A step up from the base model Falcon, the XR range offers something a little bit special with better looks and increased performance. And let’s not forget, greater street credibility.
The Falcon XR6 is the cheapest and most simple package in the XR range, which sees beefier offerings in the form of the XR6 Turbo and XR8.
The 4.0-litre, six-cylinder engine of the Ford XR6 reaches peak power of 195kW at 6000rpm and torque tops out at 391Nm at 3250rpm. (The XR6 Turbo leaps up to 270kW at 5250rpm and 533Nm at 2000-4750rpm.)
This translates into a fast and powerful ride when you’re playing within this rpm range. At high revs, you’ll also enjoy a beautiful raspy engine note. There’s enough grunt to throw you back in your seat upon take-off, and yet not so much that you get unnecessarily out of shape. Weighting in at around 1704kg, the Ford XR6 strikes a very good balance between power and weight.
Compare the XR6 with, say, the 3.6-litre Holden Commodore SV6 and you’re down some 15kW, but up on torque by 41Nm.
Ford Falcon XR6 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but our test vehicle was fitted with the optional six-speed automatic transmission with sequential sport shift which increases the price by $3,000. A 4.0-litre E-Gas engine with four-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift can also be optioned.
Behind the wheel, the Ford XR6 delivers a composed ride that sits glued to the road and flat through corners thanks to nice sports suspension. The ride is reasonably firm while still offering a nice level of cushioning from harsh road surfaces.
The sports leather-wrapped steering wheel feels nice in hand, but the steering itself doesn’t provide the level of feedback you might expect. It lacks emotion and involvement. On the other hand, the light and very direct steering of the XR6 makes manouvering this car a breeze. But I can’t help but think it dampens what could be a truly invigorating drive, given a little more feeling through the steering wheel.
Whether in automatic or manual mode, the gear changes are fast and smooth. Switching to performance mode in the XR6 simply gives the driver more control over this. It’s ideal for highway overtaking or if you’re simply after a moment of more involved driving.
In either mode, the XR6 doesn’t’ quite deliver the thrill that I’m expecting. If you’re chasing sporty prowess, the XR6 Turbo may be a better catch. The Ford XR6 does however deliver a very confident and composed drive.
Looks are subjective, but I find the look and shape of the Ford XR6 very appealing. It’s less muscular than some if its rivals. In a good way. Exterior proportions and slender body lines create a clean, balanced shape. Exterior styling cues of the Ford XR6 include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a rear spoiler. Compare the looks of the Ford XR6 and the Holden Commodore, and the Commodore looks a tad lardy – or is that muscle?
Slip inside the Ford XR6 and you may be surprised. It’s a far more delicate and understated interior design than this car’s reputation would lead you to believe. With that in mind, maybe my surprise will translate as a disappointment for others. Or is this another sign of a happy compromise? The interior is indicative of designers sitting firmly on the fence.
The instrumentation cluster is clear and a multi-function display in the centre includes distance to empty, average speed, average fuel consumption and speed warning.
The extensive use of plastic in the cabin is a disappointment and tempers the spirited tone of the XR6. It significantly lowers the quality of the cabin and feels cheap in hand – particularly the gear selector and hand brake. Likewise, the interior door levers are plastic and flimsy in hand. An upgrade of the interior trim would be a huge leap forward. Splashes of leather and chrome would better aligned to this cars personality and build a greater divide between it and the base model. Option the XR Luxury Pack and you’re half way there, with leather inserts.
Seat trim in our test vehicle was ‘Streetwise Graphite’ fabric – which has a large mesh-look finish that also extends to the door trim. Opinions on this trim were divided among my passengers. It grew on me.
Questionable seat trim aside, the sports seats in the XR6 are very comfortable and provide good support. The driver gets electric height adjust, but forward and back and recline adjustments are manual. They also come with XR6 embroidery to match the floor mats. The cabin ergonomics in general are good.
Second row seats have the same cloth trim and are equally comfortable. All three passengers have three-point seat belts, but the centre passenger goes without a headrest. There’s a fold down armrest with two drink holders, two directional air vents, seat back pockets, but no in door storage pockets. The seat base is quite high, so legroom is very good; taller passengers will be comfortably seated. Unless you’re the unlucky passenger stuck in the middle seat, tackling the large shaft hump at your feet.
Visibility is very good, and the reversing camera and audible warning signals optioned on our test car made parking simple. The rear spoiler – possibly this cars boldest styling feature – also acts as a good guide of the cars boundaries.
On a freeway route, the XR6 was onboard computer showed a fuel consumption reading of 9.9 litres per 100km and for shorter suburban trips it came in around 12 litres per 100km. My calculations at refuel come in at around 14 litres per 100km based on kilometers travelled for a city based test cycle.
Space and storage in the XR6 is very good. There are lots of storage places and the boot is huge – 535 litres. The Ford XR6 has a 60/40 split fold feature, however the opening is fairly small and will limit the size of goods you can load through.
The audio and communications spec in the XR6 is good, including MPS and auxiliary input. Our vehicle was fitted with the optional Technology Pack which includes Bluetooth and iPod integration. Ford’s Bluetooth is very easy to use and connection/re-connection is seamless. The iPod connection lives in your centre console, out of sight. iPod details are displayed on the centre screen and you can flip through tracks via the multi-function wheel.
The Ford Falcon scores a five-star rating from ANCAP. Safety features include: stability control with emergency brake assist and traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and front and side airbags – curtain airbags are an option.
The Ford XR6 is a little bit special, but the quality of some of the finishes sees it fall short of something great. Then again, greatness comes at a price – and it’s well above $43,490. Maybe the XR badge raised my expectations too high, because the Ford XR6 is great value and a very good drive, but nonetheless I’m left a little empty, wanting for a turbo.
