DRIVE Likes the XT Ecoboost

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Pros
Willing performance
Thriftier than six-cylinder version and even better to drive
Loads of space and comfort
Cons
High driving position
Boring cabin
Space-saver spare
Needs premium unleaded to make maximum power
It's been a long time since an Australian car maker dared to put a four-cylinder engine in a big sedan. You can probably blame Holden's Commodore of the early 1980s for that. Its four-cylinder engine managed the dubious distinction of being both slower and thirstier than six-cylinder models.

But fashions have a way of coming around, and Ford - spurred on by dwindling interest in its staple six-cylinder sedan and a worldwide trend towards engine downsizing - has brought the large four-cylinder sedan back with its new Falcon EcoBoost.

Price and equipment
Ford is doing all it can to get buyers to embrace a four-cylinder engine (a development of the one used in the Mondeo), offering it for the same price as the regular 4.0-litre six-cylinder in XT, G6 and G6E models. Oddly, there's no sporty-looking version, even though the XR6 is these days the most popular Falcon.

In the case of the base/cheapest variant XT tested here, that translates to a starting price of $37,325 before on-road costs, but discounts are rife with the Falcon, so shop around.

The XT isn't particularly upmarket inside with its cloth trim and dowdy plastic steering wheel. However, all the essentials are there: Bluetooth phone/audio streaming, power driver's seat, climate control, cruise control, trip computer and a CD/MP3 sound system with steering wheel-mounted controls.

The XT rates five stars in ANCAP crash tests and its collection of six airbags, stability control and rear parking sensors is on the pace. The only real disappointment is the lack of a reversing camera as standard.

Under the bonnet
The 179kW 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo helps the XT to an official economy rating of 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres. That's a handy reduction from the regular six, even if it won't scare something such as Toyota's ultra-frugal Camry Hybrid. We didn't manage that, logging a 9.1L/100km result over our combined urban/highway loop, but that is still a lot better than the petrol six.

That the EcoBoost is the thriftiest option of the Falcon's petrol engines might not be as surprising to many buyers as how it performs. With a meaty 353Nm of torque at 2000rpm - when running on premium unleaded; expect a slight reduction on the regular stuff - it has almost as much pull as the regular six and comfortably outpaces a base 3.0-litre Commodore.

The solid surge of power available allows the EcoBoost to sprint with the enthusiasm that would have been considered seriously sporty not that long ago. Slow and insipid it isn't.

It's also as responsive, refined and easygoing as you could wish for when the wick is turned down, thanks to the ample low-rev shove, almost total lack of turbo lag and the mandatory six-speed auto's smooth, adept shifts.

How it drives
There's been some rejigging of the Ford's suspension and steering to counter the lighter engine, and it works a treat.
While all Falcons are adroit handlers, the EcoBoost is even better. The steering is more decisive and precise, and you can sense the reduced mass up front with its beautifully keen turn-in and agile, utterly unflappable balance. The soft XT has a tendency to roll more than sportier models but it's a composed and satisfying car to drive.

You'll also need to look a long way to find a car of any price with a ride as supple, quiet and well controlled. Its comfort and composure don't ebb away on rough surfaces, either.

Comfort and practicality
There's absolutely nothing to distinguish the XT EcoBoost here from the six-cylinder version.

The driver's seat is still perched slightly high (though it doesn't affect comfort) and the trip-computer switchgear remains awkwardly sited on the dash behind the steering wheel.

There's nothing special about the ambience, either, despite a user-friendly touchscreen control system, slick design and better-quality plastics than some local sedans.

But the Falcon's many strengths remain. It's roomy and comfortable up front, but the back seat lacks adjustable headrests.

And while the boot floor isn't flat and you have to suffer a temporary spare tyre, it's capable of swallowing plenty of gear and the back seat split-folds for extra versatility.

Competitors
Toyota Hybrid Camry
Price: $34,990
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl/electric motor, 151kW, 270Nm
Fuel use/emissions: 5.2L/100km and 121g/km CO2
Safety: Five-star NCAP rating, 7 airbags, stability control.
Pros: Sharp price, sensational economy, gutsy performance, roomy cabin.
Cons: Not much chop to drive, no splitfold back seat.
Our score: 4/5
Holden Commodore Omega
Price: $39,990
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 190kW, 290Nm
Fuel use/emissions: 9.3L/100km and 221g/km CO2
Safety: Five-star ANCAP rating, 6 airbags, stability control.
Pros: Still a great drive, still looks good, great space and comfort.
Cons: Ageing cabin, front blind spot, V6 not a performance or economy leader.
Our score: 3/5
Ford Falcon XT
Price: $37,235
Engine: 4.0-litre 6-cyl, 195kW, 391Nm
Fuel use/emissions: 9.9L/100km and 236g/km CO2
Safety: Five-star ANCAP rating, 6 airbags, stability control.
Pros: Big six’s low-rev shove makes it the pick for towing over XT EcoBoost.
Cons: It’s thirstier and less wieldy through the bends.
Our score: 3.5/5
Overall verdict
The Falcon hasn't kicked a lot of goals lately but the EcoBoost could just turn things around. It delivers economy savings that bring the Ford into a different class on a running-costs front, yet its traditional big-car strengths have not been diluted. It's still a big, comfy sedan with ample performance. Another benefit is it's even more satisfying to drive.

If you want serious performance you'll prefer a V8 or turbo six under your Falcon's bonnet, and if you tow the petrol six is still the pick. Otherwise, be brave; tick the box for the EcoBoost. It's just better.


http://news.drive.com.au/drive/new-c...706-21kle.html My comment ..as has been asked soo many times...Why isn't it being advertised ???????