FG Falcon: first drive

Ford is hoping buyers’ first impression of the new FG Falcon will be so strong they’ll want to put hard cash down to own one.

After a all-too-brief run in the new XT, G6, G6E and G6E Turbo the Ford family can breathe easy.

If dealers can get prospective buyers into cars for a long drive over a variety of roads, they’ll be sold.

The estimated $750 million spend on the new car has been worth every cent.

As this car is arguably Ford’s biggest gamble in its history to keep Ford’s large car production alive in this country, the Falcon is a testament that these guys know what they’re doing.

The selected models we drove have impressively sturdy bodies, impressive dynamics and composed rides. The biggest surprise was the subdued noise levels in the cabin at highway speeds and overall build quality of these early cars.

Notwithstanding some minor trim glitches, like the A-pillar cover trim and headlining in some cars, all cars were well screwed together.

The base fleet special XT’s 4.0-litre six cylinder proves there is still life in this ageing engine before it is replaced by a V6 in a few years.

With 195kW on tap and 391Nm at 3250 revs, the smooth six has plenty of urge and the slick five-speed sequential automatic will appeal to Commodore Omega buyers wanting more.

With 2.6 turns lock to lock the Falcon’s steering is a master stroke of feel, feedback and accuracy. For a big sedan the steering feels hot-hatch precise.

The new tyres, which are designed to be quieter, improve handling and ride also do there bit in making the FG a pleasant place to be and the XT is no exception.

The entry car may get 16-inch steel wheels and a more somber interior package but like the whole range, it is roomy, has comfy front seats and excellent ergonomics.

The G-Series range, slightly up market and with more kit, should appeal to the middle managers and with the availability of the hot G6E Turbo, enthusiast drivers are well catered for with plenty of power and a classy interior package.

The G6E Turbo is the sleeper, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

It may look reasonably tame but unleash the car’s 270kW and 533Nm, from a low 2000 revs, and owners who love driving will be rewarded.

All G-Series cars benefit from a slightly firmer sports-tuned luxury suspension but not to the detrement of the ride or handling.

If anything, the G-Series cars turn-in more sharply but like the humble XT have chassis’s that are lively and responsive.

To distil the sum total of the engineering and design effort that has gone into the new Falcon will fill volumes.

What the customer needs to know is that, based on initial impressions, the engineering team has hit its targets, and then some.

Osborne reckons that if he can “get bums on seats”, the Falcon will sell.

After just 180km we were left wanting more.

Ford has built a car that can confidently tackle the Commodore and Aurion.

All it has to do now is convince large car buyers.

Perhaps the last word should be left to Osborne.

“The most efficient way to sell this vehicle is to let people drive it.”