Ford Falcon FG Ute 2008 Review

Ford Falcon FG R6 Ute

Talk about the march of progress. Previously, ordering a Ford Ute fitted with the 290kW Boss V8 meant stumping up over $54K for the FPV Pursuit. Now, with the FG range on stream, Falcon Ute buyers can experience this powerplant for just $38,490.

As with the FPV offering, bulk oversteer is yours for no extra charge.

Yes, the Ute takes on most of the excellent FG upgrades, but retains elements of its 'working man' origins, like the leaf-spring rear suspension. Ford Australia claims this remains the best solution for its mixed 'work and play' role.

As with the sedan, though, it's all-change at the front, with the introduction of the new 'Virtual Pivot' control link suspension first seen on the Territory, but now using several aluminium components.

The steering rack has been overhauled and moved forward for better high-speed stability. Ford has also introduced monotube shock absorbers for the Ute, an Australian first.

There are three different suspension tunes - two for working and one for play, the latter shared by the new mid-range R6 and XR models.

The FG changes make for a vehicle that handles exceptionally well, given the antiquated rear suspension layout.

The XR models turn in sharply - although the XR8 is a little less eager due to the extra front-end weight - and the steering feels more solid and confident than the BF.

The rear will skip over some mid-corner bumps, but the difference between the Ford and the Holden Ute, which uses a multi-link coil spring rear, is not as great as you would think.

That is, as long as you stay with the XR8's 18-inch rims and 245/45 tyres which contribute to a ride that is firm but fair. The optional 19-inch wheels, with 245/35 rubber, not only destroy the ride quality but also make it much harder for the driving wheels to adequately maintain contact with the road, which is not good when the engine room is punching out 290kW.

While the XR8 comes with traction control, electronic stability control is not available on any of the FG utes apart from the FPVs. Bosch and Ford are, however, working on this and expect to make ESC available for all utes by the end of the year, which can't come soon enough.

Continuing with the safety story, dual front airbags are standard, but side airbags are a $600 option, even in the range-topping XR8.

So while the XR6 Turbo Ute might be a quicker animal, buyers in this category still love the V8, and it's the XR8 that's expected to find more homes.

As you can imagine, the acceleration of the XR8 Ute is ferocious as long as you can get the power down, which isn't always easy.

Its exhaust is also louder than in the XR8 sedan (and its opposite number at Holden) especially at idle, and seems more tuneful at higher revs.

The standard transmission is the new six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual which does the job well enough, but the ZF six-speed auto is the pick and well worth the extra $1000.

FG upgrades transform the XR interior, which mimics the sedan forward of the seats, while there is a handy amount of space behind them for items you don't want to put in the tray.

There is, of course, more road and tyre noise than the sedan, but what do you expect from a V8 ute that costs less than $40,000?

Consider how much brawn you get for your bucks, and it's clear the XR8 Ute is a bargain.

Ford Falcon FG R6 Ute
It's working class, mate

For those seeking a ute with a greater emphasis on work rather than play, the new R6 model, which replaces the XLS, could hold real appeal. It's fitted with the XR-spec suspension teamed with 16-inch alloys and compliant 215/60 tyres, so it handles surprisingly well, yet retains decent comfort. The less aggressive tyres also create less rumble than those fitted to than the XRs.

The performance from the petrol in-line six is perfectly suited to a workhorse, delivering all the torque you could ever require while bringing a new level of refinement to this class.

As with previous incarnations, the FG Ute is available with a regular tray or cab chassis. With Holden no longer offering the One Tonner, this has suddenly become a real USP for Ford.

The workhorse Utes share the engine upgrades of the FG range, including the 195kW 4.0-litre I6 which is teamed with the new Tremec six-speed manual or the optional five-speed Ford-engineered automatic. Unlike sedan customers, Ute buyers are unable to order the six-speed ZF auto as an option.

The E-Gas LPG engine - accounting for 40 percent of sales, incidentally - is unchanged, producing 156kW and running the old four-speed auto.

The base model, simply called Falcon Ute, rides on 16-inch steel wheels. It drives better and is more comfortable than imported rivals, but lacks the poise of the sportier models in the Ute range, especially when the tray is unloaded.

Speaking of which, the old loop and stud tonneau tie-down system has been replaced with a cleaner looking snap-lock set-up as per the Holden Ute. It's yet another indication of how an old stager has raised its game.