First drive: Ford raises its game with new G6

Mondeo style: G6 gets classier front end treatment than the entry level XT.

Private buyers get a Falcon deserving of a higher price

By JAMES STANFORD 10 April 2008

AS THE model designed as the Falcon of choice for private rather than fleet buyers, the G6 sits one step above the entry level XT in the FG Falcon range and replaces the outgoing Futura model.

Priced from $39,990, the G6’s direct competitor in the Holden Commodore range is the $40,290 Berlina, but that $300 price difference is also the cost of optional side curtain airbags – a feature that Holden recently added as standard to the Commodore range.

While its opposite number at Holden uses a four-speed automatic, the G6 comes standard with a new five-speed automatic that was developed within the Ford group and built in France.

The carryover ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

G6 also adopts the revised 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder, which now produces 195kW of power and 391Nm of torque, and has a respectable official fuel consumption of 10.5L/100km.

As is the case with all Falcons, electronic stability control, front and side airbags are standard, along with cruise control, air-conditioning, a large centre information display screen and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat.

Apart from all-new Territory-style alloy front suspension that is claimed to reduce weight by 22kg and a new variable-ratio steering system that requires just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock and returns a class-leading 11.0-metre turning circle, the Falcon features all-new exterior sheetmetal and a redesigned interior, with best-in-class front and rear head, shoulder and hip room (but not legroom).

Ford says the FG Falcon's completely redesigned body structure offers a vastly bigger interior that is easier to enter and exit thanks to wider door openings and wider-opening doors, as well as bringing big advances in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and overall refinement.

With a premium of $3500 over the entry-level XT, the G6 adds suede seat bolsters, a rear centre armrest with cup holders and rear parking sensors.

The G6 is distinguished externally from the XT by a different front-end treatment with a deeper grille, which is filled out with a premium mesh material and also has front fog lights.

There are a range of other interior differences including custom trim, higher-end dashboard and custom information display.

The G6 also runs 17-inch alloy wheels and a luxury sport suspension setting.

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