January 1999 Volume 80 Number 1 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

New Ford Set to Compete

The battle lines are drawn in what could become Australia’s biggest war over vehicle market share.

Ford has released its new AU Falcon range. It includes Forte, Futura, Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia and XRs. All feature a bold new body design which is 10mm shorter and 20mm taller than before.

Each model sports its own distinctive front grille and bumper assembly which makes them easily recognizable. Their overall appearance is smaller, but interior and boot space is greater.

With driver’s air bag, air-conditioning and automatic transmission, the entry model, Forte, starts at $29,990. This represents a $2,000 saving on the previous EL Falcon and a massive $2,700 on a similarly equipped VT Commodore.

All models feature:

• A new double-wishbone front suspension.
• Linear rack-and-pinion power steering.
• An improved Watts multi-link rear suspension.
• An independent double-wishbone rear suspension (standard on Fairmont Ghia and optional on other models).

Ford claims the body is 25 per cent stiffer making the best use of the new suspensions. Weight reduction of around 35 kilograms has been achieved through the new BHP bake-hardened steel and a cast aluminium front cross member.

The 4.0-litre, straight-six engine has been re-engineered with four different versions available. The standard SOHC engine delivers 157kW of power and 357Nm of torque (10kW and 53Nm up on Holden’s standard V6).

Fairmont Ghia’s power plant has variable camshaft timing (VCT) developing 168kW. XR models are available with a worked-over version of either engine. The Tickford enhanced VCT engine punches out 172kW, similar power to Holden’s Supercharged V6.

Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 has been tweaked to give an extra 10kw (now 175kW) while the high-performance Tickford version in XR8 offers 185kW.

In addition to extra power, one can expect fuel savings of up to 8 per cent with six-cylinder models because of:

• Better aerodynamics.
• Lighter overall weight.
• Modifications to the engine management system.

Ford claims economy from the big six is equal to that of a 1980 2.0-litre Ford Escort. Engine development has also reduced emissions by up to 54 per cent compared to the superseded EL Falcon.

Totally new inside the Falcon are:

• Seats.
• Dashboard.
• Door trims.
• Instrument panel.
• Console.

All models feature audio controls (tuning and volume) mounted on the steering wheel. The digital odometer and trip meter feature a “distance-to-empty” readout.

Ford offers an optional mobile phone mounting pad that secures inside the console bin and holds the phone within easy reach. A “mobile office table” is another innovative option that fixes over the transmission shift.

Available on some models is a factory-fitted LPG system which is fully integrated with the engine management system. Ford insists there is no loss in power and has redesigned tanks to offer more boot space in sedans and greater LPG capacity in wagons. The system uses the standard fuel gauge and trip computer for instant readouts when switching between fuels.

In addition to the standard trimmings found in Forte, the Futura, at $34,490, features:

• A set of smart alloy wheels.
• Steering wheel-mounted cruise control.
• Power front windows.
• ABS brakes.
• Upgraded audio system with six speakers.
• A plusher interior.

Thanks to the five-way adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-telescopic adjustable steering column, the AU’s driving position is excellent. The dash layout is clean, fresh and functional, with everything at the driver’s fingertips. It’s smoother, quieter and has enhanced ride and cornering characteristics.

Acceleration is respectable with the car capable of 0 - 100km/h in around 8.8 seconds.

Fuel tank capacity is 68 litres and towing capacity is up to 2,300kg with Ford’s optional heavy-duty tow pack.

This is the most sophisticated Falcon in the marques 38-year history - and perhaps the most affordable.