Ford adds new gadgets to FG Falcon range
13 Aug, 2008
45 Comments 
With the new FG Falcon only just starting to make regular appearances on our roads as the first batch finally reaches customers, Ford has already introduced two new technologies into the range.
In what is a first for any vehicle brand in Australia, selected models in the FG Falcon range can now be optioned with the Suna Traffic Channel as an integrated feature of its satellite navigation system.
The new technology will allow real-time traffic updates delivered through the navigation system, assisting the driver to avoid traffic congestion and delays.
“As the first car company in Australia to offer Suna Traffic Channel in an integrated vehicle solution, we are extremely pleased to be able to provide such relevant and useable technology to our customers from August production onwards.”
The new system gathers traffic information from a range of sources; including traffic control centres, traffic lights, road sensors and probe vehicles, and then transmitted via an FM broadcast.
It can display information such as how long the delay will be, the cause of the delay and the estimated new arrival time.
Currently, the Suna Traffic Channel coverage will only be available in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with remaining metropolitan areas to be added over the next 24 months.
In addition to the new traffic system, all FG Falcon satellite navigation systems are now equipped with the latest Sensis Whereis Version 15 map data.
Satellite navigation with Suna Traffic Channel is available as an option on all FG Falcon sedans, as well as FG Falcon Ute XR6, XR6 Turbo, XR8 and FPV models, for the recommended retail price of $2,290.
Location: Home / In car technology, FPV, Falcon, Ford, Car News / ...
Rate Post: 
(7 votes, average: 3.86 out of 5)
Loading ...
-
Print it:
August 13th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Now if they can just work out how to tell you when the potholes are and the roos and emus are in the mood to jump in front of you!
But it sounds like a good idea, and a good move by Ford. I could suggest the Gateway motorway and Goodna stretch of the Ipswich Motorway in Brisbane might crash the system in QLD though…
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
These gadgets are for middle and top models.
IMO Ford need to dress the base FG up because if u compare it to base model mid size contenders it looks very basic.
I hate to say it but even the Aurion in base form has more glitz which IMO affects sales as people look for the driveway effect with their new purchase.
I believe Holden responded by including standard alloys on the ve.Does the trick with the VE as it is a standout design in terms of styling.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Agree that there needs to be a tad more differentiation between the top lux and the base/mid lvls; not more ostentatious chrome etc but something that ensures ppl buying it privately (yes there are a few and frankly that’s what Ford should be aiming for) have that extra measure of sophistication about it. Hard to put a finger on it; after all for a sports model you just whack a big spoiler and the obligatory diffuser on. Thoughts on what a ‘lux’ spec should have?
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I agree Realcars, Even my Zr6 Aurion, out accessorise the Xr6 even with luxury option. First impressions do count hard when buying a new car, the Average joe will go ho hum when the dealer talks about performance and handling because thats something you’ll realise AFTER making the PURCHASE, whereas accessories is something they can see and touch when they visit the showroom and entices them to buy the car.
Otherwise that Suna traffic system is awesome, Fargin waiting for the Traffic system to work on my S80 Navman!!!!!
back to the article, I only read 1 technology, the Suna, the map update is really not a new tech if thats what the 2nd tech introduction was…
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Ford has done wonders with the FG Series making Aurion, Commodore VE etc,, look and feel like dinosaurs, adding SUNA technology cements future direction, include a five STAR safety rating should further distance the competition as it will win Australia’s Best Large Car Award this year by a big margin.
Holden need to update soon, before that 8 ball becomes out of reach, Holden is only selling based on looks and Toyoda relies on advertising GURU’s, driving dynamics and comfortable km eating experience proved by Ford Falcon over the years win everytime.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I take your point Realcars, but are people really so shallow that they would buy an Omega over an XT just because of the standard alloys. If you bought an XT and paid an extra $500 for the alloy wheels you would only be paying $200 more than for an Omega, and you would still have the better engine/transmission/safety & features. If you were really pedantic and paid for the curtain air bags, the XT would still only be $500 more than the Omega.
Surely someone who could afford a $40,000 car would do some research and if they weren’t a Ford or Holden stalwart, which would be the logical choice?
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Where are the Xenon’s?
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Joe I consider myself a Falcon fan but the base FG is too base. The xr6 is an improvement.
Doesn’t take much for the base ve to look good and the alloys do it.
I just think that these are both good cars and could be winning market share in their base form from the mid size imports if they included a five speed auto and 195kw standard for the VE and some more glam on both the Ve and fg at base level. Just more detail in the styling like on the dearer versions but without the fruit.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Who needs Xenon’s when Ford light’s are bright as the sun ??????????????????????????? :D
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Realcars.
there were complaints that the base model fleet status rubbed off to the upper spec falcon models (and i agreed)
but that was with the Pre FG falcons.
now ford clearly defines the line between base model and upper spec, and people start complaining about the base XT not being dressy enough???
you just cant win………
the way ford has restructured their line up is near perfect.
they have taken away the base (fleet) likeness from the upper spec.
i know ford doesnt have brainiacs in the marketing side of things, but im guessing they do in product planning when they probably realised that a base model XT sold mainly to fleets.
i say they have done a great job in isolating the base (fleet) model falcon from the upper private bought models.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
where are the xenons??
they are at supercheap for $9.99 the pair if it means so much.
first tell us whats wrong with the lights, before i demand them
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Agree Andrew M, The Calais struggles to compare with G6E kinetic styling, dynamics, performance etc etc, Ford’s base model maybe Fleet orientated in generic form, but still a better choice over VE base fleet model offering, seperating upmarket models is a very good move and bode well for the private buyer, from base model to G6E, XR range is identity changing milestone.
Again, stopping success is continued bad marketing, we need to employ some 200 Toyoda wasp’s, a game change tactic wouldn’t hurt either’ lol hahahahahahaha :-)
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
well this was sure to bring out the ford fanbois….. ah i c ac cobra is here….
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
When seen talk of you beaut lights…..thought you guys were like TP! Thats his favourite negative of why a new car sux!
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
The G6E doesnt come with xenons? Its a shame if they didn’t its probably a good bait feature for the cocky ‘wanting the best’ in features purchaser…
Andrew, corrected $5.99 from Ebay straight from HongKong, eats 100watts ready to melt casing quality. :)
Also Marketing is vital, in basically the demand management of the company, sure you can have a great product, you’ll need a matching promotional channel and strategy to match. Ford really needs to look back and see what they are aiming for with the FG…
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
NM,
and dont forget the ever so costly to replace LED’s
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
The irony, shows WesternRing Rd,. traffic is a nighmare every bloody day….
Cheers
F-0
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Tell it like it is Devil, I’m a fan of the Falcon’s because they are “FANTASTIC” do you have a problem with what I believe has great credential’s.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
The XT falcon is purposely built for the fleet buyer. There would not be a large % of private buyers so the XT should stay as basic as possible.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
So at what point does the GPS say “park the car and go to the pub for an hour it’s a carpark!”
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I just love the look of the new ford .And im glad thay put the big lcd sceen up high on the dash like most of the eropean cars its in the line of sight up high.Not like the commondore were its down near the consol and you have to look way out of your way to see it.Its one of the things that bugs a lot of us at work when we have to drive a ve
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Ra Says:
August 12th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Maybe it was the inflated tires that saved you so much fuel…
Here is an idea, attach a tube to the exhaust pipe and run it back into the car - I’ll do the same in an hybrid car and we will see who has to exit their vehicles first.
This type of journalism is pure ignorance. Bring on the fire….
are u serious
really
like really
i dont recall toyota using the marketing campaign “u can safely do stupid things like stick a tube on ur exhaust and feed it back into the car”
realy
do u realise ur stupididty
we are talking about driving cars here
sure some ppl only want to get from place to place
but some of us have fun driving
i dont feel like getting fked up on hybrid fumes
mind u it wud prolly take a petrol fummed fked up brain to ever get me to buy a hyrbid
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
arghh crap please ignore that comment im sorry i had 2 articles open and had to repaste and did it in the wrong one sorry
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
who wants to buy a 50k car and then add $9 xenons???
ford should make it standard equipment with the projector type lights that can swivel with the steering.
ford might have ‘bright’ lights already, but they are a disgusting yellow tinge similar to those on the XD falcons.
it does not matter if they do the same job, but if the euro’s are all doing it, so should ford. good work for holden adding them to the caprice. now ford need to go one further and do the swiveling lights, which mercedes had on their cars like 50 million years ago.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
For a 37k car the base model looks too base. Even if they are to be used as fleet or taxis I believe some extra detail on the base model would also help the image of the entire range.
As I mentioned the other day a dealer near my work had some fg xts parked with some Accord Euros. For less money the standard Euros just had more appeal. The Falcon just looked drab by comparison. I would imagine most people would overlook the Falcon even though in many ways it is better value etc.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 12:21 am
A $37,000 Holden commodore looks too basic for a base model as well, when you compare a Honda Euro with a base Commodore the same result occurs, I still would prefer the new Falcon FG for many reasons, one of them it’s made in Australia, supporting Australian job’s, make sense, don’t get your theory Realcars, when the Euro’s has more appeal than base Commy VE..
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 9:20 am
The FG XT looks anything but too basic. The new interior looks much more up market than anything on any model of VE and the Camry\Aurion looks too Japanesey and lifeless. The XT wheel covers are the only thing that need attention. The brand new exterior looks fantastic and for a base model looks excellent. Saw one next to a VE yesterday and it makes the VE look a bit dated because it is a nice integrated design and the VE has those oversized wheel arches which look ridiculous.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 11:11 am
The more I read about what Ford Australia is doing in the FG range of Falcons the more I am convinced this car is destined for overseas.
We can only hope.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Base models are just that - base models. Private buyers opting for the base models are looking to get aftermarket addons anyway so whats the point on spending all that extra cash on something you’re going to replace anyway. Best value car ever!!!
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
realcars…
I really don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s all relative.
You compare vehicles that shouldn’t be compared and comment on what looks more base than the other??
Please explain!?
1.Ford does not sell new falcons as Taxis, they are used. take a look around and you will also see aurions used as taxis more and more!
2. VE only just got updated with Alloys, painted door handles and exterior mirrors due to the fack FG already had painted door handles and mirrors, chrome boot lid trim and front grille trim.
VE was playing catch up, add factory alloys to the FG and you have an equal footing, not to mention, better crash safety, power, NVH, economy and running costs!
If your after pure BLING buy a Crysler 300C…
Also take a look at the base spec in an aurion ATX, not even a trip computer!
stop generalising, it’s relative to market positioning.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
realcars…
You would rather have a 4 speed auto VE with alloys than a 5 speed auto FG without alloys??
right…
it’s true what they say about the general public!!
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
“Private buyers opting for the base models are looking to get aftermarket addons anyway so whats the point on spending all that extra cash on something you’re going to replace anyway. Best value car ever!!!” Lol - not talking right there mate,
People buy base models because its the cheapest, they are looking for an A-Ber they go for base models because their lifestyle dictates they need that size of a car but dont have the money to fork out getting it all supped up for its creature comforts. if they plan to mod it its because they realise they have money left over and accessorise which they couldnt do in the start to buy the model above it.
What the? - Whats so upmarket of the XT model interior of the FG? looks bland like any of the VE Aurion base model interiors IMO.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Joober, I dare you to drive an FG after driving the VE and Aurion, then come back with a decent comment, just because new Falcon FG receive five star credit where it’s due, no point making excuses for other car’s lacking key component’s.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Joober, Private buyers do not buy the XT or Exec. Fleets do. The user chooser market is the one that will buy a G6/Berlina, G6E/Calais etc so an arguement about XT etc being A to B cars is not really relevant.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Jobber,
even the FG XT interior spanks the rivals upper spec interiors.
for you to say the opposite, you have never sat in one.
i jumped in a base model a while back (just to check it out)
before i jumped out, i had to rmind myself that it was the base model, and the interior i had gone to jump into (the XR6) was still to come
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Just Face it GUYS face the Music! Ford is curently the best Aussie Car built.
AMEN!
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Better than Toyta, better then Holden, better than Honda better than many generic car’s at this present time to bad Ford marketing sucks, maybe they need to hire Holden’s marketing team.
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Anyone else catch the 7:30 Report last night? Apparently the Australian car industry gets $2 BILLION a year in handouts…
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Yeah even those that don’t need it,like Toyota!
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
MD,
thats nothing!!!!
you should see how much they hand out to bums that cant get off their backside and get a job…..
or how much the salarys of the politicians are…..
or how much in the way of incentives they give to manufacturers outside of the auto industry just to shift jobs to another area……..
(Report)
August 14th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
One upmanship from ford, what will holden reply with? Its called competition, its healthy and ford and holden are battle-hardened warriors. Its why australia make world class cars on relitively small budgets from the parent companies.
(Report)
August 15th, 2008 at 7:08 am
$2billion in handouts but how much employment in manufacturing, component suppliers, design, engineering, distribution, retail does it provide? How much tax revenue to these people provide?
(Report)
August 15th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Exactly. Easy to spit one figure out and not mention the whole story.
Imagine if the whole industry dissolved?
(Report)
August 15th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
The AXE,
not only how much tax revenue does that 2 billion hand out earn them,
but also how much in unemployment handouts does that save them on top of the increased tax income……..
(Report)
August 15th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
But what about the fact we as Australia and such a small nation make such a great product,why shouldn’t the government prop up an industry that has the potential for great things all around the world,not to mention if Ford start exporting as well.The government prop up worse things in industry,take a look at the arts!
(Report)