- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
4.0Gi, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
198kW, 409Nm
- Fuel
NA
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Ford Falcon XR6 EcoLPi Ute quick spin review
The car: Ford Falcon XR6 EcoLPi Ute
The price: $35,140 plus on-road costs
Vitals: 4.0-litre six-cylinder LPG; 198kW and 409Nm; 6-speed auto; 13.5L/100km; RWD.
What is it? The trade-friendly version of Ford's Falcon Ute, powered by a gas-fuelled version of Ford's classic straight six.
What does it say about me? That you have a soft spot for a good old car-based Aussie ute. Four-wheel-drive alternatives such as the Ford Ranger are much more popular nationally, though they lack some of the Falcon's charm.
Who else is buying it? People who always wanted a Ford Falcon but haven't sprung for one. This car represents the end of the line for Ford's local manufacturing – there won't be another when it's gone.
What colours does it come in? There are eight tones, including two classic blues, emperor red and Ford's new hero colour, victory gold.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be? Jimmy Barnes. An Australian icon that was once a fixture on every worksite, now surpassed by more modern alternatives.
Why would I buy it? Because this LPG-powered version is significantly cheaper to run than a regular petrol-powered ute. But fuel has been cheap lately, which has to have hurt the appeal of something designed to run for less than 60¢ a litre.
Will it let me down? Ford and LPG fuel delivery go together like Falcon taxis and plastic seats. There's plenty of history here, and this ute should remain dependable for a long time.
Does it cost too much? Ford's Falcon range received a significant price cut for the launch of the FG X, so the sticker price isn't too steep. But the $2500 option for LPG power only pays off if you do a lot of driving or intend to keep the car for several years. Skip the EcoLPi option box if this is a car to last you three or four years.
Will I get a deal? The blue oval is currently offering discounts on 2014-plate Falcons, though it might be hard to find one in stock.
Is it safe? Absolutely, with a five-star crash rating that recognises its comprehensive safety suite with features such as emergency assistance, which calls for help after a crash.
Will it get me noticed? Yep. The new Falcon has a recognisable face that could not be mistaken for anything else.
Any gadgets I can brag about? An 8-inch touchscreen loaded up with Ford's second-generation Sync system offers excellent hands-free infotainment and voice-activated functions when paired with a modern smartphone.
Will I get carjacked in it? No, but unscrupulous types might pinch tools out of the tray.
How's the cabin ambience? Familiar, following a budget-driven refresh of the FG II Falcon. It's nicer than most commercials, though we still have issues with the driving position encouraged by Ford's high seat and low steering wheel combination.
Does it go? The gas-powered XR6 gets along nicely, aided by a 3kW and 18Nm power advantage over the regular Falcon. There's plenty of grunt under the bonnet, and Ford's six-speed ZF automatic remains one of the best things going in commercial vehicles, though the lack of an auto option is disappointing.
Does it like corners? It does, thanks to sharp steering, grippy tyres and a sports suspension tune shared with the rapid XR6 Turbo. Unfortunately, that suspension limits its load capacity to less than 500 kilograms in conventional styleside box form. Pick the cab-chassis version with more than a tonne of load capacity if cargo is a concern.
What about bumps? The sports suspension is quite impressive over imperfections, remaining composed even when unladen.
What about service stations? Slightly higher fuel consumption than petrol models will see you visit ore often, but you'll leave with a smile thanks to LPG prices that hover around half what people pay per litre for unleaded.
Would you buy one? The last of the Falcon utes is worth consideration, not only for old times' sake.
What else should I consider? Holden's SV6 ute is the obvious rival, though most people are likely to look at something larger, such as a Toyota HiLux.
The Spin: Light on fuel not on power.
The Translation: The XR6 EcoLPi: It's a gas.