Ford Falcon XR6 cab-chassis E-Gas ute 2007 Review

LPG-fuelled vehicles have attracted more interest and more buyers as petrol prices have increased. A further incentive to buy gas came courtesy of the Federal Government's 2006 rebate system that was introduced (in part) to make the forthcoming stepped introduction of excise on the fuel a little more palatable to the electorate.

Together with the growing interest in LPG as an alternative to petrol has come a swag of new models. Ford, as the only manufacturer to offer a dedicated LPG-engine -- as opposed to the traditional dual fuel petrol/LPG units offered by other manufacturers and aftermarket converters -- upped the ante considerably last year by adding a number of vehicles to its list of those that can be bought with its so-called E-Gas engine option.

As of the introduction of the BF Mk II Falcon range in October 2006, the local maker offers the dedicated LPG engine in no less than nine Falcon variants including the XT and Futura sedans and wagons, Fairmont sedan, and the XL, XLS, RTV and XR6 Utes.

It was the last car in the list that interested CarPoint, as LPG is not traditionally a fuel associated with a performance-style vehicle. Our test car was a cab-chassis version of the XR6 ute complete with a custom-made tray that with various Ford options would set you back more than $40,000.

From its visuals, there is no denying where this vehicle is aimed. It looks the business with its body kit, lowered sports suspension and 17-inch alloys, but it's less likely to be used for business. With the sports suspension payload is limited to half a tonne, but that's cool… This is more show-pony than draught horse.

Inside the sporty touches continue with plenty of goodies plus bolstered sports seats and, in our test car, an optional sports leather steering wheel. 'Our' XR6 CC also came with the optional and very good sounding premium audio system, while standard equipment included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote locking and cruise control.

Unlike utes of old, there is plenty of space in the cabin with ample storage behind the seats for a soft sports bag or valuable tools. Safety kit, however, has not kept pace with passenger car levels – the CC is  limited to just a single front driver's airbag and anti-lock brakes.

With its purposeful looks, we were anticipating our drive with enthusiasm but first indications of what lay in store came as we turned the key. Start up from cold was a bit rough and without the petrol start option of some competitors, the XR6 E-Gas tended to cough into life rather than roar.

The E-Gas engine is the same size and capacity as its 4.0-litre straight six petrol cousin. It runs a slightly higher compression ratio but produces less power and torque -- in the XR6 E-Gas ute maximum outputs are listed at 156kW at 5000rpm and 370Nm at 2750rpm versus the petrol's 190kW at 5250rpm and 383Nm at 2500rpm. Although the peak torque output is close, it is also worth noting the gas installation adds a further 50kg to the kerb weight ensuring our XR6 CC tipped the scales at more than 1600kg.

Coupled with the extra mass and sluggish throttle response, off the line the ute felt sluggish. Acceleration was adequate but not what you might expect from the visuals of the car.

Once cruising it offered better response to throttle input but with substantially less power than the petrol-engined XR6 we found ourselves revving it harder to get going or to overtake. In this sort of use the engine starts to seem a touch harsh and breathless. It's best then to be judicious about when and where you pass slower moving traffic and keep the car running in its stronger midrange.

The gas engine is also only offered with the old four-speed automatic transmission and with the right foot heavily depressed, the shifts are quite noticeable and hardly what you would call refined. Less emphasis on the throttle delivers a smoother take off to reach cruising speed but in the current world of five and six-speed transmissions (including Ford's own excellent ZF unit in higher spec Falcons) the old auto just isn't up to standard.

Despite running a live rear axle, the ride and handling of the Falcon ute is still among the most competent and cosseting in its class.

The car feels solid and stable on the road even without anything on the rear -- although in this car's case the custom tray would add a bit more weight to the rear assisting the tied down feeling. Like all BF Falcons, the steering is delightfully direct and responsive and the ride, although a little bouncy over very poor roads, remains comfortable and compliant.

At the end of the day, the E-Gas option in a 'normal' ute might be powerful and refined enough for a tradies workhorse and make good financial sense if you do high mileage but in the XR6, its lack of substance and the relatively coarse nature of the drivetrain make this car little more than a show pony.

If you are spending this sort of money and want more than just visual impact, the petrol XR6 would be a better bet.

RRP: $36,390
Price as tested: $38,220 (prestige paint - $400, premium six-stack CD audio - $700, sports leather steering wheel - $730, plus custom tray)
Also consider: Holden SV6 Ute