Ford Falcon XR6 2015 review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?

What is it?

This is the entry level XR6 'sporty' Falcon with the straight six and a distinctive look with some desirable kit including its own, more purposeful look to the sheetmetal and interior styling. The XR6 dropped in price by between $3300 and $4400 compared with the previous model. You would be upset if you just bought the earlier car.

Looks great from the front and back, profile side-on is old school.

How much?

Explore the 2015 Ford Falcon range

• Ford Falcon FG X 2015 review
• Ford Falcon EcoLPi 2015 review
• Ford Falcon 2015 review
• Ford Falcon XR6 2015 review

The manual goes for $35,590, six speed auto adds $2200.

What are competitors?

On price there are heaps, mostly from SUV-land and mostly smaller. Holden Commodore of course, in the SV6.

What's under the bonnet?

The XR6 gets a standard 4.0-litre straight six that achieves some 195kW/391Nm output driving the rear wheels in this case through a recalibrated six-speed auto ZF transmission. 

How does it go?

Pretty good except for the vacuum cleaner sound from the exhaust. The EcoLPi gas version has more grunt and is cheaper to run - still sounds like crap though.

There is no point at which you will find the XR6 lacking in performance. That big 4.0-litre plonks away churning out plenty across a wide engine speed range - aided by the very excellent six speed auto transmission. 

Is it economical?

Better than before at 9.0L/100km - if you have an egg under your right foot. But still better than before and on 91 regular ULP too.

Is it green?

Scores 3.5 stars for petrol six cylinder

Is it safe?

Scores 5.0 stars

Is it comfortable?

Yep, big loungy seats up front, roomy cabin, sporty flavour throughout the cabin is a lift compared with the base grey on grey Falcon. They even throw in some contrast stitching to the black upholstery.

It's more of a sporty looker than a sporty goer.

The XR6 gets cruise control, satnav, prestige audio, Bluetooth x2, flash instruments, the impressive SYNC2 connectivity system with voice control, climate control air, rain sensing wipers, reverse camera with guide lines, front park assist, WiFi hotspot and plenty more.

What's it like to drive?

The sporty suspension makes it a better steer than the base Falcon, but the low rolling resistance tyres are no good in the wet. Not much good at all really.

It's a big comfy device with a large boot and plenty of room inside for five.

The 'sportiness' has clearly defined limitations - it's more of a sporty looker than a sporty goer.

Is it value for money?

At a starting price of $35,590 the XR6 is definitely in the value area. You get a lot of car for not much money and it looks the goods, too.