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Just want know
about grunt? ....Then
look at this
Otherwise read
on to see what we thought.....
First impressions
A first look revealed a sleeker, smoother and more refined vehicle than the previous BF MK2, and with the
foot down it really wanted to go too. The steering
response is very even, and gives a very predictable
drive. The car doesn't feel as large as it is once you
get moving and it handles itself well.
Although the
styling is sleek, I’m sure Ford could have done more to
differentiate it from the BF. Look at an FG in your
rear view mirror it could easily be mistaken for the
previous model. Not that that’s bad, I like the new
styling but just wish it was more different. Having
said that, the higher series models do grab your
attention better than the base versions.
For those who don't
know, the vehicle tested is a bottom of the line, base
model XT Falcon. From there you can choose from
either luxury sports models - the G's, or go for the
sportier XR models.
Interior and comfort
Compared to the outgoing model, and the equivalent VE
commodore, the interior is a step up, and gives a
warmer, more up market feel. It's much less plasticy,
and gives higher quality impression. The powertrain
and road noise are also improved on the old model.
Stepping between a VE commodore and FG falcon is chalk
and cheese when it comes to engine noise, the Falcon
sounds smooth and leaves the harshness of the commodore
in the dark ages as you plow through the rev range. The
steering wheel feels great in the hands, you quickly
notice it’s wider profile than previous model which adds
much more than you might think to the whole driving
experience.
The front seats
'fitted well', and remained comfortable after quite a
few hours of driving. They are easily adjustable and I
had no trouble with finding the right position, but then
I shouldn’t since I am pretty much average height and
weight. So you’ll just have to test them out for
yourself. The rear seats angle back more than the flat
bottomed previous model which gives a much more natural
position. The lack here compared to the VE the rear leg
room. Having a tall front passenger or driver leaves
less rear leg room than the Holden.
Layout
The new console and dash layout is also much better than
before, and arguably nicer than the competition. It
could be said that dials are easier than buttons as
found on the FG, but they are quickly learned you can’t
beat the looks. The positioning is logical and easy to
find. Surprisingly the base model even comes with
climate control, which can be easily used in 'semi auto'
if you don’t like the settings. On high power the vent
noise was more intrusive than expected though, compared
to the overall good refinement.
 The center console
display screen is easy to read and well layed out.
Nothing fancy here, but it's quite large, and displays
all you need to know about the entertainment mode and
hot-cold settings; and even some things that don’t need
knowing so much, like the outside temperature. The
large buttons below make station swapping very easy and
add an extra level of control. A fancier colour screen
comes with the upper spec models.
A handy new feature
for the FG is the instrument cluster display found in
between the speedo and tacho. It can be set to display
among other things, anything from your fuel used in
liters, to your current speed, your cruise control speed
setting, or even the radio station. Holden has had a
similar display for a while, but it's not quite as
functional as the new Falcon's.
The handbrake is
positioned well, and feels comfortable to use, it's not
difficult here to beat the Commodore with it's square
shaped un-ergonomic version that does look great, but
looses it’s charm once you use it. The shifter uses the
same formula as proven successful in the BA/BF, with its
manual/performance mode accessed by a flick to the left.
Like all modern
cars there is a cup holder in the center console,
designed to fit multiple cup sizes. The rubber insert
can even be removed to reveal a very deep cup holder or
storage container if you want it. Overall there are
probably less useful hidey holes than the Holden or
Toyota Aurion.
The FG comes with a
few handy ‘auto’ features you will notice that make life
that bit more pleasant. You’ll quickly notice the auto
indicators that flash three times with a flick of the
stalk. The interior lighting that turns off as you
leave the car, rather than when you turn the ignition
off. The auto door lock that locks as you drive off
makes you feel kind of secure, although I’m not sure it
will come in handy unless you’re traveling the back
streets of Africa. The wipers even do an extra flip
after you wash the windscreen to catch those last
drips. The auto headlights are good too, but that’s
been around for a while now.
Country roads
The Falcon feels very confident on windy roads, and
soak s up the bumps well. The damping is much improved,
which is noticeable even the first time you step on
brakes. On cornering it sits quite flat and is easily
kept under control, in case you loose it, Dynamic
stability control as standard should come in handy, as
could the front and side air bags. In years gone by
these safety features were only ever options on base
models.
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