THE new Falcon employs an upgraded version of Ford's Smartshield engine immobiliser, featuring a new keyfob for the remote central locking system.

Unlike Commodore's integrated remote key, which is compact and tactile but sometimes problematic, Falcon's remains a two-piece affair - though the new control fob has a more tactile layout with lock, unlock, boot and panic alarm buttons now featuring braille.

The keypad can be programed for single-stage or (driver only) two-stage unlocking via the remote key. Pressing the unlock button activates the interior courtesy lights for 20 seconds and is accompanied by one hazard light flash. Also inaudible, the lock button is accompanied by two hazard light flashes. The doors will relock the vehicle if no doors are opened within 45 seconds.

As before only the driver's door gets a locking knob, this time finished in the same classy silver metallic material as the solid looking interior door handle. Meantime, the interior locking button is now located within the bank of push-buttons below the air-conditioning unit.

The hazard warning light has been relocated from the steering column up to the left side of the instrument binnacle, and there is now a two-mode audible seatbelt warning which sounds for eight seconds when the ignition key is turned on then chimes intermittently if the driver's seatbelt is unbuckled.

Finally, rear child safety locks continue, as does the single rear child seat anchor, audible door ajar warning, audible headlights-on warning and (front) power window delay function.