Carsales Staff•27 Nov 2014

NEWS

Ford FG X Falcon facts

Complete pricing and specification details for the final large sedan and ute range built by Ford Australia

Freshened styling, reduced pricing and new connected services are trademarks of the FG X Falcon sedan and ute – the last models of their kind to roll out of Ford's plant in Broadmeadows.

Much has been written about the demise of the Falcon after this model has run its course, and the pricing and specification breakdown for the new car were divulged nearly two months ahead of the new model's launch.

But here, in the one place, is an easy-to-read explanation of the new Falcon's model mix and equipment – for the utes as well.

Prices and variants

"We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the styling and technology of the 2014 Falcon. Now we bring a very compelling price for customers looking for a large sedan, particularly the G6E Turbo and our XR Series," Ford General Marketing Manager, David Katic, was quoted saying in a press release.

At the entry level, the Falcon (no level of trim) replaces the XT variants in the FG Series II range and Ford has withdrawn the G6 level of trim for the new FG X range. Price reductions for the FG X Falcon bring the better-equipped G6E variants below the prices of the defunct G6 models from the FG Series II range.

The EcoBoost turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine (displacing two litres) continues to sell at the same price as the 4.0-litre six-cylinder variants of Falcon and Falcon G6E. And Ford has carried over the EcoLPI (LPG) engine for the base model and the XR6 at a $2500 price premium over the petrol six-cylinder counterparts.

The big news is the reintroduction of the XR8 variant, powered by the same Miami supercharged V8, but at a considerable saving over the price of the FPV GT models previously fitted with the engine.

Sedan prices are as follows, with price adjustments in brackets:

Falcon 4.0L auto - $35,900 (-$1335)

Falcon 2.0L auto - $35,900 (-$1335)

Falcon EcoLPI auto - $38,400 (-$1335)

Falcon XR6 4.0L manual - $35,590 (-$4400)

Falcon XR6 4.0L auto - $37,790 (-$3200)

Falcon XR6 EcoLPI auto - $40,290 (-$3200)

Falcon XR6 Turbo 4.0L manual - $42,990 (-$3245)

Falcon XR6 Turbo 4.0L auto - $45,190 (-$3045)

Falcon G6E 4.0L auto - $40,110 (-$6625)

Falcon G6E 2.0L auto - $40,110 (-$6625)

Falcon G6E Turbo 4.0L auto - $46,550 (-$9685)

Falcon XR8 5.0L manual - $52,490 (N/A)

Falcon XR8 5.0L auto - $54,690 (N/A)

Option prices are: prestige paint $385, matching alloy spare wheel $250, leather seat trim $2100 (N/A Falcon, standard for G6E and G6E Turbo, optional for XR6 and XR6 Turbo), 1600kg tow pack $550, Luxury pack 1 $4350 (XR6 only) and Luxury Pack 2 $2600 (XR6 Turbo only).

Ford has lifted prices of the base-grade ute variants by $800, but the XR6 and Turbo variants have dropped sharply in price.

Ute prices are as follows, with price adjustments in brackets:

Falcon cab chassis auto - $29,390 (+$800)

Falcon EcoLPi cab chassis auto - $31,890 (+$800)

Falcon Ute auto - $29,790 (+$800)

Falcon EcoLPi Ute auto - $32,290 (+800)

XR6 cab chassis auto - $32,140 (-$3750)

XR6 EcoLPI cab chassis auto - $34,640 (-$3750)

XR6 Ute auto - $32,640 (-$3550)

XR6 EcoLPI Ute auto - $35,140 (-$3550)

XR6 Turbo Ute auto - $39,810 (-$1380)

Option prices for the Falcon Ute are: Prestige paint $385, limited-slip differential $495 (base Falcon only, standard for XR6 and Turbo), 1600kg tow pack $570, aluminium tray $1460 (cab chassis models only), Luxury Pack 1 $3500 (XR6) and Luxury Pack 2 $1600 (XR6 Turbo).

Model walk-up

All models now come with a reversing camera as standard – replete with guidelines (new to base Falcon) – plus voice-controlled SYNC2 infotainment/emergency assistance system and front parking sensors.

A combination of fixed and active guidelines, plus a centre line in the reversing camera display eases backing and facilitates parking the vehicle with a trailer attached. The front parking sensors detect objects at a range of up to 70cm directly in front or between 15 and 35cm to the side of the car's front end, while the car is in motion at speeds up to 10km/h.

"Ford's Emergency Assistance has already proved itself as a life-saver overseas and we expect our Falcon and Territory customers will appreciate the reassurance that comes with this technology," said Ford Australia Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service, Graeme Whickman.

The system will open a line to the emergency call taker ('000') in the event via any paired smartphone. This will only occur automatically should airbags deploy or the fuel pump cut off automatically.

All models come with climate control, electric windows/mirrors, auto-on/off headlights, cruise control, electric seat adjustment, dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, reversing camera, driver fatigue warning, front/rear parking sensors, SYNC2 infotainment system and remote central locking.

Additionally, all models are fitted as standard with digital radio (DAB+), Wi-Fi hot spot capability, SD card slot (for satellite navigation system where fitted), two USB ports (one more than for FG Series II model) and eight-inch colour high-resolution touch screen standard on all models. G6E and XR models are also upgraded with rain-sensing wipers.

At entry level the Falcon Ute rides on 16-inch steel wheels, and the Falcon sedan is fitted with 16-inch alloys. The Ute and sedan make do with single-zone climate control.

XR6 and G6E models move up to 18-inch alloy wheels. 19-inch wheels are reserved for turbocharged (G6E/XR6) variants and the XR8.

Four-way power adjustment for the driver's seat is standard across the range, other than for the G6E and G6E Turbo, both of which feature eight-way adjustment.

From XR6 up the range offers premium audio, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers and daytime running lights. Models positioned higher than XR6 –the XR6 Turbo, XR8 and G6E variants – come standard with satellite navigation. XR8 and G6E/G6E Turbo gain dual-zone climate control and leather seat trim.

As the flagship of the range, the XR8 comes equipped with perforated leather seat trim featuring grey inserts, contrasting Shadow headlining/upper areas of the cabin and alloy scuff plates.

Design changes

The distinctively different looks of the new Falcon start with a new nose incorporating a trapezoidal grille, which features chrome detailing for the G6E and a mesh insert for the XR models. New headlights and front fog lights (N/A base Falcon) are complemented by daytime running lights offered in two different configurations – for XR models and G6E.

From the rear the Falcon sedan can be identified by revised tail lights, embracing LED technology, and a restyled boot lid. Alloy wheel designs are new for each grade also.

The exterior colour range for FG X Falcon consists of Winter White, Lightning Strike, Smoke (N/A base Ute), Vanish, Silhouette, Archon Bronze (base and G6E sedans only), Kinetic (N/A G6E and base sedan/Ute), Emperor (N/A base sedan/Ute), Fine Alloy (available G6E only), and Victory Gold (XR sedans/Utes). Winter White is the only non-metallic colour in the range.

Interiors are retrimmed and feature new paint finishes, revised instrument cluster graphics and new 'upper environment' colouring – light limestone for Falcon/G6E, black for XR models. Trim materials are carried over for the base level Falcon (from the XT model it supersedes), but higher-grade models feature new fabrics, patterns, leathers (where specified) and sew styles.

New comfort and convenience features

Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI) has been upgraded for FG X, with new graphics and what Ford calls a '4 quadrant colour touch screen' measuring eight inches. The HMI is the first point of contact betwixt user and Ford's SYNC2 system, which plays music sourced from AM/FM radio, digital radio (DAB+), Bluetooth-connected smartphones, USB connected devices, memory sticks, SD cards, MP3-compatible CD-ROM and conventional audio CD.

Developed specifically to recognise Australian speech patterns, the Falcon's new voice control system bundled with SYNC2 provides an additional method of control for entertainment, climate settings, phone and satellite navigation. SYNC2's built-in Wi-Fi functionality means the car can be a Wi-Fi hot spot for internet connectivity for on-board laptop computers and tablets.

Technical specifications

Ford's venerable six-cylinder engine carries on in the same state of tune as in the FG Series II range, producing 195kW and 391Nm from its 4.0-litre displacement. Designed to run on LPG, the EcoLPi version of the six remains rated at 198kW and 409Nm. Ford is claiming power and torque figures for the 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder are unchanged, but the numbers for the FG X EcoBoost are 176kW and 340Nm, down from figures originally quoted for the FG Series: 179kW and 353Nm.

Originally developed in Australia for the FPV range of modified Falcons, the Miami 5.0-litre supercharged V8 now finds its way into the Falcon XR8 – a variant killed by Ford Australia four years ago. Peak power is 335kW for the V8, and torque maxes out at 570Nm between 2200 and 5500rpm.

"We're very proud of the work that's gone into the XR8," said Falcon Vehicle Line Director, David Wilkinson. "We've brought the Boss 5.0-litre, supercharged all-aluminium V8 engine across to the XR Series and it's the first time a performance V8 has been in the XR Series since 2010."

The XR8 owes much to the FPV GT RSpec's suspension tuning. As compared with the XR6 set-up, dampers and rear springs have been retuned and the rear anti-roll bar is a 19mm unit in lieu of the RSpec 18mm bar. Upper spring mounts and upper control arm bushings are stiffer at the front and the geometry has been adjusted to accommodate the 275mm rear tyres.

Braking is handled by Brembo four-piston callipers up front and a single-piston system at the rear. Other mods for the XR8 include a heavy-duty cooling fan, standard limited-slip differential, uprated battery and quick-ratio steering gear.

Other variants have been fettled for lower fuel consumption than the superseded FG Series II range. Adopting the lighter ZF 6HP21 six-speed transmission and aero package from the EcoBoost models has contributed to a nine per cent reduction in fuel use – down from 9.9L/100km for the Falcon XT to 9.0L/100km for the base-grade Falcon in the FG X Series. Of the sedans, only the XR8 foregoes the EcoBoost aero package.

The entry-level model also benefits from new Michelin tyres fitted as original equipment and boasting lower rolling resistance, and the Falcon has adopted the suspension settings of the now defunct Falcon G6. Falcon EcoLPi sees the suspension upgraded to the XR6 EcoLPI calibration too. Ford claims the suspension changes improve both ride and handling in the base-grade models.

Stay tuned for our comprehensive reviews of the new Falcon and Territory on Friday.

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