2008 Ford FG Falcon range overview
The second half of Australia's family car rivalry has today been unveiled, with Ford having announced the official specifications for its new FG series Falcon range.
CarAdvice's first impression of the new Falcon fleet is promising, with the more specialized line-up receiving rave reviews due to the addition of the brilliant new G Series range, and far more inspiring XR sports range.
"For the first time in Falcon's history, the new model will come to market with three distinct faces on the vehicle, offering both private and fleet customers, and both sports and luxury customers, a new Falcon to suit their lifestyle."
There are now three families in the Falcon range, including:
All Falcons will feature an advanced safety package as standard, incorporating driver and front passenger airbags, front side head/thorax airbags, driver and front passenger Beltminder system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TC), and Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
Premium models also add side curtain airbags, in conjunction with front side thorax airbags as standard - also available as an option across the Falcon sedan range.
The G6E and G6E Turbo sedans also receive a new reverse camera system as standard, which is optional across the sports XR range.
The Falcon sedan range begins with the XT. Designed to meet the requirements of fleet buyers without the stereotypes of an entry-level model, the XT focuses on interior appointments and standard safety features.
The first of the G Series range and no doubt the best option for private buyers is the G6 sedan, matching the XT for standard equipment albeit in a far more handsome package with a few more added creature comforts.
For those who prefer to lead the quieter life in uncompromising comfort, the G6E offers the highest standard equipment levels in the FG range without the force-fed powerplant.
Adding a few more performance-oriented features to match its 270kW turbocharged I6 engine, the G6E turbo sedan cements its position as the flagship model in the new FG Falcon range.
Life in the fast lane begins with the new Falcon XR6, sporting a normally aspirated inline-six engine and signature XR styling, including a new Tremec six-speed manual transmission as standard, or optioned with either the five-speed automatic or the ZF six-speed automatic transmissions.
Arguably the new flagship for the Falcon performance range, the XR6 Turbo will for the first time be specified to the same levels as the XR8 - differentiated only by its 270kW turbocharged I6 engine.
Standing beside the XR6 Turbo is the new XR8, developing 290kW from its BOSS 5.4-litre V8 engine, differentiated only by its trademark bonnet power bulge. For the iconic presence and sound of a V8 delivered through the unique active muffler design, buyers cannot go past the new XR8.
Fuel consumption across the range has also improved as follows:
4.0L DI-VCT I6
5-speed Auto - 10.5L/100km - 1.9% Improvement
4.0L DI-VCT I6
6-speed Auto - 10.1L/100km - 1.0% Improvement
4.0L DI-VCT I6 Turbo
6-speed Auto - 11.7L/100km - 4.9% Improvement
5.4L Boss 290 4v V8
6-speed Auto - 14.0L/100km - 6.9% Improvement