Carpool
Filed Under Curt Hennig | Posted on April 12, 2008
FORD FALCON XT
RRP $36,490.
Why we’re driving it Ford this week let the motoring media
behind the wheel of the first all-new Falcon in almost 10 years,
ahead of its arrival in showrooms later this month.
Likes Drives well. Big improvement in cabin quality. Driver has
more headroom. Front airbags and seat-mounted, head-protecting side
airbags are standard across the range, and the crash protection of
the new model is better than before but …
Dislikes Ford has not made curtain airbags standard across the
range even though its two main rivals have them … and the company
says it hopes the new Falcon will appeal to families. It says the
side airbags in the front seats halve the impact of a 50kmh side-on
crash. The back seat passengers don’t get the same protection
unless you pay $300 extra on five of the seven models (the two
dearest ones have curtains). Ford not making them standard is a
gobsmacking oversight.
Would I buy one? Withholding judgement until we drive it on
familiar roads. There are lots of other cars for this money. I
expected the Falcon to be cheaper, not dearer, than before. Joshua
Dowling
FORD FALCON XR6 TURBO
RRP $45,490.
Likes It’s an early punt but I reckon this is the highlight of
the new Falcon range. Epic acceleration from the reworked 4.0-litre
six-cylinder turbo. It’s quicker than the V8 sports sedans from
both Ford and Holden. Good road holding and comfortable over bumps.
Steering is less nervous than previous Falcon’s. Well appointed but
…
Dislikes Curtain airbags aren’t standard on the quickest car in
the range. What is Ford thinking? I still don’t like the steering
and seating position (unchanged from the previous car). The auto
needs shift paddles on the steering wheel for gearchanges mid
corner. Tyres still a bit noisy.
Would I buy one? I’d say yes, but I’m waiting for the even
faster version from Ford Performance Vehicles (due next month),
which has bigger brakes, better seats and (hopefully) curtain
airbags. Joshua Dowling
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