2009 Ford Falcon Review & Road Test
April 15, 2009 by Paul Maric
2009 Ford Falcon G6E LPG Review and Road Test
Safety is placed on the back burner for this Falcon
Model Tested:
- 2009 Ford Falcon G6E LPG – four-speed automatic – $50,490
Options:
- None fitted;
Cheap way to get about; regular Falcon traits; seamless driving.
Abysmal omission of safety features; old hat technology; torque.
CarAdvice Rating: 
- Review and pictures by Paul Maric
I remember my first experience with gas. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon and I was driving my friend’s EA Falcon back to his house after a night out. A little light under the steering wheel was flashing red at me and it didn’t take me long to realise I had run out of gas.
No dramas I thought. I’ll flick it over to petrol and limp it home. Well, being the cheapskate he was, it was out of petrol as well. This was the day I learned that an EA Falcon isn’t the lightest car on the planet – not even close! A couple of bystanders helped me push it to a nearby petrol station where we were good to go again.
The moral of the story is that dual-fuel is confusing – mostly for stupid people like myself. Ford has avoided this issue by introducing dedicated LPG. It’s nothing new, in fact it was first available with the AU Falcon and at the time was quite an impressive feat.
Since then, 10 years has gone by and the system is…err, almost identical.
If you’ve been following CarAdvice closely over the past year and a bit, you would have noticed that we have been generally quite impressed with the offerings from Ford in the large car market.
Although the sales figures don’t show it, the FG Falcon has been a resounding success for the Australian carmaker. Built quality, build material and that pearler inline six-cylinder engine have improved to offer a real bang-for-your-buck family hauler.
It was with this train of thought flowing through my head that I grabbed the keys to the Ford Falcon G6E LPG.
When you inspect the car from the outside it’s anyone’s guess that it’s LPG powered, aside from the red LPG badge on the number plate, you really can’t tell the difference.
Inside the cabin, it’s must the same story. There’s no aftermarket switchgear to move between petrol and LPG, there’s no additional fuel indicator that you need to keep an eye on, it’s all just one stitched together package.
The first hint of anything different is in the way the car starts. Catch it on a cold morning and the engine cranks for almost three times longer than it would in an equivalent petrol G6E. It makes it sound like a sick car from inside and out, especially to those walking by.
Once it’s on though, it’s hard to tell any difference.
We’ve already covered much of the interior/exterior of the G6E in our four-car large car comparison, so I’ll focus mainly on the drive and the way the LPG system makes the Falcon feel.
When the FG Falcon was released early last year, there was a collective sigh of relief to hear that the 4-speed automatic gearbox, which had followed – or haunted – the Falcon for many years had gone. However, unfortunately that trusty Australian-built unit still lingers in the LPG powered Falcons.
Yes, although the petrol powered G6E gets a German six-speed ZF Sachs transmission, the equivalent – more expensive – LPG powered version is stuck with a four-speed automatic. Ford claims it cannot make any other gearbox work with the LPG arrangement, not good enough in my opinion.
Ford uses an archaic LPG system that doesn’t allow direct gas injection into the combustion chamber. It claims that this is why it can’t offer a better gearbox with the car. It also claims that this is the reason it isn’t able to offer Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or even traction control as standard fitment to the vehicle.
A well built directly injected LPG system often actually improves the vehicle’s performance and improves fuel economy in comparison to the technology Ford currently uses.
This is in comparison to Holden, which currently offers a direct injection dual-fuel LPG system as an option on its V6 vehicles. Its system includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard fitment.
Behind the wheel of the Falcon, you can’t really tell that LPG is powering the engine. Moderate acceleration is linear and there are no discerning torque slaps or lumps when accelerating uniformly.
It’s only when you stand on the gas, pardon the pun, that you begin to notice the difference. Ford’s LPG powered Falcon feels quite lethargic and lacks the mid-range acceleration burst you would find in any other petrol powered Falcon. It is really noticeable when overtaking; there is a total lack of burst as you move to overtake, which finds you standing on the pedal for longer to get past slow moving cars.
I also found out the exciting way that DSC wasn’t standard fitment to the LPG Falcon range. I didn’t bother checking and just assumed that DSC was fitted. As part of our test regime, a swerve test on our private dirt circuit is a must for all vehicles fitted with this life saving technology.
At about the point DSC normally kicks in I noticed nothing was happening. After straightening the car up again, I realised there was no DSC, there wasn’t even traction control. This meant that Ford’s 5-star FG Falcon was thrown back into the dark ages of automotive history, missing out on features that are standard among most $20,000 vehicles!
Handling and braking is much the same as a regular Falcon, it’s good enough to keep you happy. Boot room is only compromised by the fact the spare wheel now sits above the floor line of the boot compartment. A donut shaped LPG tank sits where the full-size spare tyre normally goes. You could simply remove the spare tyre to have a normal sized boot again.
One of the other disadvantages of the old hat LPG technology Ford uses is the added fuel consumption. On test, the average fuel consumption was around 16.3-litres/100km. Engine power is some 39kW down on the petrol version at 156kW, likewise with torque, which is down 20Nm to 371Nm.
Well, that’s the end of the story with the LPG Falcon. It really is nothing special when it comes to driving the car, along with the safety credentials. Priced at $50,490 ($2000 extra for LPG conversion), it’s a lot to be paying for a car that really lacks in comparison to its direct competition.
Where Ford could really excel with LPG technology, they have dropped the ball and fallen way behind. A direct injection dedicated LPG system, along with more power and less fuel consumption would be a good start.
The gearbox and then the safety aspects would surely top this off to be a very appealing option for buyers – one that you’d be nuts to pass up. At the moment though, I’d be giving the LPG Falcon range a wide berth.
Midway through writing this review a press release from Ford hit our desks, advising us that LPG powered Falcon sedans would now be equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), in line with the rest of the FG Falcon sedan range. So keep in mind that at time of writing, this feature wasn’t fitted and wasn’t available on the car we tested.
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine:
- Power: 156kW @ 4750rpm
- Torque: 371Nm @ 2750rpm
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic
- Differential/Driven Wheels: Rear-wheel
- Brakes: Ventilated front with twin piston calliper. Solid rear with single piston calliper
- Top Speed: N/A
- 0-100km/h: N/A
- 0-400m: N/A
- CO2 Emissions: 240g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 14.9l/100km (claimed)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 93-litres
- Fuel Type: LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas)
- ANCAP Rating: Four star
- Airbags: Six
- Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA.
- Spare Wheel: Full size spare
- Tow Capacity: 2300kg braked/750kg unbraked
- Turning Circle: 11.0m
- Warranty: 3-years/100,000km
- Weight: 1754kg
- Wheels: 16-inch alloys with 235/50R16 tyres
Print it: 
Joe,
The Fg has a DEDICATED LPG system fitted, hardley underdone as a whole.
The fuel tanks on VE and FG are located under the rear seats, try fitting a gas tank there!!?? You want to try?
Yes they have have no other competition, does that tell you something?
At least they are offering something!
Find me another vehicle like the FG that can be as practical, the same overall package and achieve the same fuel cost savings!?
For those of you that are Fordophiles, this is the most compelling argument yet for the private buyer to view the Mondeo diesel as an alternative, in fact you would probably be a monkey if you didn’t.
Stop with the LPG bashing,
1. Ford had a choice 2 years ago spend 50-60+ Million on upgrading the DLPG system for FG on an engine with a two year life span (remember Ford was going to Axe the L6 in 2010 for Euro 4) do some quick math about how much extra cost involved per car for two years that would cost.
2. Ford also must crash test (they fit it at the factory as a regular production option) aftermarket or reto fitted must meet standards but they are no where near as tough.
Give them a break, it’s taken only a year from launch to get DSC, unlike some (insert the big T and Corolla) whose volume is larger with a petrol engine it and it’s taken the better part of 2 years and still only an option on high seires models.
I own a AU2 EGAS which I used for my business.280,000klms on the odo and done over 900klms over the easter break for less than 60 dolars worth of lpg.
Not bad considering I paid 70 cents a litre for a top up in the bush and sitting on 120kph on the highway!
I recently bought a BF EGAS sedan for a family car and the size,comfort and economy is without rival.
Call me a bogan if u will but i’ll be laughing all the way to the bank when the good times return and oil rises again.
Paul Maric,
You have pretty much proved my point, when you agreed that the petrol commodore is no better(possibly worse)
What i was initially getting at is that even when on LPG the falcon performs better than the PETROL commodore yet you still labelled the falcon as well behind the 8 ball compared to the competition and gave it a big roasting.
fair comment you may drive a lot of other different cars etc, but you failed to compare this one to any of its other competitors. Sure, on paper the LPG commodore has a more advanced LPG system, but it counts for little since the LPG falcon betters the better performing Petrol commodore to start with.
Once again fair comment, you do drive many different cars day in day out, but I lived with an E-Gas model for near 6 years, and I owned petrol equivalent I6 motors with the same gear boxes either side of the E-Gas model.
I have also driven plenty of miles in the falcons competing vehicles. Ive only experienced the LPG commodore once, and i assure you its definately no better.
So what if i havent driven an Aston Martin or the new Kia Rondo, this vehicle in question and its competitors I am very familiar with.
I do agree that ford could have done sooo much more with the E-Gas, but hardly worth a roasting since their competitors arent even close to putting the effort into LPG that ford currently is.
For the record, holden doesnt offer a factory fit LPG system. The system is actually Termed as an aftermarket fitment. Holden just warrants the fitment if you chose for their technitions to do it at the HSV workshop.
Also you wont escape the tacky led fuel gauge for LPG in the commy
Cupid,
compare the torque figure against a similar diesel…..
enough said.
The falcon has more torque than whats possibly the biggest selling diesel donk in OZ….. the Hilux Diesel
Star, when i actually look back at my receipt for the battery, i find that it actually lasted 5 years to be more precise.
The vehicles build plate was also dated at just over 12 months before i took delivery of it.
Techniclly 6 years in service when you look at it like that.
My other halfs car did 2 batteries in that time
Even 4 years would be good for battery life anyway
ummmm…Mr Paul Maric,i think you cannot win here.the bogans will still attacking you whatever you said good things or bad things about these 2 dinosarus. dinosaurs VS dinosaurs.but no winner here.both will be history in just a flick of eyes.please keep toyota out of your meaningless war your bogans.
I know its off topic, but the original battery in my car lasted 7 and 1/2 years and i had to replace a tail light globe about 6 months ago. The only electrical problems ive had with the car.
The fact,
please scrape the poo off of your nose and next time try not to get soo close hey???
Andrew;
A diesel will enter it’s maximum torque at approx. 1500 to 1750 rpm. There are a few more notable bits, or less bits…no stability control and a four speed slush box, and those without even entering the outsourced electrical system and quality control. Go the Mondeo Andrew, the Mondeo.
Will,
what about the much better interior in the falcon.
Also just to note the falcons electronics and technology certainly has no flies on it either.
its actually 1750-2240rpm for the torque in the mondeo
OOOOps didnt finish.
Its actually 1750-2240rpm for the torque in the mondeo, and it has just over 50nm less.
The E-Gas gets all its torque at 2750rpm which is pretty bloody low aswell especially since it has plenty on tap.
The LPG motor will also get to 2750rpm a lot quicker than a diesel donk will
The Fact I can put up with your hopeless spelling & grammar as I’m guessing English is new to you but I’m getting sick of you insulting anyone who doesn’t agree with your outdated & simplistic views in every post so could you give it a rest so we can have some meaningful discussion here please.
are you talking to yourself motorhead?you bogand are a joke…right?fighting for nothing.
Will
LPG Falcon DOES come with ESP.
no one asked or wanted to know how good your dinosaurs are.
every smart people knew they are craps.
should i say it again?the less bogans on the road,the safer for the community.get over it.
the fact
why are you on this site? You are yet to make an intelligent contribution, are you able to?
Mondeo wagon is now on Ford website. The Zetec is arriving in July. Should’ve been the diesel, but never mind. Buyers will have a choice of newish SUV, old work horse or modern wagon, at last.
Millatime, whoa! Be fair…be fair. It’s fun looking at stupid people.
To return to topic, this LPG car isn’t for me. LPG still struggles to lift itself above its cottage industry roots. The proof is here, whatever its justifications.
your bogans can fight,insult one to another regarding to your dinosaurs.but do not drag other world class car makers to your meaningless war.smart people drives smart cars.want some more news?…this is from drive.The head of Holden says car buyers are shifting permanently away from large cars, while the boss of Ford Australia will not guarantee the company will produce a rear-wheel-drive Falcon after 2013. The managing director of Holden, Mark Reuss, said sales had weakened in the private market as had fleet sales to governments and companies. Fleet sales form the bulk of the market for Commodores and Falcons.just accept the reality.
The Fact
Do you know much about mental illness? Do you hear voices? Who are you having a conversation with? It’s just that you’re starting to get a little freaky…
Will, the Mondeo is a fantastic car (i should know, I drive one) but for the average Australian coastal family it doesn’t cut it. It’s a fantastic car for a young family or couple until you try to tow two jetski’s. The car would do it but not under aust design rules. It is also not cheaper than an egas to run and whilst it is good on torque, the Egas matches it from 1900 and carries it through to over 4000 rpm. But (important to me) the boot is way bigger on the Mondeo and I love the toys in a Mondeo.
just for the record, Falcon doesn’ use a donut tank it has twin tanks under the rear of the car in accordance with ADR’s
Hi, i’ve just bought a brand new 50K Merc Vito diesel to replace my 2004 EGAS falcon ute, because i could use more space.
Early days yet, but i gotta say, this is the first time in my life that i preferred my old car over the new one. Overall running cost, in DOLLARS PER KILOMETRE, smoothness to drive, sensational reliability, and a torquey engine where it counts.
True, it may have an old school auto and gas system etc, but in reality, that only matters on paper. In the real world, it’s irrelevent.
In a straight line, the Egas would suck the doors off any auto diesel (and most petrol) utes or vans, so power is definetely not an issue with this car.
In 4.5 yrs, apart from regular servicing, the only faults have been a battery (after 4 yrs), tyres at 80000K and a sticking seat belt. After 130000K, i’m about to replace my FIRST set of brake pads!
I’ve had many new cars and i pay for them myself, so overall running costs are important to me.
The Egas BA11 ute, is the best car i’ve ever had.
The Fact is, in fact a Toyota driving drone.. Lacks personality and quality features, just like his Toyota.
Ain’t that a fact..
Re: the Mondeo wagon, the best part of last year’s Motor Show display vehicle was the bigger, more powerful diesel engine. Yet now they’re only bringing out the petrol Zetec version… *sigh*
Direct injection? Ford Oz and Orbital did have a direct injected petrol engine under development in the early 90’s as part of the then government GGAP funding. Converting to LPG would be easy. I think Orbital still has the development engine.
did i say 90s i did mean 00’s.
I am new to the country. I was given the new Falcon XT LPG as a company car. After being told it is one of Australia’s best cars and ‘up there with the World’s best’ I thought I was being spoilt. I have been horribly dissappointed, over and over again. This is what led me to read some reviews and every thing in the review here is true. For the engine size the responsiveness on the road is pathetic. I hate the gearbox and I didn’t know it had a history of dislike by others. The engine was replaced at 15 000 km’s by Ford. I’ve had it in for oil leaks before the 30 000 km. I don’t feel half as safe when it comes to handling and braking as previous cars I’ve owned. I’m very sorry I can’t choose my own company car. I have always had jobs where I drive extensively and have always enjoyed driving. Not now that drive a Ford Falcon, I find it a chore and irritating to drive. I also feel very unsafe! I have owned 10 vehicles, driven many many more rented vehicles and probably driven 2000 000 km’s in my time. Now that I’ve driven the falcon extensively I think it would be last on my list of cars to consider when I get to choose a car! I can’t wait to get rid of it! The only thing I like is the integrated bluetooth hands free, it works very well. I previously owned a 2 litre turbo, petrol, Opel OPC. I believe the running cost would have been lower due to the economy I achieved, 7 litres per 100 km on the open road. The vehicle had all the safety features, ABS, Stability control, anti skid, 11 air bags, incredible handling, leather recaro seats, exhilirating to drive and about the same money! Ford has a long long long way to go….
Simple solution! Buy the petrol version and fit an aftermarket LPG system whilst retaining the 6spd box and traction control etc!
The Factory E-gas is a lazy shortcut and a cash grab because it suits the taxi-fleet, their first priority. A proper developed Vapour injection system can make the Falcon more economical on the wallet on fuel than a Corolla with the comfort, power, space and mile eating ability the Falcon is renowned for.
These are the cars for life.
Wait till 2011, I6 will receive DIRECT-INJECTION ” i heard! ” and GAS models might make just over 200kW and 400Nm, and petrol version will be able to run on ethanol and petrol making close to 260kW and over 440Nm from N/A stock I6 4.0Liter!!!!
so , keep ya ear out, you might hear this too, i did , as early as December 2008.
Dan
yea but i have been told that dual fuel with ZF does not really work properly. The ZF really needs the right torque input and power input to actually operate properly.
More power = bad, less power = bad, that is why the Barra230 Falcon with 6 ZF was so unpopular because if you did any work at the engine, the gearbox would not respond to it, so basically if the car had to make say 275kW from 230kW at the flywheel, the gearbox would electronically limit the torque, hence those additional 45kW would go to waste and you’d only make a car more economical but not quicker. That is why you can usually see people with older 5.4L 3V SRs and Fairmonts, Ghias and Utes beating their very similar Barra230 which were modded, because the old 4 speeder would not care about the power change, while ZF would.
so in the I6 application, with GAS conversion + ZF 6 speed = not so much fun, unless you do some expensive computer EEPROM recalibration.
And by the way, in real life there is no difference between a typical 4 speed and 5 and 6 speed Falcons.
They have so much torque that the 1st and 2nd gears on the 5 speed torqueshift and ZF are just too close, they should be tall as always.
The only advantage may be at 100km/h, where a typical BA with 3.23 final drive would do 1750rpm at 100km/h in 4th which is 0.68 ratio.
While ZF would do around 1550rpm at 100km/h in 6th which is 0.69 ratio on a taller 2.73 final drive.
And when in Fairmont Ghia BF1 and BFII with V8 5.4L , then we are talking 2.53 ratio, moon reaching gears, which means 1350rpm at 100km/h in 6th plus lock up torque converter.
Which means consistent cruising at 1350rpm at 100km/h in 6th, while the similar car with 4 speed and 3.45LSD would do 1900rpm, and with 3.23 would do 1750 rpm.
And if with an old EL-AUIII diff which is 3.08 in 4th it would do 1680rpm at 100km/h 4th being 0.68 still.