The big news for the 2010 Ford Falcon is under the bonnet with technology bringing reduced fuel consumption for the big Aussie six.
Car Showroom has just put the entry-level Ford Falcon XT through our weeklong test program and Ford’s fleet and family car hero impressed again. You get a heap of car with the $40,290 Ford Falcon XT and Ford’s efforts to improve its fuel consumption show its engineering teams at Campbellfield and Geelong, Victoria know what Australian motorists demand.
2010 Ford Falcon Overview
From the base model Ford Falcon XT through to the rip-snorting FPV GTE, Ford’s GE model lineup highlights the competency of its Australian workforce. The Ford Falcon looks good, delivers abundant interior space, strong performance, refinement and excellent build quality…and it still feels as solid and dependable as ever.
The entry-level Ford Falcon XT as tested is the mainstay of many Australian corporate fleets, powers numerous car rental companies and is loved by family buyers. To its existing credentials, high levels of convenience and safety features, you can now add improved fuel economy thanks to the 2010 upgrade.
And with a 1600kgs towing capacity and 535-litre luggage capacity, practicality remains a Falcon strong suit.
2010 Ford Falcon Engine
Ford’s work to reduce fuel consumption for the 4.0-litre DOHC six cylinder centered on changes the electronic engine management system and a new catalytic converter. Knowledgeable Ford fans will detect a slightly different exhaust note compared to the superseded FG models.
The result is a 5.7 per cent improvement for the Ford Falcon XT with combined cycle fuel consumption down to 9.9l/100kms. Maximum power is 195kW at 6,000rpm and peak torque is 391Nm at 3,250rpm.
For 2010, the Ford Falcon XT models also gain the excellent ZF six-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual mode.
2010 Ford Falcon Interior
As well as the nicely styled exterior, one of the standouts of Falcon’s FG lineup is the spacious, light and airy interior. While previous generation Falcons may have been criticized for their somewhat drab interiors, this doesn’t apply with the current lineup.
Climb behind the wheel of the Ford Falcon XT and you immediately notice the contemporary look of the dashboard with its large gauges and excellent graphics for the electronic Multi-Function Display with handy information like speed warnings, and distance to empty for the 68-litre fuel tank. To the left is the Human Machine Interface (HMI) screen with displays for the audio and automatic climate control air-conditioning.
Defying its ‘entry level’ status, the Ford Falcon XT comes with electronic adjustment for the drivers’ seat lumbar support and this combines with the rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel to provide a comfortable driving position. The wheel contains buttons for cruise control and remote audio tuning.
In the back, spaciousness is the key with abundant room for three people. And that spaciousness meant easy installation of the Car Showroom juniors’ child and booster seats.
The Ford Falcon XT has a single CD, four-speaker audio system. Bluetooth and iPod integration is available in an option pack.
2010 Ford Falcon Exterior & Styling
No changes outside for the 2010 Ford Falcon. The FG series is a credit to the Ford stylists with modern headlights, a purposeful front grille and under bumper air intake.
The side profile is very clean and precise, accented by modern, triangular indicator repeaters on the front fenders. Same for the rear, which is much cleaner and taut than previous, Falcons with stylish rear lights and a smooth boot line.
Our Ford Falcon XT was fitted with the standard five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, which look modern and up-market for what is the entry-level model.
2010 Ford Falcon On The Road
Falcon runs Ford’s well thought-out and nicely tuned Pivot Control Link front suspension and the Control Blade independent rear end. Again, for an entry-level model, the list of standard driver aids is impressive – four-channel ABS anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) plus Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
On the safety front, there are dual front airbags and dual front side head/thorax airbags.
We tackled our mountain road test loop in damp, misty conditions and were reminded how well tied-down the Ford Falcon is. Under extreme loads the traction control cut-in was nicely progressive and overall, despite the slimy roads, the Ford Falcon XT showed impressive poise and balance.
The combination of the usual strong torque from the 4.0-litre six cylinder and smooth-shifting six-speed auto was very handy both in rural conditions and back in the city handling the weekday crawl.
Not surprisingly for a car engineered in Victoria, suspension performance over Melbourne’s tram and train track crossings was very refined and in all conditions the cabin was isolated from engine noise.
Falcon - and Holden’s Commodore - are both large cars and while our tight CBD car park did make you aware of the Ford Falcon’s size, it was still maneuverable.
2010 Ford Falcon Challenges
As the entry-level Ford Falcon, there’s no doubt the XT is an impressive all-round package. We would only deduct points for some of the interior plastics, which are a bit hard and look somewhat down-market.
2010 Ford Falcon Verdict
The entry-level Ford Falcon can stand proud amongst its more luxurious and high performance relatives. As the go-to vehicle for commercial fleets and family buyers, it delivers nice looks, comprehensive equipment, nice driving dynamics, high standards of build quality and good value.
And the enhanced fuel economy for the big Aussie six is certainly a step in the right direction.
2010 Ford Falcon Competition
Holden’s Commodore Omega is similarly impressive and costs a few dollars les than the Ford Falcon. If you’re shopping one against the other you need to carefully check the specifications list for individual items that are important for you and also shop around a few dealers for any deals on offer.
The Toyota Aurion AT-X is beautifully made, feature-packed and sharply priced but doesn’t match the Falcon’s interior space and on-road dynamics.
Likes:
Good looks; spacious interior; lots of kit; nice drive
Dislikes:
Some interior trim too ‘plasticy’
