technology [step change] that's come into that vehicle – there's over 125 patents on the EcoBoost powertrain. Yes, it is smaller – in terms of displacement and cylinders – but in terms of overall performance, we believe it offers what the six-cylinder [Falcon] does with improved fuel efficiency."

The local Ford chief says he believes the car will attract a new group of buyers. In keeping with this aim, Ford will offer EcoBoost in XT, G6 and G6E trim grades.

"In terms of what we're looking for, we're looking for Falcon EcoBoost to actually attract customers that want that large car but can't put it on their buy list because it's a six-cylinder today…

"Rather than having them walk to another vehicle – ideally we'd love to have them walk into one of the vehicles in our showroom."

"There are customers out there that want the package that the large car offers and we believe that the EcoBoost will allow them to have that package and still, not only get below any buy requirements that their companies or their entities may have, but also have the fuel efficiency and the power that they want in that vehicle," Graziano stated.

Ford has not announced engine output or fuel economy figures for the car. In basic back to back performance testing performed last week, the turbo four all but matched the 4.0-litre Barra six-cylinder engined FG MkII models on hand.

Ford has recently refreshed Falcon and launched a liquid-injected LPG version of its large car. To date sales of the updated cars have not hit their straps.

Graziano says the high-tech nature of the EcoBoost is a perfect match for Falcon circa-2012.

"It's consistent with where Australia wants to go, and we believe it's consistent where consumers want to go from a cost of ownership [point of view]. We're pretty excited to have it in the showroom," he stated.

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