![]() ![]() The archaic four-speed automatic gearbox takes an age to swap between ratios, even when used in manual mode, and has a tendency to clunk when reverse is engaged. The excellent steering has a direct feel, while the rear-drive chassis is twitchy without being unnerving.ĭon't expect refinement, though. It may be wild, but the Falcon isn't hard to tame. At first, the car grumbles, then, as the turbocharger kicks in, it becomes fierce, growls angrily and leaps forward with the kind of eagerness that will leave lesser sports saloons cowering in fear.Īlthough not the most agile or dynamic of cars, the Ford has a thrilling rawness that Europe's manufacturers are often all too keen to engineer out. When you engage sports mode on the gearbox and floor the throttle, it's like poking a sleeping lion with a stick. Even at idle, the unit sounds incredible. However, it's nearly a foot longer than a Vauxhall Omega - and difficult not to notice in this colour scheme.įire up the engine and you're in no doubt that there's a serious piece of iron throbbing away under the bonnet. In Australia, the Falcon is the equivalent of a Mondeo in the UK. The XR6 tag also hints at the new-comer's sporting prowess by recalling Fiesta XR2s, Escort XR3s and Sierra XR4s of old. Our car was finished in pearlescent metallic purple, while its flared wheelarches, 18-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler do little to hide the performance potential. With a turbocharged straight-six engine belting out 323bhp, the Falcon has plenty of muscle to flex, too - and it doesn't do so subtly. Even if you include our test vehicle's leather trim, automatic gearbox and electric seats, you'd still have change from £20,000. In its home market, this car costs $43,995 - that's about £14,500.įord brought the model driven here over to this country to prove that it's not only arch-rival Vauxhall which can make Aussie muscle cars. ![]() We've found an Australian with a kick that's nearly as good as England rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson's! It's the bargain Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo, which is likely to put a smile back on faces Down Under. It certainly turns heads, and even with the cost of importing one it should still work out cheaper than a Mitsubishi Evo VIII - and it's more comfortable and practical as well. If you want an incredibly quick and less than subtle performance saloon, Ford's Falcon XR6 Turbo could fit the bill. ![]()
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