08-08-2006
Ford has announced a minor update to its BF Falcon in response to the much-hyped Holden VECommodore that goes on sale next week. Significantly, the mild revisions bring a modest (but important) 2 per cent improvement to fuel consumption that makes the Falcon even more frugal than its upcoming Commododre rival, at least according to the official Government figures.
The revised Falcon Mark II, which doesn't hit showrooms until mid-October, also gets a mildly revised look and a new equipment option pack designed to appeal to private buyers and boost the appeal of the Falcon against the Commodore.
The so-called Sports pack combines an electronic stability system (ESP, or, as Ford calls it, Dynamic Stability System, or DSC), six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels and larger brakes 'borrowed' from the sports-oriented Falcon XR6.
"The extensive engineering program undertaken at BF Falcon delivered significant gains in the areas of fuel efficiency and refinement, as well as more useable performance from our 'Barra 190' six-cylinder engine," said Ford Australia president Tom Gorman."But the process of improvement is a continual one and our engineers have responded with further improvements on the top-selling four-speed auto Falcon I6 (inline six-cylinder) models, delivering greater real world benefits to Falcon owners."
The 17-inch wheels go close to matching the rival Commodore Omega V-Series, which costs $34,990 and brings with it extras aimed at private buyers as opposed to fleets.But Ford isn't talking pricing of the Sports pack just yet - except to say "it will be competitive" - although early indications are that it will retail for "somewhere close to $3000".
That means the Falcon with an Sports pack would sell around for less than $38,000 loaded with a six-speed automatic, stability system and 17-inch wheels.But Ford's Gorman admitted the Falcon was still facing a tough battle."We're facing some very stiff competition," said Gorman. "But we never anticipated they would build a failure. But nothing they've put in front of us surprises us ... or scares us."
However, he did stress the fuel economy benefits of the Falcon, targeting a potential weak link in the Commodore chain."I don't think they've (Holden) listened to the customer as well as we have when it comes to fuel economy," he said. "We're very proud of what we've achieved with fuel consumption."
And fuel consumption is gearing up to be a big sales pitch for the Falcon Mark II."Not only does it reward a sporty driving style with livelier performance and sharper responses, but it also delivers significant benefits in terms of reduced fuel consumption and greater refinement, with smoother shift quality a notable feature during everyday use," said Gorman.
The six-speed automatic available on V8 Commodores is not available on entry-level versions.
On the Falcon the six-speed auto improves fuel economy by a claimed 6 per cent, something increasingly more important as predictions of $1.80/litre petrol persist.The base four-speed Falcon uses a claimed 10.7L/100km, bettering the rival Commodore's 10.9L/100km.
If people splash out the extra $3000-odd for the Sports pack, they'll get a claimed fuel consumption of 10.2L/110km, which is more than 6 per cent better than the Commodore.However, at current fuel prices (and assuming 20,000km travelled per year) it would still take almost 15 years to pay off the price premium for the Sports pack, assuming it costs $3000.
However, unlike the much-anticipated Commodore, which will become the first Australian-made car to boast ESP (or DSC) standard on every model, the potentially life-saving system still costs extra on the Falcon.ESP can individually brake wheels to help control a slide and potentially avoid a crash altogether.
Ford says it was too costly to re-engineer the existing stability system for the base vehicle with 16-inch wheels. Instead it has decided to offer the system as part of a pack and fitted with bigger wheels.Other than the option pack, Ford has revised the look of the Falcon, most notably with a new front bumper, which brings with it incremental improvements to aerodynamics (one of the factors that affects fuel consumption).
The luxury Fairmont Ghia gets a fresh "Euro inspired" look that gives the car a more distinctive look.All models get new bumpers and a new bonnet to smooth the design for a more mature overall look. There are also five new colours.
Under the skin, the Falcon is unchanged, which means most models come with a 190kW version of the Falcon's 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine linked to a four-speed automatic transmission.There is also a turbocharged model in the Falcon XR6 T which delivers V8 like acceleration and 245kW of power.
Flagship models continue with the 5.4-litre V8 that delivers 260kW and a throaty V8 sound.There are also minor updates to the transmission cooling and calibration, although it's all prety minor stuff.The Falcon will also drive identically to before, with Ford keeping the same suspension settings for the new model.
Text and photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
