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Rod Chapman18 Feb 2015
REVIEW

Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute 2015 Review

With the XR8 Ute and FPV consigned to the pages of history, the Falcon XR6 Turbo is currently the hottest iteration of Ford's venerable Ute – and possibly the last…

Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute
Road Test

With Ford soon to close local production, the FG X generation of Ford's Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute is among the Blue Oval's final breed of home-grown hay-haulers. It's also the most potent, its 4.0-litre straight-six turbo kicking out 270kW and 533Nm. While rumours of a limited-edition finale persist – a 310kW, FPV F6 tune of the same engine a likely fit – right now the XR6 Turbo Ute signifies the end of a very proud era in Ford Australia's history. And it's all yours from just $37,610 plus on-roads…

It's a strange feeling, sitting in a vehicle that represents the last of an 81-year era… Ford and Holden utes have always been there – a ubiquitous sight all over Australia – but that's soon set to change.

With Ford Australia's production lines grinding to a halt next year, the Falcon Ute's family tree will spread its boughs no further. And at the end of the highest branch sits the XR6 Turbo. Sure, there have been many hotter Ford Utes over the years, but with the XR8 Ute gone, likewise the Ford Performance Vehicles stable, the XR6 Turbo is – at present – the top-spec Ute in Ford's final FG X-series range.

We say 'at present' because Ford could still spring a late limited-edition surprise. While it has categorically ruled out a return of the V8, it hasn't discounted rumours of a 310kW version of the Falcon XR6 Turbo – a beast with a tune borrowed from FPV's F6 Typhoon. Still, it hasn't confirmed those rumours either and, if such an engine were to eventuate, it may well be limited to the sedan.

While we jumped into the Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute with a hint of melancholy, that feeling didn't last long – how could it, with 270kW at our disposal? But before we go searching for scalps in the hills, let's take a closer look at what Ford has served up in its final range-topping Ute.

The changes over the previous model aren't too drastic. There's the new front end with trapezoidal grille, new projector headlights, foglights and LED daytime running lights. Inside the biggest update is the addition of Ford's SYNC2 infotainment system with Bluetooth, voice commands, and DAB radio. This sees the 8.0-inch touchscreen neatly divided into four quadrants: audio/entertainment, climate control, phone and navigation.

The sat-nav is standard; the card for the sat-nav's maps goes in the SD slot in the centre bin, next to a 3.5mm jack and two USB slots.

Also new is the price: the auto Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute is now available for $39,810 (plus on-roads) – a drop of $1380 – while the manual is priced from $37,610 (plus ORCs).

Our test vehicle was fitted with Ford's XR Luxury Pack ($1600), which comprises premium audio system, dual-zone climate control and leather seat inserts.

Ford's 4.0-litre straight-six turbo remains unchanged, and what an engine it is. With 270kW at 5250rpm and 533Nm from 2000-4750rpm, on paper it outdoes Holden's naturally aspirated V8 (260kW/517Nm in auto form), and on the road the turbo delivers a compelling and lag-free rush that extends throughout its rev range.

Stomp on the alloy-faced accelerator and our test vehicle's ZF six-speed automatic transmission is quick to respond, the wave of torque then propelling driver and machine forward at a dizzying pace. All that grunt is fed to the rear via a limited-slip differential, upping the fun factor to another level again. Put it this way, the button to deactivate the traction control is tantalisingly large…

The fury doesn't let up, the tacho needle streaking around the dial before the 6000rpm rev-limiter instructs the auto to swap cogs and do it all again. It's just a pity the aural backdrop to all is madness is largely missing, save for the subtle whine of the turbo…

The ZF-sourced six-speed auto is super-refined in its operation and while a manual sequential mode is available, we just preferred to let it do its thing.

Vision is good apart from the driver's side rear three-quarter view, which is partially obstructed in a manner typical of the category. The seating is a bit too high – or at least it is in relation to the steering wheel. It's a foible that raised its head with Ford's FG-series Falcon range, and it persists in the FG X. The seating itself is comfortable, with the driver's seat benefitting from a blend of electric and manual adjustment.

A bit of road noise seems to rear its head at highway speeds, perhaps made more prominent by the subdued engine note.

The sports suspension lives up to its name but without a load in the back the live rear axle/leaf-spring set-up can get a little lively when pressing on over typical Aussie roads. The front-end feels planted, however, and the 8.0-inch wide Dunlop rubber (mounted on 19-inch, 10-spoke rims) delivers tenacious grip.

The four-wheel vented disc brakes wash off speed well enough and they're backed by an antilock system with electronic brake-force distribution. Speaking of safety systems, the Falcon XR6 Turbo also scores twin front and side airbags, stability control and Emergency Assistance – in the event of a serious crash the car auto dials emergency services using the driver's paired phone.

All Ford Falcon Utes have a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The nicely weighted steering adds confidence and in general the XR6 Turbo is a delight to slice through the bends. Weekday workhorse? Not in this spec, baby!

Well, that's not entirely true. The Falcon XR6 Turbo is still a ute, after all, and while its paltry 453kg payload reflects its passenger-car roots, the auto's 2300kg maximum towing limit is nothing to be sniffed at – it's 600kg more than Holden's Commodore SS Ute.

The tub comes with a plastic bed liner with four tie-down points, a soft tonneau and the obligatory alloy sports bar.

Over a mix of town and country driving we recorded an average economy of 12.5L/100km, giving a safe working range of approaching 600 kilometres from the 81-litre tank. Those are healthy figures, and appreciably better than those managed by Holden's Commodore SS Ute (manual) we had on test some months back.

Life behind the wheel of the XR6 Turbo is good – very good – which perhaps makes its rather plain interior seem all the more disappointing. There's nothing wrong with it, per se – the fit of the various panels is good and the mix of dark plastics, faux alloy fascia and carbon-look inserts is pleasing enough – but for Ford's top-spec Ute, and supposedly its final model, it's just not that special.

The features list too is reasonably limited. Yes, there are auto lights, rain-sensing wipers, a sports leather-wrapped steering wheel (with easy-to-use but not backlit inset controls), a comprehensive trip computer and the excellent infotainment system, but the Ford comes up short in comparison to Holden's high-grade equivalent.

The auto SS comes standard with blind spot assist, parking assist, cross traffic alert, pushbutton start, reversing camera and a parking sensors. Then again, it's $1880 dearer, too...

The Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute is covered by a three-year / 100,000km warranty and comes with a capped-price servicing scheme. Service intervals are pegged at every 12 months or 15,000km.

There's so much to like about Ford's Falcon XR6 Turbo. As sheer dynamics go, it delivers a driving experience and encourages behaviour that, these days, is only spoken of in hushed tones with like-minded others. No-one needs this much performance in a daily drive, but it sure is nice to have it all there for the taking…

The pricing delivers an obscene amount of bang for your bucks and the fuel economy isn't bad either, but we'd be lying if we didn't say were hoping for more sizzle.

On its own merits it's impossible not to like Ford's Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute, but as the full stop to an 81-year-old story, the interior and level of equipment simply lacks the sparkle we're looking for.

Let's hope a limited-edition finale does eventuate, and delivers a Ute which truly celebrates this uniquely Australian working-class hero.


2015 Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute pricing and specifications:

Price: $39,810 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 4.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 270kW/533Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 12.4L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 292g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

What we liked: Not so much:
>> Sublime engine and performance >> Plain interior
>> Attractive pricing >> Quirky seating position
>> Hefty towing capacity >> Modest features list

Also consider:
>> Holden SS Ute (from $39,490 plus ORCs)

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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
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Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
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Price, Packaging & Practicality
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