Last hurrah Falcon SR

Ford has turned its runout Falcon into a quasi-Fairmont for less than base Falcon prices.

To create the latest 2008 edition of the popular Falcon SR extra value retail package, Ford added almost $7000 of additional equipment and features -- then slashed the price by more than $2000 below the recommended retail price of the standard BF Mk II Falcon XT.

Ford will have fingers crossed that the Falcon SR achieves a greater impact in the market than the earlier limited edition model, the Falcon ES, did (more here).

A recommended driveaway price of $32,888 makes the Falcon SR the first base model Falcon with a retail price of close to an even $30,000 since the stripped-out AU Forte was announced in 1998.

Except this Falcon SR is no stripper.

Inside, it features the prestige audio system with six-disc in-dash CD player, special sports seat trim and an XR leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The unique sports seat trim combination features leather seat bolsters and front headrests with twin needlepoint stitching in contrasting dark silver, 'Winton' fabric inserts and embroidered 'SR' badging, also in a dark silver thread.

Outside, the new Falcon SR effectively gains a $40,000 street presence thanks to its premium body detailing, most of which is inspired by the up-market Fairmont or XR levels. Extra exterior features include a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, chrome front grille surround and bonnet moulding, extended front and rear bumper panels and sporty lower side mouldings.

Other upper level details include body colour exterior mirrors, body colour side protection mouldings and a unique 'SR' decal.  A set of four 17-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels replace the XT's plastic wheel covers and steel wheels.

Compared to the base XT model which would normally cost $34,990 as a manual before on roads, the four-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS) is standard, along with the firmer Sports version of the Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension (IRS).
All that's missing is Ford's premium six-speed automatic transmission and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) but then there is that $32,888 on-road price to consider. 

Exterior colours include Winter White, Lightning Strike, Silk, Kashmir, Steel, Vixen, Conquer, Sensation, Ego and Silhouette. However, the new Falcon SR will also be offered in Breeze and Neo, neither of which are normally available on a base level Falcon.

The new vehicle goes on sale during February and is designed to boost sales of the outgoing BF Mk II Falcon in the lead-up to the new "Orion" Falcon reaching Ford showrooms, now believed to be at the end of April or early May.

As the last and best-sorted of a popular Falcon series with the bonus of special cabin and exterior items and the lowest retail price (before on roads) in 10 years, it must qualify as one of the best large family car packages ever in Australia. The standard Falcon powertrain is still regarded by many as the current large car benchmark even with the entry-level four-speed automatic transmission. 

 » Get the best price on a new Ford Falcon

To comment on this article click here