Muscle cars

For supremacy in the field of performance machines, Ford has released a steady stream of new muscle cars. The sensational XR6 Turbo was first, followed by the XR8 sedan and utility. More recently was the FPVs’ (Ford Performance Vehicles’) stunning new Falcon GT, GT-P and Pursuit Ute.

All except the XR6 Turbo feature a version of the Aussie-built BOSS 5.4-litre, quad cam, 24-valve V8. In the XR8, it produces an impressive 260kW at 5,250rpm and 500Nm of torque at 4,250rpm. Further tweaking provides the GT and Pursuit ute versions with a massive 290kW, available at 5,500rpm and 520Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. This equates to 330 cubic inches in the old measure.

In addition to a variety of distinctive body kits, aggressive front and rear ends and large alloys with low profile tyres, all V8 muscle cars have a large and very distinctive bulge in the bonnet. This is not some useless cosmetic item: it is essential to keep a lid on the massive V8 lurking beneath.

On the road, each car performs excellently. The Police Journal tested the GT-P – the top of Ford’s present crop. It can be smoothly driven around town at 60km/h in fifth gear with no noise and a pleasant but firm ride. Put your foot down and you unleash a monster. The engine pulls hard, the twin exhausts bark, and the speedo and tacho climb very quickly.

A drive down the tight and winding Bull Creek road gave a clear indication of the fabulous job FPV has done with the GT. It has enormous power flexibility, a superb but firm ride, confident steering and cornering and the best brakes in the business. The GT-P’s standard Brembo brakes (optional on XR 8 and GT) are capable of consistent heavy-duty work without a hint of brake-fade. The gearbox is a delight and the engine’s enormous torque provides instant power, even from low revs. An excellent traction-control system ensures power is not wasted. Unfortunately it’s not available on the XR8 ute, which needs to be treated with great respect.

Aside from the obvious horsepower difference, XR’s are really considered the performance version of the standard BA Falcon, albeit with additional equipment. The GT range is more luxurious and crosses the threshold into specialized race-bred engineering and assembly by FPV. The GT-P is a premium version of the GT with additional equipment and a better interior. GT models feature an illuminated red starter button and can be optioned with bold stripes along the bottom of the doors.

Prices begin at $40,925 (XR8 Ute) and move up to $50,130 (manual XR8 sedan), $59,850 (manual GT) and 69,850 (GT-P). Economy on the Police Journal test averaged 15.6 litres per 100km. This is not bad given the weight and power of the GT. These are serious vehicles for the enthusiast and must be some of the best drives around for their respective prices.

...easy to drive and has plenty of punch...

In the award-winning style

Mazda has replaced its dated 121 series with a completely new compact five-door hatchback. Mazda 2 is fresh, roomy, up-to-the-minute, and oozes personality. Three models – Neo, Maxx and Genki – all feature zippy new 1.5-litre engines with sequential valve timing.

Mazda 2, in the style of the award-winning Mazda 6, features a youthful front end with that familiar family grille, stylish sculptured bonnet and smart headlamp design. Its profile is particularly athletic on the Maxx and Genki models, which feature alloy wheels and a rear roof spoiler.

Inside, Mazda 2 is bright and airy with excellent all-round visibility, good ergonomics and comfortable seating. Interior finishes, textures and colour schemes are modern and fresh. The dash layout is functional with audio and ventilation systems integrated into one colour-coded panel. Its small, thick steering wheel is smart, comfortable to use and features audio system buttons on some models.

Perhaps the best thing about this car is its clever use of space and innovative storage solutions. Although there are five seating positions, it’s really best suited to four. Legroom and comfort for adults is good both in the front and rear. Its tall roof allows for higher seating positions which, in turn, offer seats with better thigh support.

Featuring a 50/50 split-fold design, the rear seat backs can be folded forward individually or tumbled forward to reveal a large and flat cargo space. It can accommodate sizeable loads, including small items of furniture or two sets of golf clubs. Other storage solutions include:

• A two-piece glove box.
• Dash-top storage bin with flip-up lid.
• Tray above the glove box.
• A large pocket in each door trim.

Mazda 2 is light and easy to drive and has plenty of punch (82kw at 6,000rpm) around town or for a long highway haul. On the economy front, Mazda quotes figures of 7.6 litres/100km (city) and 5.2 litres/100km (highway).

All models come with:

• Power windows.
• Air conditioning.
• Dual airbags.
• CD audio system.

Prices start at $18,490 (Neo) and move up to $22,195 for the Genki, which has extras, such as:

• Alloys.
• Body kit.
• ABS.
• Six-disc CD.
• Upgraded interior.