2015 Ford Falcon FG X, Territory SZ MkII make fuel economy gains
Aerodynamic improvements and the introduction of a lighter and more efficient automatic transmission promise to cut fuel consumption of the 2015 Ford Falcon FG X by up to nine per cent.
The entry-level 4.0-litre six-cylinder Ford Falcon sedan benefits from the greatest economy gains, falling from 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres to 9.0L/100km. Falcon XR6 and G6E inline-six models improve four per cent, down from 9.9L/100km to 9.5L/100km.
Other variants make minor economy gains: the four-cylinder Falcon EcoBoost down from 8.1 to 8.0L/100km, and the LPG-powered EcoLPi Falcon from 12.3 to 11.7L/100km, while the XR6 manual (11.1L/100km), XR6 Turbo and G6E Turbo auto (11.7L/100km) and XR6 Turbo manual (12.0L/100km) carry over unchanged.
Consumption of both the G6E EcoBoost (8.7L/100km) and XR6 EcoLPi (12.6L/100km) has increased by 0.2L/100km, however, which Ford says is a side effect of their added equipment and slightly higher weights.
The new XR8 is rated at 13.7L/100km in auto form and 13.6L/100km as a manual, matching the FPV GT from which it inherits its supercharged 5.0-litre V8.
The entire Ford Falcon FG X range (with the exception of the XR8) adopts the aerodynamic pack from the FG MkII Falcon EcoBoost, while Ford claims new front and rear bumper designs also contribute to improved aero performance.
The entry Falcon (seen in com-gen form above) also adopts new 16-inch Michelin low rolling-resistance tyres.
All normally-aspirated six-cylinder Falcons upgrade to the lighter ZF 6HP21 six-speed automatic transmission already used in the EcoBoost-equipped variants. The 6HP26 transmission continues to be used in the six-cylinder turbo and V8 applications.
Updated Ford Territory SZ MkII petrol variants also benefit from the new 6HP21 six-speed automatic transmission, and enjoy fuel economy improvements as a result. The entry-level Territory TX falls from 10.6 to 10.2L/100km, while the TS and Titanium dip from 10.6 to 10.5L/100km.
Diesel-powered Territory TX, TS and Titanium variants retain their 6R80 six-speed auto and their respective 8.2, 8.8 and 9.0L/100km consumption ratings.
Ford’s engineers claim to have harmonised the Falcon’s suspension across variants, promising a more connected driving experience without compromising ride comfort.
The base Falcon gains a modified FG MkII G6 suspension package, while the Falcon EcoLPi gains the XR6 EcoLPi suspension, both upgrading to a larger-diameter front stabiliser bar, retuned front and rear springs and dampers, adjusted front suspension geometry, and a smaller rear stabiliser bar on the EcoLPi.
The Falcon EcoBoost gains a modified FG MkII G6E EcoBoost suspension package, adopting retuned front and rear springs and dampers, adjusted front geometry, and the introduction of a 14mm rear stabiliser bar.
The updated Ford Falcon FG X and Territory SZ MkII will hit showrooms in December.
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