Ford runs 'round Oz for $1000

A Ford BF Fairmont on LPG has travelled more than 13,950km around Australia, using $997.55 worth of fuel.

According to Ford, by the end of the trip the Fairmont had achieved a total average fuel consumption figure of 10.2lt/100kms.

"We wanted to show Australians that you can have all the performance and package benefits of a large car while enjoying the refuelling costs of a much smaller car," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"The difference in LPG prices versus petrol around the country allowed us to complete our trip around Australia for less than $1000. A similar trip in a petrol vehicle would have cost approximately twice that amount."

Ford's LPG Challenge started on August 3 following a route from Melbourne to Adelaide, across to Perth, north to Broome, east to Kununurra and Darwin, south to Tennant Creek and then east again to Mt Isa and over to Townsville. From Townsville, the Challenge continued its southward journey into Rockhampton and Brisbane before heading inland to Tamworth and Dubbo before heading back to the coast and Sydney. From Sydney the Challenge stopped in Canberra, before its final leg to Albury and Melbourne late last week.

Ford offers LPG-only 'E-Gas' versions of the Falcon sedan and wagon, Falcon Ute and Fairmont. The E-Gas Ford BF Fairmont retails at $44,595.

A daily diary of the trip can be accessed by clicking on the LPG Challenge logo on the www.ford.com.au website