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By
EWAN KENNEDY
14 November 2011
It’s no secret that big Aussie cars are slipping in the sales race as
buyers move to SUVs for family transport. In desperation Ford
Australia has slashed the price of its upcoming Falcon MkII and
pulled forward its launch date.
The exact on-sale timing has yet to be announced, but Ford
previously quoted ‘early 2012’ and now says ‘late 2011’.
Price drops are even larger than they appear as Ford has added
extra equipment to the cars as standard. The company calculates
that savings of between $4000 and $8000 are there for the asking.
Falcon FG MkII in entry-level XT guise is now priced at an amazingly low
$37,235 which is well down on the $40,290 of the current MkI.
Added extras add a further $1050 to buyers’ benefit.
At the other end of the scale, the Falcon G6E Turbo has a
recommended list price of $56,235. Nominally this is down by
‘only’ $2755, but Ford has installed $5500 of additional
content.
The most Australian of all cars, the FG Falcon MkII has a revised
shape, the latest in technology, and further improvements to the
already good safety package.
The upcoming FG Falcon MkII is much more stylish than the outgoing
model, using the new global theme already seen in Ford Territory.
New-design alloy wheels are used on the Falcon XT, G6, G6E, G6E
Turbo and XR6 models.
Inside, a new 8.0-inch colour touch screen will be the highlight of the
revised dashboard and instrument panel that are oriented towards
keen drivers. The touch screen will show the integrated audio,
phone and navigation functions. It will be fitted on all sedans
except for the entry-level Falcon XT, where it will be optional.
On Falcon Ute the new screen will be standard equipment on XR6 and
XR6 Turbo models, and offered as an option on the entry-level XL
model.
All audio systems have been upgraded and feature USB for MP3 audio
files. The USB will be located inside the centre console storage
bin, adjacent to a new iPod holder.
Rear parking sensors will be standard on all Falcon sedan models.
As well as the usual audible warning of obstacles at the rear, a
graphic is also displayed on the Interior Command Centre (ICC)
screen.
The FG Falcon MkII has side curtain airbags to all models in the
sedan range. Head/thorax-protecting side airbags are fitted to all
Falcon Utes.
Ford Australia assures us the new FG Falcon MkII sets a new benchmark for
vehicle refinement in an Australian-designed and built vehicle and
that it has reduced driveline, wind and road noises. The dash,
floor and body sound package has thicker inner-dash insulator,
with the front floor sound barrier receiving the same treatment.
We will bring you a detailed review including road testing
immediately following our test drives as soon as the new Ford FG
Falcon MkII is launched to the media.
The complete Ford Falcon MkII range with prices and comparisons
with MkI models is:
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Sedan
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FG
Falcon MkII
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FG
Falcon MkI
|
|
|
|
Price
|
Price
|
Price
Reduction
|
Value
of New Content
|
Total
Added Value
|
|
XT
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$37,235
|
$40,290
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$3055
|
$1050
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$4105
|
|
XR6
|
$39,990
|
$42,990
|
$3000
|
$2650
|
$5650
|
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XR6
Turbo
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$46,235
|
$48,990
|
$2755
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$1650
|
$4405
|
|
G6
|
$40,835
|
$43,390
|
$2555
|
$1050
|
$3605
|
|
G6E
|
$46,735
|
$50,390
|
$3655
|
$4500
|
$8155
|
|
G6E
Turbo
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$56,235
|
$58,990
|
$2755
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$5500
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$8255
|
|
Ute
|
FG
Falcon MkII
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FG
Falcon MkI
|
|
|
|
Price
|
Price
|
Price
Reduction
|
Value
of New Content
|
Total
Added Value
|
|
XL
(C/C)
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$27,590
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$31,095
|
$3505
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$1050
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$4555
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XL
(SSB)
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$27,990
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$31,395
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$3405
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$1050
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$4455
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XR6
(C/C)
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$34,890
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$37,890
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$3000
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$2345
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$5345
|
|
XR6
(SSB)
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$35,190
|
$38,190
|
$3000
|
$3277
|
$6277
|
|
XR6
Turbo
|
$39,190
|
$42,190
|
$3000
|
$2782
|
$5782
|
Note: These prices do not
include government or dealer charges. Contact any Ford dealer for
driveaway prices.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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