Very quietly, amid the background chatter of the Frankfurt motor show, Ford Australia has announced a revised version of its Falcon that is due to go into production in the fourth quarter of this year.
The "Smart Design" FG Falcon MkII brings a subtle new exterior look along with several interior updates, and comes at an interesting time. Just this week, the global chief of Ford design, J Mays, indicated to Australian journalists in Frankfurt that the fate of the under-performing Australian made Falcon could finally be decided by early 2012.
For years, the big Ford has been the subject of speculation about its ongoing viability in a market that is consistently trending towards smaller cars.The crunch may be just around the corner. "This just isn't the show to talk about [the future of the Falcon] but it won't be too far away," Mays said at Frankfurt.
With its future hanging in the balance, the Falcon - in FG MKII form - offers a minor visual upgrade that is underpinned by significant additions that improve the car's safety, functionality and perceptions of quality.
With its future hanging in the balance, the Falcon - in FG MKII form - offers a minor visual upgrade that is underpinned by significant additions that improve the car's safety, functionality and perceptions of quality.
Among the features most likely to be applauded is the adoption of new touch-screen technology for controlling audio, phone and satellite navigation systems. To be standard on all Falcon sedan models apart from the base XT, and all utes, except the entry XL model, the new eight-inch touch-screen system retains the functionality of the current system but in a more user friendly form.
When satellite navigation is fitted, the touch-screen functionality represents a big improvement over the clumsy remote control systems currently used. On upmarket G6E models a new satellite navigation system also incorporates a TCM Traffic Message Channel as standard.The new touch-screen technology matches the Commodore's similar iQ system, in that it has several advanced functions to the Falcon's satellite navigation, including "green routing" that not only calculates the fastest or shortest routes, but also the most economical. Furthermore, it provides over speed and speed camera warnings, "advanced" lane guidance and signpost information indicating which lane to use, and the choice of 2D or 3D map displays.
Also new is an updated instrument cluster with new graphics and "improved functionality".
Falcon owners will now also experience better connectivity with a new USB input able to play MP3 audio files. The USB input is located in the centre storage bin adjacent to a new iPod holder and a re-located auxiliary input socket.
From a safety perspective, Ford now makes side curtain airbags standard on all sedan models and equips all utes with head/thorax side airbags. Rear parking sensors on all Falcon sedans are part of the MkII update as well.
Stability control – a new Generation 9.0 system – also spreads across the range and is now a standard fitment on base workhorse ute models.
FG Falcon MKII models should be quieter too, with the adoption of sound-deadening technology refined during development of the new Territory model.
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Visually the changes are not insignificant, even if they apply just to the front end. Territory-style lower air intakes, new slimline upper grille and new bumpers give a bolder look on all variants, while upmarket versions gain a new lighting package with projector headlights. Top shelf models, G6E and G6E Turbo, get new LED displays on the outer bumper, beating Holden to the punch on the LED front.
XT, G6, G6E, G6E Turbo and XR6 variants benefit from new alloy wheels, while an optional luxury pack for XR6 models brings updated 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.
MkII FG Falcons also get a new badging strategy that distinguishes the latest models.
No announcement has yet been made on pricing for the MKII FG Falcon.
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