Save space – Ford
August 3, 2007 by Matt Brogan
Well it’s official, Ford will be fitting a ‘Temporary Use’ (or space saver) spare wheel to the entire Falcon range as of October this year, confirming Car Advice pics showing testing of the wheel a few months back.
A ‘normal’ or full-size spare will still be available but at a cost. It will be interesting to see if this move attracts as much critism as Holden did when they released a space saver with the launch of their VE range.
Below is a costing chart of the models affected:
380 still gives full size
I understand why some people are outraged by space saver wheels, but nearly every manufacturer is converting to these designs, how bad can they be?
Honestly how often do you get a flat tire? i’ve had one in 12 years of driving.
It seems we have a choice, pay more for a steel conventional wheel, in 5-10 years it appears all spares will be space saver designs…
could be worse they could use runflats like me wifes car $740 each tyre!!!
Adam raises a good point. Modern tubeless radial tyres are very reliable and the majority of motorists do not rotate the spare at all, meaning it sits in the boot it’s whole life until (or if) required.
Considering the costs associated with this, it is easy to see why the manufacturer opts for a space saver (or run flats, can of sealant etc).
Imagine a $150 saving per unit over a production run of 100,000 cars… worth a lot of money for something that really isn’t used.
Could save a few kgs as well no?
I’ve had plenty of flats in the past few years (Kids with nails & screws I suspect) and have used the non-alloy spare on our AUII Fairmont Wagon with Tickford Wheels & Suspension.
The spare isactually a 15″ AU rim and not the 16″ that was standard on the car. The rolling diameter is the same as the 17″ I’ve been advised.
So it’s not new getting a non-standard spare. My spare even has a speed restriction of 80km/h evemn though it’s a full sized wheel and tire.
Lol Adam Ford just cant put a step wrong can they!! But you are right on this biased case, I dont see the issue… hey it saves weight and at the end of the day if you have any pride in your vehicle your going to change it ASAP n e way. The only people that will be disappointed are the bogans who leave the spare on and dont get a replacement, now they wont be able to do this.
BUT…..will I be able to get 2 spares put on the back from factory? That way I can look like a complete tool that knows nothing about vehicle dynamics like the wankers around my neighbourhood!
In all seriousness, I’d argue that those that cry about not having a full size spare look more like idiots than any Ford exec that made the final decision to use a spacesaver in the first place.
Smart move Ford.
Paul…
In this case it’s Ford, i have the same opinion with any manufacturer…so if this is being biased in your opinion, so be it!
CHRIS…
I have to say that $740 per tyre is scary…the cost of run flats would need to be more realistic before i’d consider a vehicle with them.
I don’t see what the big deal is.
Most people have spare tyres that are flat from neglect anyway.
The two most ‘Australian’ cars, the Falcon and the Commodore will soon both come with a space saver spare. It’s just unacceptable in a country with such distance between major cities. We’re not Europe, where some entire countries can be passed in a hour or two.
Ironically, the 380 and Aurion which may be considered by some to be ‘less Australian’ have full sized spares.
Furthermore, those complaining of weight should know that everytime you gain weight, or you take an extra passenger or leave stuff in the boot that you don’t take out, you’re putting extra weight on the car too. I’d rather have the full size spare than have a flat tyre on the highway, only to limp to the next major city on a space saver doing 80 km/h, while everyone else is doing 110 km/h. It’s just downright dangerous.
I mean, if the Toyota Yaris can offer a full sized spare, being the giant car it is, and so does the entire Toyota range (I think), then no car in Australia should have an excuse for using anything but a full sized spare.
It’s just cost cutting by manufacturers on your safety.
JW I can see what your saying… but for the majority of people the great expanses of Australia and having a space saver instead isnt going to be an issue. For those who do live in rural areas, then there is the optional spare. I wouldnt only be disappointed from a buyers point of view becasue as you say something like an Aurion which will cost the same has it yet the Falcon doesnt… same price, getting less. And you can only describe it as COST CUTTING, because the fact that they offer full size as an option means the wheel well for the full size will still be in place just with a space saver instead. On top of this if you want full size they will make a killing charging $100 for a steely and even worse only offering an alloy spare (who the hell wants an alloy spare) at the cost of $250. Usually brands such as Audi offer space savers when they have designed the car in a way that cant have a full size… Ford aernt doing this, they are just greedy at the expense of the consumer (however small of an expense that may be).
Correction to that…. “I would be disappointed from a buyers point of view…..”
Also you give the extra passenger weight example, the loss of a full size still has an effect… instead of just the additonal say 80kg of a passenger you have 80kg + 20kg with the full size. In saying this 20kg isnt going to do alot for acclereration or fuel consumption…. they did a test one time on a motor TV show totally stripping down some car and it only took off like 0.3second over a quarter mile!!! Let alone 0-100km/h. And that was taking out seats, body panels, spare etc.
Saves money for the manufacturer not space anyway,the wheel well it sits in is the same size of a standard spare wheel. Only had one other than the one we just got on the Shelby Stang we just rented,have it for 2 days only and you waist time trying to fix it so you can drive over 55 mph. Disapointing if you rent something your looking forward too. Mind you the last was on a new Landcruiser that wasn’t a space saver and the dealer hadn’t pre-deliverd the car correctly and we couldn’t get the spare wheel down ,another waiste of a day trying to get it fixed.
Alborz have just tried to email you from Hotel room story of the Stang but Hotels server tells me toooo large to send. Will get hubby to stick pics in a zip folder tomorrow see if that helps. Before were of to another bloody trade fair,Melbourne this time,gee its cold here.
i don’t think I’ve had a flat tyre this century so I consider it a non-issue. If you live in the bush, pay extra for the full-size spare, or (even better) negotiate with the dealer to include it in the price. If you live in the city you can benefit from the weight saving. Case closed.
Paul…
You will never buy anything other than Toyota, so in your case and opinion you have nothing to worry about…true?
I bet you Ford will not be making that much money charging 100 for a steel spare, why? people will bargain the steel spare into the deal.
Who wants a alloy spare!? this is where your lack of knowledge comes through.
Traditionally, spare wheels have been the same specification as whats on the car itself, or what actual wheel and tyres are on the car, meaning if its a base model vehicle with steel 15inch wheels, thats what your spare would be. If it’s a 16inch alloy wheel thats what the spare would be, hence the option.
Only in the last few years have some manufacturers have been replacing alloy spares with conventional steel wheels to save money and now there’re starting to convert to space savers.
1. No I would consider other options other than Toyota, if I had the money Id get an R32 for example… not a TRD Aurion. But the fact remains, the japs are offering a full size while the local “Aussie” brands aernt offering A/C standard or full size spares… two features youd expect from cars designed for this country not from “foreigners” like Toyota! Locals of convenience?
2. Yes bargain a spare tyre in instead of something else like rear parking sensors etc. Fact is the consumer loses out here, while the manufacturer gains. Now I have said, how much the consumers lose out is debateble, a space saver isnt that bad… but when your competition at the same price is offering them and your meant to be an Aussie brand Id be asking alot of questions!
3. Yes I lack knowledge because I dont know what spares tyres cars have… oh no I have absolutely no cred now because of that lol. My general point was that they are charging more for it over the steelies… its a money making excercise.
ever lifted a full size spare out..trust me the space savers are a damn sight lighter..most normal spares are speed limited too
Seriously, what the hell has being in “Australia” got to do with it? 90%+ of us live on the damn coastline, its an absolute myth that anymore than a minority will be put out of place by a $100-$250 option. Some of you make it sound like you have to traverse the Kimberly’s to get to work every day.
you beat me to it Jacob, well said!!!!
what does it matter? and that most spares have speed limits on them anyway.
im not being sexist but perhaps a female might be able to change a tyre now cause they could actually lift one. there is a bonus
and the fact they are painted yellow means you will do your best to get it changed damn quickly anyhow.
Paul by the way ford do offer A/C standard so please correct yourself. and the fact that holden doesnt is covered by their reduced list price. so once you pay for A/C it comes out the same price anyway. its not ripping people off unless they start at the same price and then still make you pay extra for it.
and how do you know the new space saver for ford doesnt also mean an adjusted price??? oh there you go again “ASSUMING”.
hey ED,
you say it will be fitted to entire falcon range in your article, does this include falcon ute range? I doubt it. no space to gain there and they arent load rated
QUOTE = Paul by the way ford do offer A/C standard so please correct yourself. and the fact that holden doesnt is covered by their reduced list price. so once you pay for A/C it comes out the same price anyway. its not ripping people off unless they start at the same price and then still make you pay extra for it.
and how do you know the new space saver for ford doesnt also mean an adjusted price??? oh there you go again “ASSUMING”.
1. I know the Falcon has A/C…. I did say “Or” and at no stage did I specifically mention the Falcon. So nothing to correct, just use common sense.
2. Holdens reduced list price? Enlighten me but there isnt a large difference between the Omega and ATX (Obviously the Lumina changes this) and regardless its not just about that, the fact that they market their vehciles as being built for the harsh Aussie environment but then dont have A/C is laughable.
3. Yes I will gladly assume… they currently sell the Falcon at or higher then the Aurion and with way less features. So with these added features and a newer model you could say this is a reasonable assumption.
Jacob…
Agree 100%.
Paul…your typically vague about Ford and Holden. How do you even know if Ford would drop the price of falcon to compensate for the $100 charge for a normal spare? you don’t…like Andrew said, your assuming.
Just like the affordability of a Lexus V8 and ‘local’ V8, $70,000 gap…
Until you go out and buy a NEW car you wouldn’t know what your paying, ever heard of the actual buy/negotiated price?
You use the ‘local’ argument against Ford and Holden, yet have said many a time that they are no better than Toyota? Always using Toyota as an example.
I said that Ford and Holden spend more R&D money here in AUS than Toyota, you work out if that makes them more ‘local’ or not…
paul i am not a holden fan so it hurts me to have to defend holden, but i am also unbiased unlike yourself which is why i have to say something.
holden does build cars with A/c. nothing to laugh at as far as i see. i havent seen a commy with out A/C since oh about a 1987 mod.
holden dont list it as standard in order to reduce their list price but i betcha if you went to order one with out A/C you prob wouldnt get one. i suppose you could say at least holden give you the option. now there is a lesson in optimism for you.
the fact is even by the time you factor in the extra for A/C the commy still isnt any dearer than competitors.
its similar to metalic paint…..
every car comes with it now days (unless its white) yet they dont factor it into the price in order to make the list price look lower. yet every one still pays for it. same with the A/C.
and get your hand off it paul who were you talking about when you said “aussie brands” (meaning more than 1) holden and who? i know your angle.
and on the third one its another argument all together, but briefly toyota has to offer a reduced price as they are breaking in to the market otherwise no one would look at them. now dont make me give you a lesson in business because there would be a lot to tell you about by the sounds of it