Ford Falcon Ute 2002 Review

Spearheading the range, at least until the 260kW XR8 ute arrives early next year, is the new 'blown' XR6 ute, powered by the same 240kW and 450Nm turbocharged 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine available in the XR6 sedan.

Less spirited but no less sporty are the other two engine variants currently available, including the standard 182kW VCT in-line six, and 220kW 5.4-litre V8, which is a $5000 option across the range.

With the addition of the turbo variant, the Falcon ute range has more of a performance edge than ever before. The new range also builds on the tough, workhorse image that Ford has generated with its utes over the years, with one-tonne chassis cab, aluminium tray, 1600kg towpack, heavy duty suspension and LPG engine some of the options designed to keep the tradies and farmers happy along with the performance crowd.

Prices have increased slightly over the outgoing AU ute range, with the entry-level XL chassis cab with five-speed manual transmission priced from $25,590. The Styleside Box XL is $600 more, while the XR6 Turbo manual is $39,675. Two body styles are on offer - Styleside Box or cab chassis - and three trim levels: XL, XLS and XR. Air-conditioning is a $2250 option in XL and XLS, ABS $930 and passenger airbag an extra $495.

New exterior styling mimics the BA sedan range, with the XR6 version standing out with its twin headlights with black backgrounds, foglights, side skirts, alloy wheels and hard tonneau cover.

The interior has also received a major makeover, with new big contoured seats, new trims, a classy and functional dash layout combined with plenty of useful in-cabin storage space, especially behind the seats.

Falcon ute's 'supercab' design continues to provide a comfortable and spacious cabin area for two, with plenty of headroom, especially with the seats moved back. The new seats offer plenty of support for big Aussie posteriors, and the new range of cloth trims or optional leather trim contribute to the classy look.

The XR6's instrument cluster borrows from the European design school, with two big round dials for tacho and speedometer, combined with the trip computer digital readout. At night it illuminates with a blue glow.

The integrated centre console, dubbed the Interior Command Centre, combines functionality with good looks, and houses a digital screen menu and big dials for air-con, stereo and other accessories. There's also tasteful touches of fake brushed aluminium and lots of tactile surfaces.

Overall fit and finish appears to be of a high standard, although a question mark hangs over some of the cheaper plastic fittings - the bonnet release lever broke off from its bracket during yet another request from a Blue Oval bystander for a peek at the new turbo engine.

The XR6 Turbo we drove was fitted with the optional hard tonneau cover, which adds to the sleek, sports ute appearance. Unfortunately the twin key-operated locks designed to secure the tray's cargo were often difficult to operate.

On the road the XR6 Turbo proved a comfortable, well-mannered and potent sports utility. Aided by sporty suspension settings, the leaf sprung, live axle rear end provided sure-footed handling and plenty of grip, only getting out of sorts on mid-corner bumps, dirt tracks or when powering too hard out of a corner. Although on the firm side, most road nasties were soaked up with little fuss.

The new in-line VCT six is quiet and unfussed during highway use, and only when pushed does the whine of the turbo indicate the performance potential under the bonnet. Straight line performance is impressive, with plenty of low-down urge as maximum torque of 450Nm comes on strong at only 2000Nm.

Two types of transmissions are available: a standard five-speed manual or the optional Sequential Sports Shift automatic transmission fitted to our ute, which is a $920 option.

Even during some spirited driving the auto proved its all-round versatility, with well-spaced ratios designed to make best use of the engine's capacity. Slot it in 'D' for lazy commuting, or Sport mode to hold revs to the redline. Alternatively, change gears yourself with the tiptronic-style gearshift.

The Falcon ute range has been the one sales winner for Ford in its battle against Holden's Commodore, and judging by first impressions, Ford is dead keen on keeping its latest Blue Oval ute a sales winner.