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19/09/2011
REVIEW By EWAN KENNEDY
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Ford Australia has given the motoring media advanced information on its upcoming FG Falcon MkII well ahead of its launch in early 2012.
The most Australian of all cars, the FG Falcon MkII has a revised shape, the latest in technology, and further improvements to the already good safety package.
The FG Falcon MkII has what Ford Australia calls ‘tri-plane front end architecture’ with a large trapezoidal main grille. There are new bumpers and a slimline upper air intake.
Thankfully, the latest Falcon returns to an out-there shape after the somewhat bland designs of everything since the BA Falcon. New Ford Falcon has similar lines to the recently launched Ford Territory so it’s good to see a family resemblance in the large models in the Ford lineup.
New-design alloy wheels are used on the Falcon XT, G6, G6E, G6E Turbo and XR6 models. There are 19-inch wheel on the sporting Falcon XR6 and XR6 Turbo as part of an optional Luxury Pack.
Inside, a new 8.0-inch colour touch screen will be the highlight of the revised dashboard and instrument panel that are oriented towards keen drivers.
The touch screen will show the integrated audio, phone and navigation functions. It will be fitted on all sedans except for the entry-level Falcon XT, where it will be optional. On Falcon Ute it will be standard equipment on XR6 and XR6 Turbo models, and offered as an option on the entry-level XL model.
All audio systems have been upgraded and feature USB for MP3 audio files. The USB will be located inside the centre console storage bin, adjacent to a new iPod holder.
Crash avoidance features on the new FG Falcon MkII include a new 'Generation 9.0' Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. This includes Traction Control (TCS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) functions.
Rear parking sensors will be standard on all Falcon sedan models. As well as the usual audible warning of obstacles at the rear, a graphic is also displayed on the Interior Command Centre (ICC) screen.
The original 2008 FG Falcon was the first Australian-built car to receive a five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The FG Falcon MkII stretches secondary safety, with the addition of side curtain airbags to all models in the sedan range.
Head/thorax-protecting side airbags are standard equipment in all Falcon Utes.
Ford Australia assures us the new FG Falcon Mk II sets a new benchmark for vehicle refinement in an Australian-designed and built vehicle and that it has reduced driveline, wind and road noises. The dash, floor and body sound package has thicker inner-dash insulator, with the front floor sound barrier receiving the same treatment.
Most important of all it will have Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions without any compromise in performance. Interestingly, this will be the first time this engine, which is installed on cars in many other countries, has been used in conjunction with a rear-wheel-drive setup. This has involved a lot of design work by local engineers.
More information on exciting new Falcon EcoBoost engine will be announced closer to its launch in early 2012. We will bring you a detailed review immediately following our test drives of a variety of models. |
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