Ford Falcon 2003 Review

THE Ford Falcon BA Ute has become one of Australia's most popular vehicles, and for good reason. The Falcon Ute is the seventh biggest selling model of any vehicle, partly because it's available in a wide variety of models, to suit farmers, tradespeople, builders, recreational users and, in the XR versions, it doubles as an eye-catching two-door performance car.

It comes in cab-chassis form with one-tonne payload ability as well as the "style side" integrated body.

The LP gas-only version of that, called E-Gas, gives 156kW and 375Nm.

The sporty XR6 ute can be ordered with the turbo-charged engine giving 240kW and 375Nm. Then there's the $5000 V8 option, the single overhead camshaft three-valves per cylinder of 5.4 litres providing 220kW and 470Nm.

The ultimate in sports performance is the XR8 with its Boss 260 V8 double overhead camshaft, four-valve unit of 5.4 litres - 260kW and a muscle-bound 500Nm of pulling power.

However, as is the case with all sporty utes wearing low-slung sports suspension and low-profile tyres on tall wheels, payload ability shrinks.

The XR8 (as tested) has a payload of just 500kg (still enough for many recreational users). But in basic XL and popular XLS trim, the cab-chassis and style side can each take well over one tonne when fitted with the heavy-duty suspension if not already standard. The king here is the XLS cab chassis at 1280kg payload.

The good ol' live rear axle and its leaf springs are retained, Ford saying that this is better for load carrying. But it's been retuned for a better ride, the standard utes getting larger shock absorbers.

Brakes are improved, too. The electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) uses the ABS system to detect if there is any rear-wheel lockup approaching and to adjust brake pressure.

Driver and passenger are well looked after in the Falcon Ute. It has the benefits of the BA Falcon sedan in front-end and cabin protection, dual-stage airbags and a much improved fascia. A central large LCD panel shows clear information.

Steering wheel controls cover audio and, where fitted, cruise control. Headlights are controlled by a stalk switch.

Five-speed manual is standard and automatics are at extra cost, the latter having adjustable pedal positioning which, combined with the adjustable steering wheel and the electrically powered adjustable driver's seat, allows almost a custom fitting for any driver.

There's reasonable storage space behind the seats unless the seats are shoved right back. The ute tray is 182cm long and 114cm between wheel arches when a tray liner is fitted.

The XR8 with the Boss 260 engine and manual gearbox averaged 13.4 litres/100km petrol use on test. At 110km/h, it needs just 2000rpm in fifth.

Falcon Ute prices start at $25,850 for the XL cab-chassis to the $40,925 for the highly equipped XR8.