BF Fairmont

With the BF range, the big news was the limited use of ZF’s six-speed automatic gearbox that helped to transform upper-end versions of the BA-based Fords into sedans with seriously world-class capabilities and value-for-money.

But refinement issues were also addressed, with concerted efforts to deaden noise paths with fancy padding from the engine bay, parcel shelf, roof and other known areas that transmit it.

In the Fairmont, engine choices were limited to the upgraded 190kW/383Nm 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine - mated to an improved Ion four-speed automatic - or the 230kW/500Nm 5.4-litre SOHC V8 mated to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

As petrol prices soared, the LPG option - using a 156kW/372Nm variation of the 4.0-litre petrol engine, became available in the Fairmont from early 2006. This too uses the old Ion four-speed auto.

Visually, the BF Fairmont can be distinguished from its BAII predecessor by its new front bumper, tail-lights, alloy wheel design, and revised trim.

New colours were also added to the range, and there were minor trim changes inside.

However, Ford was criticised for not doing more to differentiate the BF Fairmont from the BAII model.