6
NEWS
What the public think of the FG
As Ford's new FG Falcon range hits Australian showrooms, buyers are proving themselves streetwise...Comment
It's just two weeks since representative production models of the new FG Falcon range hit Ford showrooms around the country.
What's clear is the FG release has achieved the desired effect of boosting showroom traffic. Our contact with Ford dealers suggests there has been more pent-up interest than expected -- perhaps Ford's delay in presenting something fresh may have been hurting Falcon sales and the Aussie large car segment more than acknowledged.
In a quick poll (via dealers) of what the early reaction has been, this is what else we have uncovered...
- The response from most prospective purchasers after test driving any FG model is that it no longer feels like previous Falcons and has "gone up a complete level". The new five speed auto is making such an impression that it has made clearing remaining four-speed autos from the previous series difficult.
- The difference between the driving experience of the base FG Falcon XR6 and the VE Commodore SV6 has prompted a strong response with many of the latter changing over immediately.
- Most showroom visitors like the FG's new roofline, ease of entry and rear cabin space. According to sales staff, the VE Commodore's thick A-pillars are becoming more of an issue with some buyers. The comparison with the FG's vision and cabin architecture, flagged by the automotive press, is now being made.
- Showroom visitors are confusing the G6 with the Mondeo and require considerable briefing before they understand what the G-series is about. Some are struggling to understand its 'fit'. FPV's F6 (which should sit below the G6 by any established criteria) adds to the confusion, dealers say.
- Buyers are unimpressed by the omission of any locking function on the fuel filler door or fuel cap (at all levels) in these times of high fuel prices.
- The delayed arrival of the XR6 Turbo and G6E Turbo has been the source of some frustration. Ford sales people are explaining that Ford is "holding back the turbo models" to make sure that everything is right before it goes on the road.
- The XR6 Turbo/G6E Turbo has generated an enormous level of anticipation but the absence of a limited slip differential as standard (or even an option) on a model as powerful as the top shelf G6E Turbo is already showing up as a concern to informed buyers when it is fitted on the XR equivalent.
- The old wheelcovers and grille on XT are not making much sense to sales staff or customers. Several dealers have already upgraded their display G6 and XT examples with better wheels.
- Comparisons are being made with the Mondeo as the cars look similar (in size and style) when placed together – especially upper level models. Features such as the lack of backlighting for the steering wheel controls in the FG have been raised. The Mondeo's sculptured door inners make the deletion of door grab-handles in the FG even more apparent.
- The block pattern grille insert in the lower rear fascia of the G6 is black, while the top G6E level is body colour. When light colours make this area look unfinished compared to other FG models, there have been suggestions that the block grille insert should be chrome against a black background -- inline with the front grilles and the boot trim.
- The lack of upwards adjustment in the steering column has raised questions while some visitors have joked that the door bins are for display purposes only when they don't serve any practical use.
- Runout RTV utes have sold better than expected at some dealers where buyers want Falcon comfort with extra clearance. It appears not everyone agrees that a single cab Ford Ranger makes up for its deletion from the FG range.
To comment on this article click here
Share this article
Written byJoe Kenwright
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayRelated articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.