Ford Falcon G6 Limited Edition announced

By David Twomey | September 11th, 2009

Ford has decided to spark up some interest in the orphan of its FG Falcon range the G6 by announcing a Limited Edition version that will offer drive-away pricing and a host of extras at no extra cost.

The model will go on sale this month and incorporates almost $4000 worth of additional equipment into a vehicle selling for a drive-away price of $36,490.

Ford says that when on-road and other costs are rolled into the deal the added value is almost $13,000.

The pricing represents a bargain for buyers as the entry-level Falcon XT, the mainstay of fleets, has a manufacturer’s list price of $39,290.

On the opposition front, Holden’s new base model the Commodore Omega with the 3.0-litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) is priced at $39,990.

Ford President and CEO Marin Burela told CarAdvice that while the Falcon range was selling strongly in general and models such as the XR6, XR6 Turbo and the G6E Turbo were “going great guns” the G6 had become a little lost amongst its stronger-selling siblings.

At a media briefing in Melbourne Mr Burela said that Ford had order books on popular models of the Falcon that stretched out to December or November.

He said XR6 models were currently making up about 43 per cent of all Falcon sales while the base XT model had reduced to 15 per cent, which left the balance to the G-Series, the most popular of which has proved to be the range-topping G6E Turbo.

While the new version of the G6 is called a Limited Edition, Mr Burela refused to be drawn on just how limited it would be, although CarAdvice understands the model will be offered until the end of this year.

He said that as G6 had so far only sold in relatively small numbers he did not expect the drive-away pricing to have any significant impact of residuals for cars already sold.

“We believe the G6 Limited Edition will drive sales to this area of out model range and will enhance the G6 and G6E proposition for many buyers,” Mr Burela said.

He also intimated that Ford might look at a simplification of its model range, possibly rolling the G6 and G6E into one model as a result of “lessons that can be learnt from this exercise.”

Mr Burela said there had been strong dealer interest in the G6 Limited Edition and he expected the model to sell strongly over the coming weeks.

Ford says the exterior of the G6 Limited Edition is enhanced with stylish 18-inch G Series alloy wheels, unique colour accent treatments on the upper and lower grilles, fog lamp bezels and rear bumper insert, and a ‘Limited Edition’ badge.

Inside there is an impressive list of new appointments, including side curtain airbags, leather-detailed seat trim, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with satin alloy audio and cruise control buttons, iPod integration and Bluetooth mobile phone integration.

The G6 Limited Edition will also be available with the optional E-Gas dedicated LPG engine and accompanying four-speed automatic transmission.

When optioned with E-Gas, the vehicle will also be fitted with unique 17-inch sports alloy wheels to differentiate it from the petrol G6 Limited Edition model.

The dedicated LPG E-Gas powertrain is available as a $2000 option, while a $2000 government grant from the LPG Vehicle Scheme is available to eligible customers.

ABMPSV

Ford and Holden getting desperate. Look at the big car sales in the last 20 years it is downhill! I would really like to know the sales figures for private buyers. Anybody know a website I can fin it. I can find in Germany but somehow no data in OZ.
Maybe it is a secret!

crouchy

Does Ford / Holden care?

JEKYL & HYDE

looks like a feature equaling ford version of the holden international,but with REAL leather(but i could be wrong)…
http://fqwf Blake

U guys think the new hsv range looks ugly. But the falcon range cars just look boring and dull.

smokin’R32

Yes, clearly they need bonnet vents, LED pock marks, vents, ‘shockwave graphics’, vents, overstyled wheels and vents to bring it up to HSV’s level of design

Low Water Crossing

You forgot to mention the vents.LOL

http://fqwf Blake

It should get a roof scoop and it’ll be complete lol.

Adorn4stars

be it NON-FUNCTIONAL fake hood scoops – re-used from the butt ugly american pontiac G8

SHOCKWAVE!!!!11eleven!!1!!

whatefa

As opposed to raccoon eyes and cheap stickers ROFL

The Oracle

Someone, who’s name I can’t recall, once said that HSV cars are not styled, they are decorated.

David

You forgot to mention the scaffolding on the bootlid, the scuff plate on the driver’s door to hang your arm out, and the $5 badges and stickers. Oh, and the dull look befitting someone who spends big bucks to buy a taxi with “go fast” bits.

Why someone would spend $60 K plus on a Yellow or Black and White cab with spoilers beggars belief when there are so many really quality cars out there at that price. Don’t get me wrong – Commodores and Falcons are very, very good cars and I’ve owned both – have a Commodore now, in fact. But they are both tainted by the taxi and sales rep connection. Pay too much and you’re a chump. They’re 30-40K cars.

The G6 looks classy and not like a backyard hot-up job. I reckon this car is great value and a good looker to boot.

john

I think it only compliments the falcon, if taxi drives buy them, then they are very good cars that will last. They buy cars that a going 2 reach 500,000km with ease (its not uncommon for them 2 reach one mill). Just says that the falcon is reliable and economic for a large car.

wizzy

your exactly right, my dad owns a taxi license which we lease out and we had an ed falcon which as a taxi did 1.2 million km’s and throughout that time it had 2 gearboxes 1 diff reconditioned and a new radiator, and when it came off being a taxi we sold it to our friend who went on an did another 150 thousand km’s until he traded it in, they are extremely reliable.
Devil’s Advocate

While I am not trying to take away from the Falcon’s longevity as a taxi, don’t forget that part of the reason they go for so long is the fact that they are always going. Remember the highest percentage of wear in any engine is in the first few minutes after starting when cold. If the engine hardly cools down, it doesn’t wear as much ie, like a taxi. This holds true for all cars that are used as taxis. In NQ, Toyotas are more common as a taxi and the same could be said about them and the huge amount of kms they do. It is not just isolated to the Falcon.

What helped Ford was that up until recently, they made a special taxi version straight from the factory. This would save the Taxi companies from the modifications that they had to do to other cars, which of course saved them money during initial outlay. As we all know, money is everything. Is it just a coincidence that as soon as Ford stopped selling the ‘taxi pack’ that there are less and less new Falcons being used as taxis?

Just some food for thought.

D

How can you say that Falcon and Commodore are tainted by the sales rep connection. You’ll find now must sales rep drive Camry’s! Maybe 10-15 years ago this was the case.

Dave

Don’t forget the buffalo horns on the bonnet, fluffy dice on the rear view mirror and terry towel seat covers on the leather seats if you want to bring some real HSV class to it – oh, and a huge bonnet scoop just to show everyone how dense you are.

Personally, as someone who doesn’t believe in backwards baseball caps, I think the G6 looks very classy. The more we can get away from the trailer-trash stuff, the better our industry will be.

It is a shame HSV have catered to the – umm – knuckle draggers – in their evolutionary endeavours as opposed to European efforts like RUF, AMG etc, who assume their clients are a tad more sophisticated.

Holden and Ford both make fine cars here but their extension efforts are limited by the V8 taxi mentality.

Fodey

Ohhh booh hooo someone made fun of the new HSVs… come to think of it 90% of people that saw it did !
ScottB

Its been interesting watching the XRs increase their sales volume over the last few years. 43% is a big chunk of Falcon volume. I wouldn’t be suprised if in a few year’s time the Falcon wasn’t re-aligned to become a purely sports-orientated sedan, with base model either dropped or renamed something else entirely.
Robin Graves

G6E Turbo is an awesome car. If only the resale value drop wasnt so huge I’d go for one. Second hand in a year or so would be a great buy.

The Oracle

Robin, that’s right. I have seen several advertised in NSW with 15-20,000km on them and at least 18 months warranty remaining for $35-40K. They are a great bargain at that price. I’m due for a new car next year and I’ll have to decide between something sensible or something very fast like this. I feel a mid life crisis may be coming on.

http://Caradvice.com.au Baddass

I knew that losing the name Fairmont was a bad decision.

mike

Your granddad just isn’t going to downgrade his Fairmont to a falcon regardless of the G6 after it.
I can’t believe the fairmont equivalent does not usually have curtain airbags. Come on ford – it is 2009! not good enough

Minnow

G6 is a Futura equivalent, G6E is the fairmont, G6ET is GHIA.

Balbuie

Very well put in describing old model equivalents when comparing new models in the large Ford family size cars. The new limited edition G6 package seems to be excellent value for money compared to others in the segment

jon

Gee they are practically giving them away. Just buy one 2nd hand you will get it half price.
K

The 18″ wheels really lift the appearance of the G6, and I gotta say I really like the sophisticated appearance of Falcon compared to other large cars. It strikes the best balance of aggression and elegance. Commodores, Maximas, Aurions are all trying too hard.

I’d prefer the Turbo though. That thing is a rocket, and not half-feral when you really get up it.

Resale values on FG are much improved from previous Falcons. The G6E Turbo holds its value the best. A mate of mine got his recently and found it much harder than you would’ve thought to get the spec he wanted (19″ wheels). He said Dealers can’t get enough of them in… bodes well for resale. Anyways, he’s happy!
Greg

LPG rebate is not $2000 anymore, its $1720 now, and in December it will be $1500. In the May budget the Rudd governmenr decided (quite wrongly in my opinion considering expert opion LPG is Australia’s future) to scrab the rebate, by reducing it by $250 each six months until it disapears in a few years.

Andrew M

If you want to get technical, the rebate on this vehicle is only $1000 as its a factory fitted system.

Only aftermarket systems qualified for what was the $2000 grant

http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/Energyandfuels/LPGVehicleScheme/Pages/home.aspx Chris

Just to correct you all.

It is only the after market LPG conversion rebate that is reduced as per the website

http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/Energyandfuels/LPGVehicleScheme/Pages/home.aspx.

If the car is factory fitted with LPG the full 2000 rebate applies.

Andrew M

Factory fitted systems never got the full rebate.

Sure the conversion rebate is reduced, but it was always more than the factory fitted rebate

Peace

These FG Falcons are great looking cars. Great body shape that is not going to age in a hurry. Best looking cars around ……..looks very elegant and not too agressive with out of place looking huge wheel arches. Nice…….
ssbob

Mr Burela refused to be drawn into how limited it would be…..

Oh do i laugh
Rob

Great package, they’ll sell a tonne of ‘em, particularly as the E-Gas system now has a Dynamic Stability Control calibration (a huge engineering achievement), good stuff!
Captain Nemo

Maybe if they get rid of the ugly Mondeo look from the front end they might sell.

Belinda

the G6 is the least Mondeo looking trim in the range in its original form and that’s the one that was selling the least. overall the G-series falcons are quite popular and people are buying them. plenty would be an understatement for the number of G6Es and G6ETs on the road, considering the range has only been out for a little over a year.

mike

Things have to be desperate at Ford to sell a $49k car for $36.
Discounting is a desperate move to get the spotlight off Holden’s new SIDIs.
But I suppose it’s not long until the first batches of FGs start coming off leases and we start seeing them well under $20k. Resale? what resale….

ResaleIndeed

Yeah, dont forget the resale rate after two years is a whole 0.1% higher on a commodore than a falcon. Go better go bogadore…

mike

On Redbook its actually 7-12% higher on the commy depending on the model

go better go holden, loose $2450 to $5400 LESS THAN ON A FALCOON

ResaleIndeed

Yeah, well Glass’s guide say the difference is 0.1%, so youll get an extra 40 bucks for your scummadore in two years.. congrats!

mike

I just looked at Glass’s,
projected re-sales for a 2010 falcodores in 3 years with 60 oookms

FG Falcon XT $10,800 – $14,000
VE MY10 Omega $12,600 – $15,800

you might need to trade in you ford calculator if it thinks that’s 0.1%

Andrew M

You obviously havent caught the sales Holden pumps out then.

I actually wish I preferred the Holden product because when I go shopping it seems to be the Holden dealerships that seem to be able to slash more off.

A couple of thousand wont sway me anyway when the product difference is obvious
Mark

Erm, its a $42k car. And thats list price, anyone who cant cut it down to $38k is a twit. So offering a locked $36k price isnt costing Ford that much at all.

Al Juraj

Instead of the pointless commercial comparing a diesel Focus to a petrol Corolla, they could have gone, “The Ford Falcon has an Australian engineered six-cylinder engine. The Holden Commodore does not.” See how much sales will boom afterwards.
Will

The Mondeo is a better engineered machine with diesel option.

Sammy

Disagree, I rented a Mondeo in New Zealand for three weeks, and I find the FG Falcon a lot tighter, with brilliant handling, supple suspension with fantastic steering, a great ability to soak up bumps on off-camber corners. The Falcon also has great power and economy. The Mondeo on the other hand feels a lot like a Mazda 6 or Accord Euro, dynamically they do the job, but they dont feel as enthusiastic as a Falcon on a fast winding road. you could perhaps put that down to those three cars being front-wheel drive – which sucks a lot of pleasure out of driving, but I also think its the way those cars are set up, they seem to be more shopping trolley than exciting.

Howard Hughes

Am I the only one who has just bought one? I think not cause I had trouble finding one!

I had test driven around 20 new cars this year before making a decision. The drive was as good as anything that I have driven including a lot of european cars. Perhaps not as spritely as some, but the the ride is as good ad anything else on the market, especially in the price bracket, this is real value for money!
http://peter.chrisb@bigpond.com.au bunky

i have a G6 limited edition on order,the wait is killing me,the style is awesome,the interior i love it,handles like you wouldnt believe,my mitsubishi 380 vrx looks insignificant to this no 1 aussie car,ford have done it again,will drive the wheels off this one with a lot of travelling coming up,thank you Ford.
Sean

here on the gold coast there arn’t many falcons as taxis anymore i was in a taxi that was toyota preise hybrid and taxi drivers are lapping them up and the best fuel consumpion that i saw on the control screen was 3.6 litres per 100 km and why would you drive a falcon as a taxi unless if they bring out a hybrid version and ford should have a hybrid with a taxi pack version and soon toyota camery will bring out a hybrid version to australia and in the usa toyota have the hybrid camery over there i don’t know if any are taxis in the us and if i taxi owner i would use a hybrid camery as a taxi and when toyota brings out the camery hybrid alot of taxis will get them by the truck loads and toyota should bring back the camery wagon witch would be very popular with hybrid and one day i saw a few 1.6 litre carolla wagon as taxis with lpg on them and some are diesel taxis as well the day of the big 6 cylinder cars are going to be a thing of the past they are going to the 4 cylinder motor on taxis

The Oracle

Well, I never thought that I would ever agree with a self confessed HSV Bogan, but you are spot on.

Brent Drummond

Hey I bought a new Ford E6 Limited Addition and I have found a number of silly little things Ford has forgotten this time round.
A) Boot lining -( just doesn’t have one )
B) Window electric buttons – don’t have lighting at night .

I have only driven 195km and maybe I got a Friday afternoon throw it together job but Ford you are letter Australia down, my partner has now done 500km in her new Fiester and it is much better finishing.

I guess Ford G6 its limited edition is just that – I hope so for other long time Ford drivers like myself.
Big Mac

Have a FG G6 EGAS since brand new, now 14mths old with 42k on the clock. Great looking car on outside, very comfortable on inside, but do have some very significant issues with them.

These are facts people. If you have any doubt in my statement, write everything down and go and check for yourself. Have a look BEFORE you buy.

This gas is only gas, no petrol or diesel, so you would think Ford would have designed the boot better. There is no height and the spare tyre takes up over half of the very limited space. The gas version is seriously not a family car, as the 2 of us need to put some luggage on the back seat. No large esky with beers & food in here folks, that has to go on the back seat. Same same for a pram or pusher, and forget about 2 large suitcases. I doubt there are many Taxis using this gas only FG G6 model, as there is next to no luggage room. If there are, they would have removed their spare tyre. Not good removing the spare tyre for driving out of populated areas. A very significant issue.

Another issue is the size of the tyres Ford use. 235/50 R17 are very limited and not a common size tyre. For exact replacement tyres, you would be looking at more than $1200 without alignment. That’s not including rims or mags folks, just the standard tyre.

The condition of Aussie roads are becoming worse is a known fact. If you doubt me, you probably don’t drive outside of your suburb, let alone on regional, rural and remote roads. I seriously doubt that Ford did much road noise testing, as there are numerous times on bitumen roads the noise is that bad, that ear plugs are seriously a necessity.

Fuel wise, it is very impressive. Just remember that it is gas and when running low, you do need to make it a priority to fill up. You can’t carry gas in a container if you run out. Again, great looking car on inside and out, but has significant setbacks with luggage room, road noise and uncommon tyre sizes. Bottom line, if I could turn back time, this gas only model would be still sitting in the car yard for sale.

Big Mac

Sorry guys, was meant to say my car is 26mths old, not 14. Would be hard pressed doing 42k in 14mths. All the rest still stands.

But I will also mention that I have had heaps of trouble with the drivers door rattling. Been back many times to get it fixed. Ford have now said they need to send it to their panel beaters to check the seals and see what they can do.

Be interesting to hear from others in what they have experienced.