Ford Falcon XR6 EcoLPi Ute 2015 Review

On paper the first thing to catch a buyer's eye concerns the model's performance stats: 198kW and 409Nm for the gas engine versus 195kW and 391Nm for the standard 'Barra 195' petrol unit. So far, so good.

Ford's claimed combined fuel economy of 13.5L/100km for the gas XR6 Ute is appreciably higher than the standard model's equivalent figure of 10.5, but then LPG is appreciably cheaper than even 91 RON petrol – 55 cents per litre in Melbourne at the time of writing, compared to $1.20 a litre for petrol. So far, very good.

So what's the catch?

Well, with the extra grunt comes extra weight – the best part of 60 kilograms – and the then there's the extra outlay for the EcoLPi in the first place. It's only available with the more expensive six-speed automatic transmission and it adds another $2500 to the purchase price. That pushes the XR6 Ute EcoLPi to $35,140 (plus on-road costs), versus $30,440 for the standard manual XR6 Ute. Okay, not so good.

But wait, there's more. As part of the wider changes ushered in with Ford's final FG X Falcon range, Ford Australia shaved a whopping $3550 from the ticket price of the XR6 Ute with Styleside box (i.e. the model reviewed here, as opposed to the XR6 Ute cab/chassis with alloy tray). As we said, it's a number game – best keep a calculator handy…

Let's do a quick comparison. The gas XR6 has an 86-litre capacity while the standard has an 81-litre capacity. At those aforementioned prices that's $47.30 to fill the gas model and $97.20 to fill the standard. Based on an average usage of 300 kilometres per week, and Ford's quoted combined economy figures, the gas model delivers a saving of $15.52 per week, meaning it would take a bit over three years to recoup the extra outlay. After that period has passed, however, the fuel savings amount to over $800 per year.

The bottom line is the longer an owner hangs onto an EcoLPi model, the bigger the savings – but there's little point in purchasing one if the intention is to change vehicles just a few years down the track.

That's the money side of the equation, but what about the drive? There's very little to complain about. The power-to-weight ratio delivers good punch and provides plenty of entertainment, while the limited-slip differential and sports suspension up the adrenaline factor through the bends.

Of course it's no match for its even sportier sibling, the XR6 Turbo Ute – it packs in 270kW and 533Nm – but the Ford's 'garden variety' sports ute is a fun drive both around town and in the backblocks.

Ford's EcoLPi technology essentially delivers the LPG in liquid form direct to the intake ports, as opposed to the older-style formats that relied on vapourising the gas first before mixing it with intake air.

The end result is significantly boosted output while retaining good economy and lowering emissions: the XR6 Ute EcoLPi produces 218g/km of CO2, as opposed to the standard XR6 Ute's 249.

There are also more obvious differences between the gas version of Ford's 4.0-litre, four-valves-per-cylinder straight-six engine and the petrol jobbie. On turning the key it takes a second or so for the gas system to prime, and on the go peak power is delivered a little lower in the rev range – at 5000rpm, to be exact, as opposed to 6000rpm for the petrol unit. Peak torque, meanwhile, comes in at 3250rpm for both.

The gas engine produces its own distinct note. With the stock exhaust it's a stirring signature, and even a little more raucous than the fairly muffled tune of the XR6 Turbo.

On the road the engine feels muscular throughout its rev range but its mid-range stomp stands out. There's little to be gained in pushing all the way to its 6000rpm redline – far better to short shift and use its ample torque to good effect.

Over a week of none-too-gentle (but mostly unladen) use we achieved an average fuel figure of 14.0L/100km. That's a safe working range of around 550 kilometres – decent enough, and all the more impressive considering it's only cost a bit over $40 to achieve.

As we mentioned in several previous reviews, the FG X XR6 interior is rather plain and seating position is awkward – the driver sits a touch too high in relation to the steering wheel.

The seating itself is comfy, mind you, and the leather inserts add a touch of class. The alloy-faced pedals and quality steering wheel with integrated controls help lift the tone, but it still lacks that certain something we expect in a higher-end ute.

The leather-appointed seating is part of the optional $3500 XR Luxury Pack, which also includes 19-inch wheels, premium audio, dual-zone climate control and sat-nav.

The latter is integrated into Ford's upgraded SYNC2 infotainment system. The headline change for FG X interior, it sees an 8.0-inch touchscreen divided into four quadrants: audio/entertainment, climate, sat-nav, and phone.

It's equipped with Bluetooth and can understand an impressive repertoire of voice commands, and apart from the screen showing up a patchwork quilt of fingerprints, it's intuitive and effective.

The XR6 Ute lacks several of the driver assistance features found in Holden's equivalent, the SV6 Ute – such as blind spot assist, parking assist, rear view camera and cross traffic alert. In an auto format the Holden comes in at $550 more.

Speaking of safety, all Ford Utes get a five-star ANCAP rating and the XR6 Ute is equipped with Ford's emergency assistance system, which auto dials emergency services in the event of a serious crash.

The auto XR6 Ute can tow up to 2300kg (1600kg for the manual – and for Holden's SV6 Ute, for that matter) and handle a payload of 542kg, and it comes standard with a bed liner and soft tonneau cover.

For buyers who stick with a vehicle for several years, Ford's XR6 Ute EcoLPi makes a solid case. With sports ute performance, resolute road holding and now far more palatable pricing, it's more tempting than ever before – giving further impetus to teetering buyers as the Blue Oval counts down to the closure of local production.

Take advantage while you can, because Ford's XR6 Ute EcoLPi is a rare beast indeed: a 'gas guzzler' with zing but without the service station sting.

Also consider:
>> Holden Commodore SV6 Ute (from $33,490 plus ORCs)