Ford Fairmont Ghia 2007 Review

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

With Ford's recent announcement that it plans to discontinue the long-wheelbase Fairlane and LTD, the role of flagship will fall to the Fairmont Ghia. But before you start thinking that the top-of-the-range model is little more than a tarted-up Falcon, think again.

For although the car can't compete against the Holden Statesman and Caprice on interior space and creature comforts, its level of refinement, standard equipment and driving dynamics still mark the car as a cut above the average Falcon.

The move to give the Fairmont Ghia greater differentiation from the rest of the family has already begun with the launch late last year of the Mark II BF range and this is likely to go even further with next year's new-gen 'Orion' family.

Of all the rather minor modifications that Ford introduced to the range with BF II to combat Holden's VE juggernaut, it was the Fairmont Ghia that gained the most with an almost sporting makeover to set it apart from the fleet specials.

Ford called it "European-inspired sports luxury". It's a claim and label almost every manufacturer seems to apply these days but there is no doubt the changes have made what is still a relatively conservative car more appealing.

The MKII update package included dark headlight surrounds, a tapered bonnet, more chrome, 17-inch alloys and deeper rear bumper and side skirts. Inside, the car received slick 'piano black' plastic centre stack and surrounds to continue the "sports luxury" theme.

As the $46,490 six-cylinder range-topper, there is a decent list of standard comfort and convenience kit including dual-zone climate-control air conditioning, leather trim, power windows and mirrors, eight-way driver's seat and adjustable pedals, remote locking, cruise control, reverse parking sensors and a premium six-stack CD audio system.

The BF II makeover was, however, purely visual with some refinement tweaks but no changes to the driveline or mechanical specs (more here). Not that that is a bad thing. With the BA to BF change, the Fairmont Ghia had already gained the improved 190kW/383Nm 4.0-litre straight six mated to the superb ZF-sourced six-speed automatic.

The driveline feels and sounds even more refined in the BF II. Turn the key and the engine purrs into life creating a subdued and calm ambience inside the cabin. Off the line, the acceleration is strong and smooth with a very linear delivery ensuring a quick and effortless climb to the speed limit. Transitions through the ratios are almost imperceptible under moderate throttle further aiding the air of prestige that the Fairmont Ghia offers.

If we wanted to get picky, there was a little tyre roar penetrating the cabin on coarser surfaces at highway speeds but, really, it was nothing to get too concerned about.

As part of its aim to give the car a greater difference, Ford (like Holden with the Calais V), uses the sports version of its front double wishbone and rear Control Blade independent suspension. While the ride is on the firmer side, it remains supple enough to soak up small ruts and patchwork roads, ensuring a comfortable ride that is perfect for long distance cruising.

The Fairmont's cruising ability is helped by the broad supportive seats and decent interior space. Even in the rear adults can still travel in comfort and the particularly good quality audio system is noteworthy as well.

But as its visuals suggest, this is also a car that you can wind up a bit on a twisting country C-road and enjoy superb dynamics and an involving drive.

The engine's midrange strength offers ample grunt to get the car moving at a fairly rapid rate and while you can slip the six speed into manual mode to hold gears over about 3500rpm (where the engine is at its most responsive), the reaction from right foot inputs is very quick. Even when pushing on, you can leave it in D Sport and it will deliver the right ratio at just the right time.

Despite the car's size, it handles with delightful agility. When driven enthusiastically it sits flat and stable through the corners with plenty of grip from the lowish profile rubber and [Ed: unlike the XR6 Turbo we tested recently] the 'safety net' of a superbly calibrated DSC system.

The Ghia offers very good body control while the steering is reasonably direct and responsive and it is easy to develop a fluid line through a twisting turning road.

For a model that essentially began with the BA back in 2002, the Fairmont Ghia has weathered well and up against the crop of far newer rivals still makes a very convincing argument.

If the Ghia's refinement, performance, dynamics and value are improved upon and there's a bit more effort in the styling department, there's every reason why the Fairmont Ghia will hold its own as the flagship of the local Ford range.

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